SWIFT RETURN OF ELECTORAL FORMS IS URGED

Householders across Dover district are being asked to complete and return their electoral registration forms right away. The annual forms are currently being delivered to all households. They are designed to ensure people are included on the local electoral register and can vote in any elections that may be called. The reason for asking people not to put off returning forms is that the register has to be published earlier that usual this year - to cater for the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections scheduled for 15 November. The register is normally published on 1 December but this year it's been brought forward to 16 October. Compiling and checking it is a big task, so early return of the forms is extremely helpful. For more details see Dover Council website or call the Electoral Services Helpline on 01304 872344.     (June 28, 2012)

SCIENCE COLLEGE OUT OF "SPECIAL MEASURES"

There's good news for Walmer Science College which, a year ago, was placed in "special measures" following a damning Ofsted report. The national schools inspection body has now lifted the special measures tag and a full report on how well the school is now doing is awaited. It is understood the Ofsted inspectors were impressed by improvements in the quality of teaching and a substantial rise in students' behaviour and achievements. Credit for the turnaround in the school's fortunes has been attributed to the leadership of head of school Julia Scannell and executive head teacher Paul Luxmoore, brought in a year ago to deal with the crisis. In September, the Science College will gain closer links with the nearby Castle Community College and the Castle's head Philip Bunn will become executive principal for both schools.     (June 28, 2012)

DIAMOND JUBILEE TRIBUTE ON WALMER'S STRAND

A mosaic panel commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee will provide a new point of interest for people walking past the children's paddling pool on The Strand at Walmer. Commissioned by Walmer Parish Council and designed by artists Abi Hughes-Edwards and Susannah Preston, the plaque features a large crown and records the Jubilee and this year's 2012 date. An earlier tribute to a royal Jubilee is close by, on another wall to the seafront paddling pool and putting green. The Queen's Golden Jubilee Mosaic was created in 2002 as an arts project by three schools in Walmer and is featured on WalmerWeb at www.walmerweb.co.uk/history/mosaic.html.    (June 21, 2012)

NEW OWNERS FOR TWO LOCAL PUBS

Two local pubs are changing hands. Faversham-based brewers Shepherd Neame are reported to have acquired the King's Head in Deal and the Zetland Arms at Kingsdown from the Enterprise Inns group. The new owners, who take over at the end of the month (June), say that the two pubs will continue to operate with the current licensees.     (June 21, 2012)

The famous Orient Express train will be pulling into Deal Station on Friday 29 June for the second of this year's UK Pullman "Discover Deal" excursions. Passengers on board the train from London Victoria will arrive at 1.15pm and, after two hours’ free time in Deal, then return to London Victoria, departing Deal at 3.45pm. Nick and Andy Stevens, proprietors of the station’s Platform 1 café, said : "Once again the famous train’s visit to Deal presents a unique opportunity to showcase the town and create the best of impressions for many visitors whom we hope will return time and time again." There's more information on facebook.com/platform1deal and Twitter @platform1deal.     (June 21, 2012)

FOCUS ON SAFER TOWN CENTRES AT NEXT GREEN MEETING

Shaping local transport to make it as safe and sustainable as possible is the theme for local green campaigners Deal With It next monthly meeting on Tuesday 26 June. Meeting organiser Sarah Gleave said: “It will provide a great opportunity to hear about developments in Sevenoaks and Sandwich that help car users and pedestrians enjoy shared access to the town centres.” The meeting will also offer information on the new more direct no 12 Deal to Canterbury bus route, advice on how to get signed up to car share websites and latest news from SPOKES – the Kent cycling group. The meeting is at Dealability, 43 Victoria Road, Deal and starts at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For further details see www.dealwithit.org.uk.     (June 19, 2012)

CHEAP THERMOMETERS POSE HEALTH THREAT

The public is being warned not to rely on cheap fake digital thermometers that pose a serious health threat through false readings. More than 400 of the dodgy devices - some being sold on-line - have been seized in raids by the authorities. Some were available for as little as 99p but failed to provide essential instructions and an official safety assessment marking. Their inaccurate readings could lead to major problems if symptoms are mis-diagnosed. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (June 18, 2012)

Southern Water has lifted water restrictions in its Sussex and Kent water supply areas - which include Walmer and Deal. The temporary ban on the use of hosepipes was brought in on April 5 following two exceptionally dry years. It ended on Thursday 14 June. Although exceptionally heavy rainfall in May and early June has helped replenish reservoirs, Southern Water says the underground sources, which supply the vast majority of customers, are still below average for this time of year. So they are asking the public to continue to use water wisely and not waste any.     (June 17, 2012)

FORMER SEAFRANCE FERRIES TO RETURN

Cross channel travellers could be offered extra choice later this year when three former SeaFrance ferries return to the Dover-Calais ferry route. Acquisition of the ships is by the Eurotunnel-owned, but independent, company Eurotransmache. It is expected that the move will create 500 jobs in France and 100 in England with the day-to-day operation of the ferries run by a staff-owned cooperative. Prior to launching the new service, the ferries need to undergo a full maintenance programme.     (June 17, 2012)

BBC Radio Kent’s Breakfast Show will be broadcast live from Deal railway station’s Platform 1 café on Wednesday 20 June. Fronting the show will be regular presenters John Warnett and Clare McDonnell who, from 6am to 9am, will be keeping listeners up to date with the latest news, travel and weather plus stories from around Kent. The live outside broadcast is the second in a two-day focus by the local radio station on the economic future of East Kent. On Tuesday 19 June the spotlight will be on Thanet and the next day the focus is on the Deal, Dover and Sandwich area.

Platform 1 co-owners Nick and Andy Stevens said : “We are delighted to welcome the Breakfast Show to Platform 1 and we look forward to hosting the entire broadcast team and various guests the programme is inviting to be interviewed. It’s a major coup for a Deal location and business to be used as a broadcast base for the popular show and a great opportunity to showcase what the town has to offer and promote future developments and investments.” For more information see: facebook.com/platform1deal or go to Twitter @platform1deal.     (June 17, 2012)

LATEST CONSUMER ALERTS

Kent Trading Standards latest "consumer alerts" warn people about products that have been recalled by the makers because of safety concerns and a need to be careful about tooth whitening services. The recalled products are: UK Visitor Travel Plug Adaptors sold by high street retailers Wilkinsons and three varieties of multipack Chokablok ice cream sticks. Businesses that offer tooth whitening services need to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Some aren't! For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (June 13, 2012)

Walmer residents are, once again, being invited to enter Walmer Parish Council’s annual "Walmer in Bloom" front gardens competition. And for those who only have a "hidden" back garden there's a photographic competition. Local householders, businesses and community organisations can all enter the competion for displays visible from the street, but this has to be by Wednesday, 4 July. Preliminary judging will be during the week beginning 9 July and followed by final judging the week after.

