HELP FOR THE VULNERABLE ELDERLY

The public is being asked to assist elderly neighbours, who may be at risk in cold weather, by helping them tap into the services of Winter Intervention Support Kent (WISK). This is a programme which offers support to vulnerable elderly people, particularly those over 70 years old with an underlying heart or lung condition. It involves Home Improvement Agency (HIA) caseworkers making home visits to raise awareness on the risks of living in a cold environment and offer practical support. Some may also qualify for help through the winter warmth support fund. This can provide instant emergency support such as winter clothing, blankets, heaters and repairs to make the home warmer. The Home Improvement Agency can be contacted on 0800 028 3172 (freephone). For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (December 28, 2012)

SEA DEFENCE SCHEME NEARS COMPLETION

In their latest report the Project Team for the Environment Agency's Deal sea defence scheme say it's been progressing well. The rock work at Sandown Castle is now complete and the work on the wave wall is well underway and due to be completed towards the end of January. They also plan to carry out further works on the beach in the New Year.

The Team explain that people can expect to see the new appearance of the beach change over time. Wave action will cause shingle to move along the shoreline so the beach at Deal is not expected to remain in the same shape that it has been profiled into. Some losses of shingle can occur quite quickly on newly recharged beaches and the Project Team say their contractor will be back to correct any problems at Deal. After that, they expect that the local beach will need to be topped up with shingle approximately every ten years. They have also developed Deal’s first Beach Management Plan (BMP). This will monitor the beach and determine when maintenance is needed, such as localised moving of shingle back to where it came from.

For more on the Deal sea defence project, go to:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/.../135503.aspx    (December 21, 2012)

LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD

People are being urged to make sure they have enough medication to last them over Christmas and the New Year period. The NHS Kent and Medway health authority suggests picking up repeat prescriptions in plenty of time and checking medicine cabinets for essentials such as cough, cold, 'flu and indigestion remedies, plasters and a thermometer.

For anyone who is caught out there will be some local pharmacy cover on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. In Walmer and Deal it's
   Christmas Day: Strand Pharmacy, The Strand, Walmer ( 01304 374188) - open 12noon-1pm;
   Boxing Day: Boots, High Street, Deal ( 01304 374237) - open 10am-4pm;
   New Year's Day: Boots, Biggin Street, Dover ( 01304 206321) - open 10am-4pm;
     or Eastry Pharmacy, The Cross, Eastry ( 01304 611362) - open 12noon-1pm.
The Minor Injuries Unit at Victoria Hospital, Deal will be open 8am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day.
GP practices are open as usual on Christmas Eve, and from 27 December, but closed on the bank holidays: 25, 26 December and 1 January.
The Out-of-hours GP service on 03000 24 24 24 is for urgent help when a GP surgery is closed.
For expert advice, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk; they can answer any health questions, around the clock, and suggest local NHS services.
For more details, see: www.easternandcoastalkent.
nhs.uk/.../.../south-kent-coast-get-ready-for-christmas/    (December 21, 2012)

CASH TO BOOST LOCAL GROUPS' ACTIVITIES

Local clubs and voluntary groups for Deal and Walmer have netted a total of £30,000 in the latest round of Neighbourhood Forums Grant Awards. The cash support in the Kent County Council and Dover District Council scheme goes to:

• Pegasus Playscheme - Mini Bus Hire - £2,500;
• Dover District Partnership Group (DPG) - Jobs Fair with a Difference - £650;
• Deal Area Emergency Foodbank - Premises and Admin Costs - £2,500;
• Walmer Cricket Club - Reconditioned Mower - £500;
• Sing For Your Life - Music Box System - £1,750;
• Dover District Partnership Group (DPG) - Improving Communication for the Community - £800;
• Home-Start Dover District - Family Assistance - £2,420;
• The Guild Players - Lighting System - £1,480;
• Kent Miners Festival - Equipment for the Event - £2,500;
• Age Concern Deal Centre for the Retired - Upright Freezer Replacement - £1,500;
• Deal Icebreakers 1981 - Material and Promotion - £2,500;
• Deal Hockey Club - Replace and Update Training Kits - £2200;
• Golf Road Centre - Publicity Materials - £2,450;
• North Deal Community Park Association - Play Equipment - £2,319; and
• North Deal Community Company - Dog Exercise Equipment/Lighting/Marketing - £1,931.
    (December 20, 2012)

FINAL STAGES IN SHAPING THE DISTRICT'S FUTURE

The public is being invited to have a say in influencing the future of Dover district up to the year 2026. As part of its Local Development Framework, Dover District Council planners say they would welcome people's views on the content of three new documents: Discovery Park – Draft Local Development Order; Land Allocations Pre-Submission Local Plan; and Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule.

For the last five years The Deal Society has been monitoring and responding to the district council's Local Development plans. The Society's chairman Robin Green says the Land Allocations document has now reached the final stage for public consultation. It now suggests there is less land available for housing development than originally thought; space for retail development in either the centre of the town or on the outskirts is limited; the only major sites for development are at Sholden and close to Station Road in Upper Walmer; any other sites are much smaller; and all the designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been removed from the plan.

For more on the proposals and how to submit comments, see www.dover.gov.uk/ldf.   (December 20, 2012)

NO PRIVATISATION FOR DOVER PORT

The government has turned down plans to privatise the Port of Dover. It is seen as a setback for the port operators, Dover Harbour Board, who were seeking privatisation. Their plans were opposed by ferry operators P&O and supporters of a community-based "people's port" scheme which included local MP Charlie Elphicke.

In turning down the Harbour Board's privatisation application the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin decided that "the proposed transfer scheme would not ensure a sufficient level of enduring community participation in the port" and "there were other options available to secure the redevelopment of the Western Docks". For more, see: www.gov.uk/government/publications/dover-transfer-
scheme-decision-letter .   (December 20, 2012)

OFF-SHORE AIRPORT PLAN FOR GOODWIN SANDS

London-based maritime engineers Beckett Rankine have announced a proposal for a £39-billion four-runway airport on the Goodwin Sands. They suggest that the mid-Channel terminal would be linked by fast ferry services to Dover and Ramsgate. Passengers could then benefit from the high speed train service to London. The idea has gained scathing criticism from local MP, Charlie Elphicke, who described the plan as "completely bonkers". For more, see: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20783474   (December 19, 2012)

FREE PARKING FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS

Dover District Council is offering free parking on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 December in all DDC owned car parks across the district. However this does not include on-street "pay and display" areas, nor some car parks managed by DDC but owned by others. These include both Sainsbury’s and the Co-op supermarkets in Deal who will not be offering free parking on these two days. The council says notices will be displayed informing users whether or not fees will be charged.    (December 13, 2012)

2011 CENSUS REVEALS OVER 1300 MORE PEOPLE IN DEAL AND WALMER

According to population statistics from the 2011 Census just published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are 1,317 more people living in Deal and Walmer than in 2001. Out of the four local ward areas, Walmer has seen the biggest rise with 741 new residents - a percentage increase of 11.1%. The table here gives the details:

PLAN TO MOVE WALMER POST OFFICE BRANCH

The post office on the Dover Road at Upper Walmer could be on the move - into the nearby Londis store. The national Post Office organisation says the proposed change of premises will retain the majority of post office services and offer longer opening hours. However before going ahead, the company is seeking customers views as part of a public consultation. They say they would like to have comments on the new location, its accessibility, parking and any other advantages or disadvantages from the change. Posters and leaflets at the present post office at 329 Dover Road give more details. Comments can be submitted by and by royal mail simply addressed to "Freepost YOUR COMMENTS" (no stamp is needed). All comments must be received by Friday 4 January 2013. If the change goes ahead it is expected to be in February.  (December 1, 2012)