The photo competition focuses on back gardens with three categories: garden close up, garden panoramic and garden animals. The closing date for photo entries is Friday, 3 August and judging will take place at the Picnic on the Green event on Walmer Green on Saturday, 11 August. For more details and to enter, contact the Walmer Parish Council Office on 01304 381506.   (June 8, 2012)

ROADWORKS AT KINGSDOWN

Kent Highways has announced two sets of roadworks at Kingsdown. On Sunday 10 June they plan to resurface The Rise with the work carried out between 9am and 7pm. The road will be closed for its entire length with diversions for drivers via Chalk Hill Road and Upper Street. The second roadworks - also resurfacing - are on Glen Road for up to three days and due to start on Saturday 23 June. The section of Glen Road between The Rise and the junction with Osborne Road will be closed to through traffic from 8am to 7pm each day. Alternative routes will be signposted. As always, resurfacing can be affected by bad weather, so there is a possibility that the planned works may start and finish later than the published dates. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see: www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (June 8, 2012)

TELEVISION SWITCHOVER IN TWO STAGES THIS MONTH

Television viewers who receive their pictures from the Dover transmitter or one of its local relay transmitters will be switched to "digital only" services this month. The switchover is in two stages - the first on Wednesday 13 June and the second on Wednesday 27 June. People who have Freeview, BT Vision or Top Up TV will need to re-tune their equipment on both dates. The current analogue television services will be switched off after 27 June, so having a television or digi-box capable of receiving the digital services is vital. Viewers who use satellite services from Sky or Freesat are not affected by the switchover. For more details and advice on re-tuning equipment, see: www.digitaluk.co.uk/

Jo Tinkler, who is a community supporter for TV switchover and is looking after around 26 local parishes including Deal and Walmer, has contacted this website to draw attention to the official switchover help scheme. This is designed to assist elderly or vulnerable people who may be unsure about what to do to ensure they will still receive television programmes. There's full information on the help scheme website - but not everyone will see it. And that, Jo says, is where neighbours can help by looking out for their elderly and vulnerable neighbours who may need some help in contacting the help scheme or merely re-tuning their televisions.    (June 5, 2012)

UNDELIVERED PARCEL SCAM

Kent Trading Standards have had reports of consumers receiving an e-mail from "USPC customer services", with attachments and stating that a parcel could not be delivered. The consumer is asked to download the attachments to obtain the parcel number, invoice etc and to send £21 for delivery. The e-mail also states that the consumer will be charged storage fees if the item is not collected. The Trading Standards consumer watchdog advises people not to open the attachments or to send any money. It's a scam and people will lose their money. To report any concerns call Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0845 404 0506. To report a fraud and get advice call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website at: www.actionfraud.org.uk.     (May 31, 2012)

SEE PLANET VENUS FROM WALMER SEAFRONT

There's an early morning opportunity on Wednesday 6 June to see a rare astronomical event - the planet Venus moving across the face of the sun. Members of the South East Kent Astronomical Society (SEKAS) will be setting up specialist telescopes in Walmer Castle Car Park. Kingsdown Road, Walmer between 4am and 7.30am. SEKAS member Paul Thomsett said: "Weather permitting, we will observe the passage of Earth's twin sister the planet Venus across the face of the sun. Known as transits these events occur in pairs, separated by eight years, roughly every 110 to 130 years." The first one in the current "pair" was on 8 June in 2004.

Given clear skies, people will be able to see Venus as a small disc in silhouette against a brilliant sun. Paul warned: "It is important to point out that you should NEVER look at the sun without equipment designed to look at it safely as this will cause permanent blindness. We at SEKAS will be using specialist telescopes designed solely to look at the sun so you can view this rare event completely safely." The group's members will be on hand at all times to ensure safe viewing and to answer any questions about the transit and anything astronomical. Participation is free. For more information contact Paul on 07784 027862 or .     (May 28, 2012)

FOCUS ON PEDESTRIANS AND TRAFFIC IN NEW "PORTAS" BID

The Deal Town Team group hoping to gain a slice of the next round of the government's town centre renewal funding are rethinking their bid. An original idea to boost the local economy with a public statue of entertainer Norman Wisdom and rate relief for the town's small shops is likely to be replaced with a more ambitious project which could include better traffic management for the shopping centre and seafront. The group, which has representatives from Deal Town Council, Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade and The Deal Society, is due to meet shortly to flesh out the new plans. Their bid for a share of the next £1-million fund has to be submitted by 30 June.

The cash forms part of several measures announced by the government, based on the findings in a report on the future of local high streets by retail expert Mary Portas. In a first round for the Portas cash, Margate and Dartford are among 12 places due to receive £100,000 each to help rejuvenate their town centres. More than 370 towns applied.

The initial support for local high streets has been further boosted with the announcement of additional government schemes. These include:

• a multi-million pound High Street Innovation Fund - kick started by £10m of taxpayers’ money focused on bringing empty shops back into use;
• a £1m Future High Street X-Fund, which will be awarded in a year's time to the locations which deliver the most creative and effective schemes to revitalise their high streets;
• a National Markets Day, launching a National Markets Fortnight, to celebrate the role markets can play;
• a £500,000 fund for Business Improvement Districts, to help town centres access loans for their set-up costs;
• the launch of a further round of Portas Pilots, to trial some of the Portas recommendations and come up with new ideas to breathe life into underused high streets.

For more on the government's town centre initiatives, see: www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2120114.     (May 27, 2012)

NO CHANGE FOR EARLY HIGH SPEED TRAIN

A suggestion by Southeastern that it might ditch the 5.50am fast train service from Deal and replace it with a 7.20am service in a new timetable for the end of this year has been abandoned. The rail company says it will retain the existing service and will be adding a new late evening service to Sandwich and Deal leaving St Pancras at 11.12pm.     (May 26, 2012)

CONSUMER ALERTS:
 "SUN" FREE HAIRDRYER DANGER
 CAUTION NEEDED FOR "FREE SAMPLE" OFFERS
 "SCAMS" OFFERING BARGAIN PUPPIES AND PPI REFUNDS

Kent Trading Standards latest advice to the public draws attention to:
the need for anyone who obtained one of the Fabulous Travel Hairdryers (model number FB-0307A) through a free offer in the Sun newspaper NOT to use it. There could be a serious electrical fault!
the importance of reading the terms and conditions on many offers of "free" samples. It's possible to end up with expensive purchases or contracts for repeat orders!
bogus on-line offers of a pedigree puppy at a bargain price - a scam designed to swindle.
unsolicited phone calls offering a Payment Protection Insurance refund - from crooks pretending to be from reputable companies.

For full details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (May 23, 2012)

LOCAL BEACONS FOR QUEEN'S JUBILEE

Deal and Walmer will be joining in the network of over 4,000 beacons to be lit by communities across the United Kingdom and in Commonwealth countries on Monday 4 June to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The local beacons will be at Deal Castle, Gun Meadow off Salisbury Road at Walmer and Beacon Hill in Great Mongeham. Lighting times for the beacons are 10.01pm at Deal Castle and 10.15pm at Walmer and Great Mongeham. For more on the Jubilee, see www.thediamondjubilee.org/.     (May 20, 2012)

SIR NORMAN'S NAME FOR NEW WELFARE SUITE

Comedian and entertainer Norman Wisdom who had strong links with Deal is recalled in the naming of a new welfare facility at The Deal Centre in the town's Park Street. The family of the star, who died in 2010, have given permission for his name to be used for the Norman Wisdom Suite which will provide day care for people with dementia. It opens on Monday, 21 May, and is seen as an important addition to the Centre's current drive to upgrade its provision for elderly residents.     (May 17, 2012)

HEAR WHAT'S HAPPENING LOCALLY AT WALMER MEETING

Walmer residents have an opportunity to hear about their parish council and several local organisations on Wednesday, 23 May. Walmer Parish Council is holding its Annual Parish Meeting at the Sea Scout Hut, Marine Road (next to the Paddling Pool), starting at 7pm. As well as reports on the activities of the council and local police over the past year, there will be speakers from The Deal Centre, Walmer Lifeboat, the Memorial Bandstand Trust and the Deal Festival of Music and the Arts. The meeting is open to the public and provides an opportunity to raise concerns and suggest possible community improvements. For details, call the parish clerk on 01304 381506.     (May 17, 2012)

CASH HELP FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Local clubs and voluntary groups have received a helping hand from Walmer Parish Council in its latest round of community grants. Projects that will receive some cash help are:

• Walmer Cricket Club - £375 towards new toilets at their clubhouse.
• Deal Festival of Music and the Arts - £400 towards the PyramiDeal project that encourages and supports music making in local schools.
• Trinity Church - £250 to support provision of new toilets.
• Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association - £400 towards running the annual Teddy Bears' Picnic children's event.

Organisations requiring details of how to apply for future grants, should contact the Parish Clerk on 01304 381506.     (May 9, 2012)

HOTELIERS TARGETED BY BOGUS ADVERT SCAM

Kent Trading Standards are warning owners of hotels, guest houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments to be wary of a current scam by people purporting to be a Debt Collection Agency. The caller claims that the trader owes money for an advert, supposedly placed in a directory. They demand payment over the phone. For more details see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (May 9, 2012)

SALT BIN VICTORY FOR GREENACRE DRIVE

Residents at Walmer's Greenacre Drive have persuaded Walmer Parish Council to support their bid for a road salt bin. Snow and ice during recent winters had caused huge problems with emergency vehicles and refuse freighters unable to reach them and many people trapped and unable to leave for vital appointments. Parish councillors agreed that a bin should be provided at the junction of Greenacre Drive and Channel Lea at a cost of £350. The installation and filling of the bin would be arranged with Kent Highways and residents would then be responsible for spreading the grit when necessary.     (May 9, 2012)

ALERTS: FRENCH CHEESE, KIDS JUICE AND AMBER NECKLACES

People who may have bought certain cheeses in France in the past couple of months, or purchased Tropicana Kids Orange Juice Drink in shrink-wrapped multipacks of four 200ml cartons are being warned there might be health problems. There's also a concern about amber teething necklaces aimed at babies under 36 months. These could break and cause choking and, even, strangulation. More details are on the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (May 4, 2012)

PLANS FOR ANTI-SHALE FRACKING GROUP

Concerned at the prospect of "shale fracking" in East Kent, environmental campaigners Deal With It are to hold a public meeting in Sandwich on Friday, 11 May. The group's coordinator Rosie Rechter explained: "Kent County Council has granted planning permission for a test bore hole to look for shale gas just outside Woodnesborough. The Government has agreed that drilling can go ahead in Lancashire - though with some conditions to try and avoid further earthquakes - and state that they 'support industry’s endeavours in pursuing such energy sources'. So we thought it was time to launch a group dedicated to campaigning to prevent the exploitation of shale gas by fracking in East Kent."

The meeting is in The United Reform Church, Cattle Market (opposite the Guildhall), Sandwich at 7pm on Friday, 11 May. For more on the Deal With It's concerns about hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for shale gas, see: http://transitiondeal.blogspot.co.uk/.    (May 3, 2012)

WAR ON SCAM MAIL

Kent Trading Standards are organising the collection of scam mail during May and need the public to help! As part of their "Scamnesty Month 2012" the consumer watchdogs want to target dishonest attempts by criminals to trick people into parting with their money. These can be by letter, telephone, e-mail or text messages. To support the Scamnesty campaign people are being asked to take any scam mail to a local Citizens Advice Bureau or nearest Gateway. For Walmer and Deal these are: Deal Citizens Advice Bureau: 26 Victoria Road, Deal (website) and Gateway: 71 Castle Street, Dover (website). For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.    (May 2, 2012)

FOOD OUTLETS IN DEAL AND WALMER RATED

Local food establishments now feature in the national Food Standards Agency's new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Designed to help the public choose where to eat out or shop for food, it measures hygiene standards in food outlets. Food safety officers from Dover District Council check premises meet legal requirements and rate them from zero (urgent improvement necessary) to five (very good).

To see the results for Deal and Walmer use these links: DEAL   WALMER.     (April 27, 2012)

FREE WATER BUTTS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Southern Water is offering free water butts to community groups and organisations who can say how they would put one to good use on a community building. For details, see: www.yourwatermeter.com/waterbutt.     (April 24, 2012)

CROOKS HIJACK "ACTION FRAUD" SERVICE

Kent Trading Standards have received reports about calls by crooks claiming to be from Action Fraud. The bogus caller says the consumer has been the victim of a scam and £800 has been taken fraudulently from their bank account. The money, he says, can be recovered but to do this £200 has to be paid via Western Union. The scammer then asks for a further £300 to be paid. Trading Standards say the calls are bogus and there is no way to trace Western Union payments as they are, in effect, cash transactions. The genuine Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre where consumers can report if they have been scammed or defrauded. It does not ever advise a consumer that they can obtain a refund. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (April 24, 2012)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BEACH CLEAN ON 11 MAY

Environmental campaigners Deal With It say they will be supporting the next Deal Beach Clean set to take place on Friday 11 May, starting at 9.45am. The "wombling" exercise along Deal's seafront is part of the Marine Conservation Society's nation-wide "Big Beach Clean-Up" event. It is being supported by Marks & Spencer including the local store in Deal High Street. New and existing volunteers are invited to join in and will be provided with the necessary kit for the clean up. All the cleared rubbish is recorded and provides a valuable check on the latest state of UK beaches. For more details, contact Sue or Wendy .     (April 24, 2012)

HIGH-SPEED TRAINS SERVICE TO CONTINUE

High-speed train services from Deal and Sandwich to London are set to continue for the next two years. Kent County Council has agreed to help fund the commuter service with a grant towards train operator Southeastern's costs. Three Javelin trains operate during the morning rush hour and two in the evening, cutting the regular journey time from two hours 15 minutes to around 90 minutes. The county council's subsidy will run until Southeastern's rail franchise comes up for renewal in 2014.   (April 19, 2012)

£50,000 BOOST FOR YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT

An ambitious music education project for local schoolchildren has been awarded a £50,000 grant by the Arts Council England. The cash will underwrite this year's PyramiDeal scheme, masterminded by the Deal Festival of Music and the Arts, which is expected to encourage close on 2,000 local children to become involved in music making. It follows a successful pilot scheme last year and, for 2012, will involve many primary and secondary schools in the Deal, Sandwich and Dover areas. Participants will be encouraged to develop their composing, instrumental and singing talents, working with leading musicians and professionals.   (April 19, 2012)

GROWING ANGER AT NEW PARKING CHARGES

Dover Council's increased car parking charges in Deal town centre continue to come under fire. Campaigners against the new fees say that they are too high and discourage visitors and local shoppers. One critic considered that the charges could "end up strangling the life out of Deal". A 1,200-signature petition, collected by former town councillor Bryan Henderson, is to be considered by the district council's scrutiny committee in May.   (April 19, 2012)

WALMER'S ANTIQUES AND CRAFTS FAIR ON MAY DAY

Walmer’s popular Spring Brocante returns to Walmer Green on Monday, 7 May from 8am to 4pm. Organised by Walmer Parish Council, the major antiques, collectables and crafts fair is now in its fifth year and regularly attracts thousands of visitors. The free event features around 120 stalls selling a wide range of goods including musical and military memorabilia, furniture, housewares, vintage clothing, books, embroidery and local arts and crafts. Experts from The Canterbury Auction Galleries will also be at the fair between 10am and 1pm to value people’s collectables and advise owners how to convert these into cash at auction.   (April 19, 2012)

NEW SCHEME POINTS WAY TO SAFER FOOD

Introduction of a new scheme this month (April) means the public will be better informed when choosing where to eat out or shop for food. The new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), developed by the national Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities, measures and provides information on hygiene standards in food outlets. Locally, food providers such as restaurants, takeaways and pubs will be inspected by food safety officers from Dover District Council to check hygiene standards meet legal requirements and rate them from zero (urgent improvement necessary) to five (very good).

These ratings will be published on the FSA website and the food business will be given a sticker and certificate to display at the entrance to their premises. Customers can see them and decide if they want to go in. The FSA says a major aim of the new scheme is to reduce risk of food poisoning and give consumers better information on what is going on "behind the scenes". For more details, see Dover Council's Food Safety pages and the FSA website.   (April 12, 2012)

NEW YOUTH CENTRE TO REPLACE LINWOOD

Campaigners against the threatened closure of Deal's Linwood Youth Centre are celebrating a victory. A Kent County Council proposal to close and sell off the building will still go ahead - but not until a new purpose-built youth centre is created on a nearby site in Victoria Park. The campaigners believe that strong public opposition to the original plan was an important factor in encouraging the Dover Locality Board to agree that a new base for youth services should be provided in Deal.   (April 12, 2012)

GO AHEAD FOR QUARTERDECK REDEVELOPMENT

Plans to redevelop the old Quarterdeck site on Deal seafront have been given a green light by Dover District Council. On Thursday 29 March members of the planning committee agreed that a scheme to create a restaurant and cafe at street level with 14 residential flats above and a new public area at the rear should be allowed. To see the plans for the scheme, go to www.dover.gov.uk/   (April 5, 2012)

NEW DRIVE TO BOOST TOWN CENTRE

The public is being invited to get involved in bids by a group of local organisations for grants to improve Deal town centre and visitor attractions. Leading the push to boost the appearance of the town are Deal Town Council and the Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade. Working with other community groups, they hope to tap into funding from the national Town Team Project headed up by retail expert Mary Portas. It encourages town regeneration schemes and the local team are hoping they can gain a £100,000 grant to support local independent shops and provide a statue of entertainer Norman Wisdom who had close connections with the town.

In a second bid for cash, the Chamber of Trade is also hoping to gain support from the Coastal Communities Fund for a plan to create a Julius Caesar memorial on Walmer seafront. Overall aim of the new drive to pull in grants is to make the town even more attractive to residents and visitors. Among the ideas that have already been mooted are improving access between the town centre and seafront, enhancing the seafront itself, adding to cycle routes and a more creative approach to car parking and business rates. The Chamber and their partners want to widen the discussion and are now inviting residents to put forward their ideas on what needs to be done. To get involved, go to the Chamber's website or   (April 5, 2012)

A show that is said to have delighted theatre audiences up and down the UK for the past three years comes to Deal's Astor Theatre on Saturday 28 April. Featuring Steve Green and Ben Bowden, it recreates the award-winning harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel and the much-publicised tensions between the two singers. The two-hour tribute show covers over 25 hits from four decades, including Mrs Robinson, Homeward Bound, The Sounds of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Steve Green and Ben Bowden, who play the duo on stage, have been described by music writers as "the world’s best Simon and Garfunkel tribute" and their full band show as "a musical feast for anyone who loves the songs of Paul Simon".

The show will be the band’s debut in Deal. “I come from Kent originally, so it’ll be nice to be back,” said Ben. The current UK tour started in January and will continue throughout the year. Tickets are £11 in advance/£13 on the door and available by calling 01304 370220 or on-line from www.theastor.org. For more about the show, see: www.soundsofsimon.co.uk.   (April 5, 2012)

BUSY LAUNCH FOR NEW RESTAURANT

Walmer's new French restaurant "La Bouche" is reporting plenty of local interest since it opened its doors in the totally refurbished former Lord Clyde pub on The Strand earlier this month. Darren Sharpe from La Bouche reckons that a combination of good publicity in the local press and on Facebook and, not least, on the WalmerWeb and DealWeb websites has all helped. He says: "The restaurant has been fully booked every weekend for the last three weeks - and incredibly busy on weekdays too."

Among the "web chatter" and local newspaper articles, the Dover Express reported how Dover businessman Peter May and wife Jane bought the old pub building to realise a long-held dream of owning and running an authentic French restaurant. The couple, supported by their son Henry and a small enthusiastic team of staff, say their mission is not only to provide excellent food but to create a friendly atmosphere where customers are treated well. To see what others have said about the restaurant, go to
www.la-bouche.co.uk/page5.htm.   (March 30, 2012)

FIND OUT ABOUT LOCAL SERVICES AT NEW-STYLE FORUM

There's a new look to the next Dover District Neighbourhood Forum when it comes to Deal on Tuesday, 24 April. Instead of the public talks and discussion format used for previous meetings, the next event will offer manned displays where the public can pop in to browse, speak to experts on a one-to-one basis and even enjoy light refreshments. Among the topics to be covered at the event are the digital television switchover, community safety, health, highways services, grant opportunities, the Olympics and library services. The free event is at the Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal from 3pm to 7pm on 24 April. For more details, call Lynn Brisley on 01304 872164.   (March 30, 2012)

CONSUMER ALERTS

Kent Trading Standards have issued consumer alerts on two food products that have been recalled by the makers and also about dodgy on-line loan offers. The food recalls are for:

• packs of wrongly dated cooked turkey breast from Morrisons; and
• a batch of Ella’s Kitchen Stage 3 Seriously Comforting Cottage Pie with a Pinch of Cinnamon.

Anyone considering a cash loan from an on-line provider is advised to be extremely cautious. Some offers are front for scams and fraud. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.    (March 22, 2012 - updated 27 March 2012)

Glen Road, Kingsdown, will be closed to traffic between its junctions with Carlton Road and Sea Road for four days from Monday, 2 April. This is to allow Kent Highways to carry out resurfacing and kerb works. The alternative route is via Carlton Road, Edward Road and Sea Road. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (March 22, 2012)

LATEST "ALL STARS" CONCERT NOW ON A CD

A CD of the 23rd All Stars charity concert, featuring former Royal Marine musicians, is now available. Mike Scurfield, of event organisers Cinque Port Music, says the evening at the Winter Gardens, Margate, on Sunday, 11 March has received many positive comments from members of the audience. The CD is not for general release and is now available for £10 with all proceeds going to All Stars funds. For a copy, send a cheque payable to "All Stars Band" to Mike Scurfield at 10 Old Park Hill, Dover, Kent CT16 2AW. For more details, call him on 01304 210600.    (March 20, 2012)

MARITIME MUSEUM BACK IN ACTION FOR SUMMER

Deal's Maritime and Local History Museum is set to re-open for its summer season on Saturday, 5 May. The museum's trusteees say the building will be open for visitors on Saturdays in May, September and October and also on Tuesdays and Fridays in June, July and August. Admission is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children and concessions.    (March 16, 2012)

COUNCIL TAX SET FOR NEXT 12 MONTHS

The average Council Tax bill for households in Dover District is to increase by 0.54% for the financial year from April 2012 to March 2013. The average total bill for a "Band D" property across the district will be £1,468.95. This includes the element of Council Tax for Kent County Council (£1,047.78), Dover District Council (£164.43), Kent Police (£138.68), Kent Fire and Rescue Service (£67.95) and an average for Town and Parish Councils of £50.11.

The actual "Band D" levies for Walmer residents will be £1,458.05 and for Deal Town residents £1,466.78. For more details and the Council Tax levies for all property bands, go to www.dover.gov.uk/council_tax.aspx.    (March 16, 2012)

LOTTERY "WINNER" SCAM SURFACES AGAIN

Kent Trading Standards have received reports from people who have been contacted by scammers claiming to be from a "UK Government Refund Department". The caller states that the consumer has won £6,000 on the lottery but needs to pay £400 in "taxes" via Western Union in order for the winnings to be released. Kent Trading Standards say the calls are bogus, there is no way to trace Western Union payments as they are in effect cash transactions and anyone who is duped will lose their money! Victims of this, or any other scam, can contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 for advice.    (March 16, 2012)

COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE PROJECTS SOUGHT FOR TV PROGRAMME

The BBC is looking for communities with an outdoor space that needs transforming for a new television programme. It could be a community garden, an empty space, a vandalised area, roof garden, anywhere in desperate need of a revamp or somewhere that has been a victim of a natural disaster. Anything that would really benefit the community. The programme makers are keen to know about projects that could happen this summer, from May onwards. They estimate the whole period from setting up, transforming the area and wrapping up will take around two weeks. Council money will not be needed, but it will be important that some local fundraising is underway and that there is good community involvement. To find out more or to submit details of a local project, contact the programme makers by  Applicants may then be invited to fill out a short form and send pictures.    (March 16, 2012)

BEWARE OF DIGITAL SWITCHOVER TRICKSTERS

The public is being warned to be on their guard for rogues trying to "cash in" on the digital television switchover set to take place locally this June. The Kent Trading Standards consumer watchdog says there is free official advice for anyone unsure of what they need to do. People also need to be wary of cold callers offering what they claim are "vital services" for tuners, televisions or aerials. For more on this and other consumer alerts, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.    (March 12, 2012)

CHANGES TO LOCAL BUSES IN APRIL

Starting at the beginning of April, there are important changes to local bus services for people in Deal and Walmer. Stagecoach bus company will be introducing a new no:12 hourly service that will speed up travel to Canterbury, cutting 15 minutes from the journey. The new route links Deal, Whitfield and Canterbury. From Deal it will run via The Strand, Dover Road, Walmer, Ringwould, A258, Duke of Yorks roundabout, A2, Whitfield (calling at B&Q, Tesco and Honeywood Road), the A2 and New Dover Road to Canterbury Bus Station.

There are also some changes on routes 14, 15, 80 and 82 with more buses serving London Road, Deal. Routes 14 and 15 will run from Mill Road via Park Avenue and London Road to serve the Hospital. This should help solve the frequent problems with delays in the narrow stretch of Mill Road. It means the bus stop at Beechwood Avenue will no longer be served. There are also some minor alterations to times on a number of the services and full details with the new timetables are available on the Stagecoach website at www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupdatedetails.aspx?
Id=4515.    (March 11, 2012)

PLUG-IN ENERGY SAVER OFFER COULD BE FRAUD

Kent Trading Standards has issued a warning for people to be wary of telephone or doorstep calls from companies offering plug-in energy-saving devices claiming to reduce costs by 40%. The consumer watchdog says it has yet to see a plug-in product that can do this. Locally, an elderly resident in St Margaret’s Bay is reported to have received a telephone call from a company early in February offering one of these devices. She was duped into giving her credit card details over the phone - but did not receive any device, nor was money taken from her account. However, on 1 March she received a telephone call from a man who gave his name as “James Cooper” and said he was from a claims management company. This started a scam in which she was offered compensation for "misselling". A cheque for £980 would be delivered that day by a man called “Chris Parker”. She was advised that there was no charge. A few minutes later another call from “Accounts” said that there would be a charge of £150 for the cheque. It had to be cash and given to “Chris Parker” when he delivered the cheque. All the callers had foreign accents. For more on this, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.    (March 6, 2012)

A TASTE OF FRANCE COMES TO THE STRAND

The arrival of a new French-style restaurant on The Strand in Walmer has been welcomed by local Chamber of Trade chairman Peter Varrall. In the wake of several small businesses shutting up shop in recent months, he said he was delighted to see the owners of the new enterprise putting their faith in the town. The new family-run La Bouche restaurant is set to open on Tuesday, 6 March. They say they will be offering authentic French cuisine, at attractive prices and in a comfortable bistro-style atmosphere. Based in the former Lord Clyde public house at 61 The Strand, the seafront establishment has been totally re-modelled and refurbished. For more details, call 01304 368881 or go to www.la-bouche.co.uk/.   (March 4, 2012)

CLIFF FALL NEAR KINGSDOWN

A major fall of chalk on the White Cliffs at Oldstairs Bay near Kingsdown has prompted a warning from Dover Coastguard for walkers to steer clear of the cliff face. The fall is thought to have occured overnight on Sunday 26 February and was discovered by a local dog walker on the following morning.      (March 3, 2012)

MORE COMPUTER AND E-MAIL SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards has issued warnings for people to be wary of phone calls offering expensive on-line checking for "problems" on their computers. A variation on this involves offers to reclaim fees previously paid for an "unused Microsoft service" - but getting the "refund" requires an up front payment. There has also been an increase in e-mails - apparently from banks - warning about security breaches on personal computers and asking for people to provide personal and banking details. The Trading Standards watchdog says that people should NOT respond; genuine banks will never ask for this type of information which they already hold. For more on these scams, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.      (March 1, 2012)

ENERGY SAVING OPTIONS AT FREE EVENT

Free advice on ways to cut energy bills and make homes snug will be on offer at Deal’s Green Energy Fair in Deal Town Hall on Saturday 10 March. Organised by local environmental campaigners Deal With It, the event will combine displays, information and talks on a wide range of options including solar and wind power, solar heating, upgrading insulation and wood stoves. Admission to the event, which is from 1pm to 4.30pm, is free. For more details, see www.dealwithit.  (February 26, 2012)

ROADWORKS PLANNED FOR DEAL HIGH STREET

Kent Highways has announced it will be carrying out "pre-patching" works on part of Deal High Street, starting on (or shortly after) Sunday 18 March. They are expected to last for two days, between 7am and 7pm. The section of the road from the junction with King Street and Oak Street will be closed to traffic. An alternative route, via Beach Street, Godwyn Road, Sandown Road and High Street will be signposted. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (February 26, 2012)

DOVER TATTOO FOR DIAMOND JUBILEE

Dover's historic garrison of Fort Burgoyne and the adjacent parade ground will be the venue for a spectacular local event to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The 2012 Dover Tattoo on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 June will feature massed bands, exciting displays and a spectacular grand finale with fireworks to music, complete with a traditional lone piper. The programme includes:
• the renowned Royal Signals White Helmet Motorcycle Display Team;
• the impressive Band of the Gurkhas and their thrilling Kukri Knife displays;
• the Pipes and Drums of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders;
• the band of the Army Air Corps;
• the band of the Adjutant General’s Corps; and
• the ‘Tigers’ Freefall Parachute Display team.
There will also be a re-enactment of a full scale assault, providing an explosive insight into how the Army would attack an enemy base.

On Saturday there will also be a Family Fun Day, looking behind the scenes of the event, discovering what life is like in the military today and travelling back in time to Mediaeval, Napoleonic, WWI and WW11 historical eras with exciting re-enactments, themed events and interactive and static displays. The organisers say that memorabilia and refreshment stalls will ensure that this day offers something for everyone. Fort Burgoyne is located half-a-mile north of Dover Castle. For more details and ticket booking see: www.dovertattoo.org.uk .  (February 23, 2012)

"GRANTON SCOTCH WHISKY" ISN'T SCOTCH

Consumer watchdogs Kent Trading Standards are warning the public about an illegal brand of whisky called "Granton Scotch Whisky". It has been on sale in small independent retailers in Kent. It was bottled in Italy and the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2008 make it unlawful to apply the term Scotch Whisky to products that have not been produced in Scotland. People are advised not to drink the whisky because it could be harmful and tests are currently being conducted. If anyone spots any of this product on sale, they are asked to contact Kent Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2256.  (February 23, 2012)

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT ON BETTER DEAL FOR THIRD WORLD FARMERS

Local environmental campaigners Deal With It are taking a leading role in encouraging support for this year's Fairtrade Fortnight from 27 February to 11 March. Using a theme of “Take a Step for Fairtrade” the event is designed to attract public awareness and support for gaining better prices, decent working conditions and local sustainability for farmers and workers in the developing world. Among the local events before and during the fortnight are:

• a Pancake Evening at Trinity Church, Union Road, Deal on Tuesday 21 February.
• information stalls at Café Eden in St. Richard’s Church hall, Mill Hill, Deal on Friday 24 February from 10am to 12noon; in Sainsbury's, West Street, Deal on Monday 27 February, Friday 9 March and Saturday 10 March from 10am to 1pm; and at Deal Library from Monday 27 February to Sunday 11 March.
• a Fairtrade promotion with sale of cakes and biscuits made with Fairtrade ingredients at the Skylight Cafe in North Deal's Golf Road Community Centre from Monday 27 February to Saturday 10 March.
• the Happy Walkers group dedicating their Wednesday 29 February walk to Fairtrade. They plan to finish their hike at the Skylight Cafe for some Fairtrade refreshments.
• the Women’s World Day of Prayer Service at Walmer Baptist Church, Dover Road, Walmer on Friday 2 March at 10.30am.
• a coffee morning at Walmer Baptist Church on Saturday 3 March from 10am to 12noon when Fairtrade biscuits, tea and coffee will be served.
• a combined Deal With It and Fairtrade "beach clean" on Sunday 4 March. It starts at Deal Pier at 9am and all are welcome to join in.

For more about Fairtrade and the "Take A Step" campaign, see www.fairtrade.org.uk.    (February 18, 2012)

ROADWORKS PLANNED FOR BLENHEIM ROAD, DEAL

Kent Highways is planning to carry out essential sewer repairs on Blenheim Road, Deal, starting on (or shortly after) Monday 20 February and expected to last for up to a week. The section of the road from the junction with Queen Street and Wellington Road will be closed to traffic. An alternative route, via Queen Street, Broad Street, Beach Street, South Street and Wellington Road will be signposted. The one-way traffic flow in Wellington Road will be reversed. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (February 18, 2012)

FOOD RECALL FOR YEAST SPREAD

People with an intolerance to gluten are being warned that a batch of granoVita UK Limited Mushroom Pateole Yeast Spread was mislabelled as "gluten free". In fact, the product contains gluten above the level permitted for a gluten free food. It has a "best before" date of 21.04.12 and ""lot number" of L157237. The company is withdrawing all affected stock and customers with an intolerance to gluten are advised not to eat the product. For more details see: www.granovita.co.uk and also the Food Standards Agency website. No other granoVita UK Limited products are known to be affected.  (February 17, 2012)

ANGER AT GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION CHANGE

Plans to scrap free collections of garden waste and charge £40 a year for the service have been slammed by local environmental campaigners Deal With It as "ridiculous" and "illogical". Dover Council says that it will be changing the service in April and that, by charging, it can include properties that have not, so far, been able to use it. But Deal With It spokesman Steve Wakeford said his members considered the move shortsighted and environmentally damaging. It could result in more car journeys taking waste to the tip or people resorting to garden bonfires. Local Mill Hill councillor Mike Eddy was concerned that people without transport would be forced into paying a "deeply unfair" charge for collection. Steve Dawe from Kent Green Party considered the district council needed to "avoid penalising residents for doing the right thing".

The move to charge for green waste collections has become a hot topic on local Facebook pages. Deal With It co-ordinator Rosie Rechter said: "How do they plan to administer this ? The cost of it would be likely to cancel any gain, and makes it look even more mean spirited." Walmer resident Paul Dawkins considered it was "another stealth tax". Others suggest it could lead to fly tipping which would end up costing the council money.    (February 16, 2012)

MINI TESCO OPENS ON YEW TREE INN SITE

Supermarket giant Tesco returned to Deal last Monday (13 February). For the company that closed its Queen Street store some eight years ago it was time to open its new Express mini-supermaket on the site of the old Yew Tree public house at the top of Mill Hill. To celebrate the launch, store manager Joey Gambrill and her 13 staff handed over a £500 donation to Walmer Lifeboat volunteer Sam Culpin.    (February 16, 2012)

LABOUR WIN IN NORTH DEAL BY-ELECTION

Voters in North Deal have chosen their new representative on Deal Town Council. He's Ian Killbery, in recent years a leading campaigner in bringing better rail services to Deal. He joins his 11 Labour party colleagues on the town council which also has three Conservative councillors. Voting in the poll on Thursday 9 February was: Elizabeth Blackwell (Conservative) 505, Robin Hook (Liberal Democrat) 406 and Ian Killbery (Labour) 521. The turnout - on one of the coldest days of the winter so far - was 28.72%.    (February 16, 2012)

Dover District Council's claim that it has "frozen" charges in most of its car parks for the coming 12 months has attracted criticism from some local politicians and residents. The council says that parking fees will remain the same at the two "most used" car parks in the district - Stembrook in Dover and Middle Street in Deal - and at three "lower rate" car parks - at Gazen Salts in Sandwich, Union Road in Deal and Albany Place in Dover. On-street parking charges are also unaltered - except on Dover Seafront and Beach Street, Deal where new rates will increase to match those in adjacent car parks. However, former Deal town councillor Bryan Henderson reckons that the "frozen charges" claim is misleading and that the fees will buy less parking time. He is also reported to be concerned at increased prices for some residents' parking permits and various business permits and has launched a petition which, earlier this week, had attracted over 400 signatories.    (updated February 16, 2012)

MOVE FAST FOR ACTIVE DOVER SPORTS GRANTS

Time is running out for local sports clubs and individual sportsmen or women who want to apply for one of the cash grants being offered by the Active Dover consortium. The deadline for the next round of applications is Tuesday 28 February, although this will be followed by another round that closes on Saturday 30 June. The grants are up to £400 for clubs and £200 for individuals. Typical examples of successful bids by clubs include helping to increase training opportunities, attracting more participation in sport or boosting health and safety provision. Applications by individuals might be from someone aspiring to represent their county/country/nation in their chosen sport. For details and application forms, see Dover Council website or call Sarah Philpott (Sports and Leisure Officer, Dover District Council) on 01304 872446 or .    (February 15, 2012)

GENUINE "CRIME SURVEY" AND BOGUS "2011 CENSUS" E-MAIL

People who receive a letter from the Home Office asking them to take part in the "2011/2012 British Crime Survey" are being assured it is genuine. But an e-mail demanding personal information to complete the 2011 Census is bogus and clicking on a provided link could infect the computer. For more about these, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.    (February 15, 2012)

Throughout February, Citizens Advice is trying to find out how people access cash from bank, building society and post office card accounts. They particularly want to know how people would be affected if their own bank stopped them from using other organisations' cash machines. There is an on-line survey at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk. The survey is anonymous but people who want to provide more on their banking experiences can invite Citizens Advice to contact them.    (February 10, 2012)

BID TO STOP SHOLDEN HOUSING PLAN FAILS

A call to Secretary of State Eric Pickles by Sholden Parish Council for him to "call in" plans for large housing developments recently approved by Dover District Council has been turned down. In a letter dated 3 February 2012, his department says: "The Secretary of State has carefully considered the impact of the proposal and effect on the local area which this case raises. In his opinion, the proposals do not: involve a conflict with national policies on important matters; have significant effects beyond their immediate locality; give rise to substantial regional or nation controversy; raise significant architectural and urban design issues; or involve the interests of national security or of Foreign Governments. Nor does he consider that there is any other sufficient reason to call the application in for his own determination. He has therefore decided the application should be determined at local level, and has not called it in."

In turning down the request, the Communities and Local Government Department says that the Secretary of State took into account the call-in policy set out in the 1999 Caborn Statement. This states that the power to call in a case will only be used very selectively. The Secretary of State's response emphasises that "The Government is committed to give more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues, and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible." For more, see the Sholden Parish Council website.    (February 9, 2012)

RED AND BLACK "JEQUIRITY" BRACELETS RECALLED

People who may have bought or been given red and black Jequirity Bead Bracelets are being advised to not wear them and return them to the suppliers. Mostly sold at tourist attractions lke the Eden Project in Cornwall and London Zoo between February 2010 and December 2011, the bracelets are made from Abrus Precatorius and could potentially be dangerous if swallowed. The company says it has decided to recall the bracelets as a precautionary measure. Only the red and black colours are affected. Contact: Rainstick Trading, Unit 3, Carlton Park Industrial Estate, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 2NL  ( 01728 604 500 or ).    (February 9, 2012)

FREE COURSE FOR ANYONE THINKING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

A free two-day event in March could be just the answer for anyone interested in volunteering but anxious about what is involved. The organisers, Dover District Volunteering Centre, say they understand there are many reasons why taking on a volunteer role can seem daunting.  Some people may lack confidence ... or be worried about childcare options or travel costs ... or be uncertain what sort of volunteer work they would like to do. If this sounds familiar, then the free course could be ideal. 

It takes place in Dover on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 March, thanks to funding by NLDC (Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communitites) Response.  Lunch and refreshments are included free of charge and travel expenses can be reimbursed. Karen Steffan at the Volunteering Centre said: "All previous course participants have found them informative, fun and interesting."  To book a place, contact Karen on 01304 367898 or . The organisation's website is at www.doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk.    (February 7, 2012)

LIVERPOOL "REFUND" E-MAIL IS A SCAM

Kent Trading Standards has received a report from a Kent resident who has received an e-mail purporting to be from Littlewoods but is yet another "phishing" scam. The dodgy e-mail offers a refund to the recipient's account due to "incorrect charges" made by the company. The consumer is instructed to click on a LOGON icon in order to correct errors with their account so that the refund can be provided. Littlewoods have confirmed that e-mails such as this which claim that an account has been suspended or has expired are very unlikely to have been sent by them. Clicking on the links can result in personal information being obtained fraudulently. For more on this scam, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.    (February 7, 2012)

CONSUMER ALERTS:
HEALTH PRODUCTS, KIRBY CLEANERS AND GLUTEN-FREE FLOUR

Kent Trading Standards have issued three alerts of possible interest to consumers:

• Unsolicited phone calls by a person offering a "wellness survey" and health products have resulted in some people being charged for larger quantities than they agreed to. The public are advised to be extremely wary about calls from unknown individuals and companies.
• Owners of Kirby vacuum cleaners need to be careful about telephone calls suggesting that their machine is due to be serviced.
• Doves Farm Foods Limited has issued a product withdrawal for one batch of its Gluten Free Buckwheat Flour 1kg.

For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.    (February 1, 2012)

DROP IN SESSIONS FOR NEW FLOOD DEFENCES

There's an opportunity to find out from the experts about the works to improve Deal's sea defences which are expected to start in September. The Environment Agency is holding two informal public "drop in" sessions in the Council Chamber at Deal Town Hall next week: 3pm to 7.30pm on Friday, 3 February and 10am to 2pm on Saturday, 4 February.

The Agency has said it expects to submit a planning application to Dover District Council in February so that construction work can start in September and be completed by March 2013. Costing £10million, the scheme will reduce the risk of sea flooding to 626 homes and 44 commercial properties in the town. Included are a new 650m wave wall along the promenade between the Royal Hotel and Deal Castle, 250m of rock protection on the embankment just north of Sandown Castle and extra shingle along the entire beach from the new rocks to Deal Castle. Friday and Saturday's sessions offer a chance to talk to the Agency team about the new sea flooding defences, their design and what the works will involve. There also details on www.environment-
agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/135503.aspx.    (January 31, 2012)

FREE ROAD CLOSURES FOR JUBILEE STREET PARTIES

Communities across Kent are being invited to start planning street parties for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this summer. To help residents celebrate the historic occasion with their neighbours Kent County Council is waiving charges for street parties on quiet residential roads and cul-de-sacs. Organisers only have to complete a simple online form and there is no charge for processing applications or for any road closure signs that are provided. Party organisers can apply for a road closure over any day during the extended four-day holiday from Saturday 2 to Tuesday 5 June. The deadline for street party applications is Friday 18 May. For more details and an application form, see: www.kent.gov.uk/news_and_events/diamond
_jubilee.aspx    (January 28, 2012)

ROADWORKS PLANNED FOR GOLF ROAD, DEAL

Kent Highways is planning to carry out road repairs on Golf Road, Deal, between Thursday 16 and Friday 24 February. The section from the junction with Ethelbert Road to the Chequers public house will be closed. There is no alternative route, so the road engineers will try to maintain essential access for vehicles but warn there may be delays at some times. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (January 28, 2012)

FREE SINGING SESSIONS FOR THE OVER-50'S

People who are over 50 and like to sing are being invited to join in free singing sessions starting in Walmer at the end of February. Organised by Kent-based charity Living Lively and funded by an Awards for All grant, the sessions are in Walmer Baptist Church Hall on Dover Road every Thursday from 10.30am to 12noon for six weeks starting on 23 February.

The organisers say the mornings are ideal for people who are interested in trying singing in an informal and relaxed atmosphere but, perhaps, have felt nervous about the idea of reading music and formal choirs. Participants will learn about breathing, posture and making a good sound in sessions that include a wide variety of music to satisfy all tastes. There is no charge, refreshments are included and people can turn up for one, some or all of the days.

Matthew Raisbeck, the Creative Lead for Living Lively, said: "We are hoping to get a good turn out and, hopefully, sow the seeds for a long term group for the over 50's". The six Thursday "Discover Your Voice" sessions are on 23 February and 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 March. For more information or to book a place, call Celia on 01233 750585 or .    (January 24, 2012)

TOWN COUNCIL BY-ELECTION FOR NORTH DEAL

Voters in North Deal go to the polls on Thursday 9 February to choose their new elected representative on Deal Town Council. There are three election hopefuls for one vacant seat on the council: Elizabeth Blackwell (Conservative), Robin Hook (Liberal Democrat) and Ian Killbery (Labour). Three polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. They are at Sandown School in Golf Road (for electoral register numbers AD1-1 to AD1-1880), the Cleary Hall at the Landmark Centre, 129 High Street (for AD2-1 to AD2-1949) and the Baptist Hall in Stanley Road (for AD3-1 to AD3-1210).    (January 21, 2012)

START FOR NEW TENNIS LEAGUE

Local tennis players are being invited to sign up to a new friendly tennis league. Open to adult players of all standards, the Deal Tennis League starts at the end of this month and runs until 25 March. The organisers say everyone is welcome with games being played at the Deal Indoor Tennis Centre in Park Road, Deal, and other local courts. Players arrange their own matches and all who join can get free British Tennis Membership worth £25. Winners of their group win £20 and everyone who completes three matches by the half-way mark is sent a free can of balls. The entry fee is £12 (£10 for students) and more details are at: www.localtennisleagues.com/deal.    (January 21, 2012)

PHONY ON-LINE CAR INSURANCE

Drivers who have used an on-line motor insurance trader "Aston Midshires Insurance", based in Leicestershire, need to check that their car insurance is correct and valid. Kent Trading Standards say the trader has been targeting young and high-risk drivers across the country. However, it is operating a scam and the insurance policies do not exist and offer no protection. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.    (January 20, 2012)

SEEKING A TREE "CHAMPION" FOR DEAL

The search is on to find a "Tree Warden" for Deal. The local community green group, Deal With It, says it would like to see a local representative for the network set up by the national Tree Council. The appointment is a voluntary one and typical activities can include helping with surveys of trees and woodlands, offering advice to communities on suitable species to plant, how to manage a habitat and sources of project funding, notifying authorities about any hazardous trees and organising public events such as tree planting days and guided walks. Anyone interested or wanting more information can or call 01304 372673. Walmer already has a Tree Warden. He is Walmer parish councillor Clive Grant who can be contacted by or on 01304 361704.

As well as their search for a Deal tree warden, the local green campaigners are planning a busy programme for the coming weeks. Their monthly meeting on Tuesday 24 January has a short talk from Alan Grieve on the European Climate Change Conference at Detmold in Germany and an open discussion on Deal With It’s work in the past year and its plans for 2012. The meeting is at Dealability 43 Victoria Road, Deal, starts at 7.30pm and is open to the public. In February there's a meeting for a "Banish the plastic bag" campaign and the first Deal Beach Clean for 2012 is on Sunday 26 February. On Saturday 10 March there's a Green Energy Fair at Deal Town Hall where people will be able to get advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient, save money on power bills and use more "green" energy. For more details see www.dealwithit.org.    (January 17, 2012)

NEW MOVES IN "SHALE FRACKING" BATTLE

Rosemary Rechter, coordinator for local environmental group Deal With It, is urging people who have concerns at the prospect of local use of the controversial "shale fracking" process for retrieving underground deposits of gas to sign an on-line petition. She says: "Many will already be aware that, on 6 December, Kent County Council passed an application by Coastal Oil and Gas Ltd to drill an exploratory bore hole at Woodnesborough. I would like to ask everyone who shares our concern to go to the Government Petition Site and sign the petition for a moratorium. It would help if you could also e-mail or write to your MP to ask that they support a moratorium."

Rosemary also says her members are planning to hold a strategy meeting with other concerned people in the region. She understands there are three other applications in Kent, a number in Sussex and possibly around 600 throughout the UK. The national petition for a moratorium on Shale Gas is at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/14271.    (January 13, 2012)

HAVE A SAY ON FUTURE PLANS FOR NORTH AND MIDDLE DEAL

Residents and organisations who would like to have their say on future plans for Middle and North Deal are being invited to take part in a workshop at the Golf Road Centre on Wednesday 25 January at 6pm. It is the latest stage in a study on this part of Deal and its future development being carried out by consultants GVA for Dover District Council, Kent County Council and the Environment Agency. The study focuses on the flood risk, transport and habitat issues that affect the northern part of the town and the Sholden area. The 25 January event will update local people on progress and invite their views on the work so far.

The organisers say the meeting on 25 January is not just to provide information, but to gather local people's views through "round the table" discussions. These will then be used in preparing the final recommendations for this stage of the study. The capacity of the venue is limited, so people wishing to take part are asked to book a place before Tuesday 24 January; e-mail regenerationdelivery@dover.gov.uk or call 01304 872477.    (January 13, 2012)

SEPTEMBER START FOR £10-MILLION SEA DEFENCE WORKS

Work to improve sea defences at Deal could start in September. The Environment Agency says it is now working on detailed designs and it expects to submit a planning application to Dover District Council in February. The agency hopes to start construction work in September and finish by March 2013, so avoiding the busy summer season and reducing the impact on local people and businesses. Costing £10million, the Deal flood defence scheme will reduce the risk of coastal flooding to 626 homes and 44 commercial properties in the town. Included in the scheme are a new 650m wave wall along the promenade between the Royal Hotel and Deal Castle, 250m of rock protection on the embankment just north of Sandown Castle and adding shingle along the entire beach from the new rocks to Deal Castle. For more details, see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/135503.aspx.    (January 8, 2012)

STIMULATING ACTIVITIES FOR THE RETIRED AND SEMI-RETIRED

Organisers of the local White Cliffs Country branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) are keen to welcome new retired or semi-retired members for their programme of special interest and social activities. U3A is a national organisation and the local branch has members in Deal, Dover, Sandwich and the area's villages. White Cliffs U3A member Ann Cook says that the members themselves generate activities. She explained: "We benefit from their professional backgrounds, expertise and enthusiasm to provide a programme of low-cost informal learning courses and group activities covering a wide range of subjects - such as art, architecture, bridge, chess, gardening, exercise, languages, history, literature, maths, music, poetry and philosophy. The majority of courses or groups are held in leaders’ private homes or, if numbers exceed eight, at more suitable venues. It's a lively organisation with no minimum or maximum age limit."

FASTER LOCAL BROADBAND FOR DEAL

Deal and Walmer are set to have faster broadband services available in March. British Telecom Openreach says this is when it expects the Deal exchange and the local "fibre to the cabinet" service to go live. For broadband users who sign up to the new service, it is capable of delivering download speeds of up to 40Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 15Mbit/s right away. It is expected this will be boosted to up to 80/20 Mbit/s shortly after.

BT say that the new fibre cabling will connect at least two-thirds of homes and business in the UK in the next few years. But there are some areas – often more rural places – where it just isn't viable to introduce fibre. Current broadband coverage in the UK is 99.6 per cent. But about 160,000 lines have no access to broadband due to line length and 310,000 have limited access (up to 0.5Mbit/s only). However, BT say they are working to develop solutions that will help achieve the Government's Digital Britain target of a minimum broadband speed of 2Mbit/s for everyone in the UK. For more details, see www.superfast-openreach.co.uk/
where-and-when/   (January 6, 2012)

KCC ASKS FOR PUBLIC'S VIEWS ON FUTURE OF WASTE TIPS

The future of the household waste and recycling centres service provided by Kent County Council is under review. The KCC says it wants to identify the right level of the waste tip service at the right cost so it is fit for purpose and for the future. Before any decisions are made, the council is carrying out a public consultation so everyone in Kent has an opportunity to contribute to the process.

Details of a range of issues and options for the future are available on the KCC website and there is a survey where people can contribute their views to all the questions or only to those where they have a particular interest or concern. For Deal and Walmer residents one suggestion that the Deal and Margate waste tips are underused and that the current Richborough tip might be closed to boost their use is expected to provoke some comment. For details and the survey form, see www.kent.gov.uk/..../hwrc_consultation.aspx. The consultation will close on Thursday, 9 February.    (January 3, 2012)