CAB TO CHECK PAY DAY LOAN PROBLEMS

People who have taken out payday loans are being asked to take part in a national Citizens Advice Bureaux survey. The bureaux wants to monitor whether payday lenders are sticking to their self-regulating charter. They say there is a worrying increase in the number of serious debt cases linked to payday loans. The survey will run on the Citizens Advice "Adviceguide" website at: www.adviceguide.org.uk/dialogue_payday_loan_survey.   (November 29, 2012)

COMMUTERS FACE BIG HIKE IN SEASON TICKET PRICES

Commuters from Ramsgate, Dover Priory and Deal to London will see their season tickets go up 6.46% to £4,940 on 2 January 2013. The inflation busting increases by Southeastern on many of its services was, the company said, down to the government that decided the level of season ticket increases each year. This was designed to cut the contribution from taxpayers towards the running costs of the railway and increase the share from passengers.   (November 29, 2012)

LOCAL "FOODBANK" GOES INTO ACTION

A local project to provide emergency food supplies to people who have run into major problems over feeding themselves or their families launches on Monday (3 December). Organised by a team of local volunteers working with the national Trussell Trust charity, the Deal Area Emergency Foodbank will make its first distribution at Cafe Eden in St Richard's Church at the top of Mill Hill, Deal on Monday from 10am to 12noon. People seeking help need to obtain a Foodbank voucher beforehand. These are available to those who qualify from a number of places including Deal CAB, schools family liaison officers, Connexions and Homestart.

A second distribution will be on Friday, 7 December in Trinity Methodist Church, Union Road, Deal from 10am to 12noon. The Foodbank sessions will then continue on the same days and times each week at the two locations. Fresh supplies of food for the scheme will depend on support from the public backed up by a number of local shops. For more details, see the Deal Foodbank Facebook page or contact Alan Thompson on 01304 729060 or   (November 29, 2012)

PUBLIC ANGER AT POSSIBLE DOWNGRADING OF DEAL HOSPITAL

Public concerns over fears that health services at Deal Hospital could be cut were raised at a public meeting called by Deal Town Council on Monday (26 November). The change in local health provision could be one of the consequences of proposals to base services at the new Dover Buckland Hospital when it is built. Local representatives of the NHS attending the meeting heard that for many elderly or infirm patients imposition of awkward journeys to Buckland or other centres were unacceptable. Copies of a petition calling for preservation of current services at Deal Hospital are at several Deal shops and businesses - including the East Kent Mercury office at 13 Queen Street.   (November 29, 2012)

SCHOOLS MERGER SET TO GO AHEAD

County councillors have provisionally agreed with plans to merge Deal’s two secondary schools, Walmer Science College and Castle Community College. Meeting in Maidstone on Wednesday 21 November, the KCC's education cabinet committee considered a report detailing views from county councillors, governors, pupils and the area education officer. Local county councillors Julie Rook and Kit Smith are reported to have accepted the concept of a single school. However Cllr Rook stressed the importance of creating a new name for the school, fairness in selecting staff and continued use of the Walmer site for educational purposes. A firm decision on the merger plan is expected to be made by KCC "education chief" Cllr Michael Whiting in the next few months but has to be referred to central government for approval. Cllr Whiting is reported to have said he has not made a decision yet and is still weighing up evidence and advice from consultees.   (November 24, 2012 - updated November 29, 2012)

TELL DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL HOW TO SAVE MONEY

Dover District Council says it is looking for ways to save more than £1 million as it prepares next year's budget. So far no decisions have been made and residents are being invited to tell the council which services they consider are most important. Money coming into the council's coffers is set to be affected by a 9.9% cut in cash from the Government – a reduction of around £716,000. Income from business rates is expected to suffer a drop of around £250.000, largely due to current changes on the former Pfizer site in Sandwich.

The council says it will seek ways to cut its own costs, like sharing premises with other organisations and encouraging local communities to take over some services. To read more and take part in an on-line consultation, go to: www.dover.gov.uk/.../budget_consultation.aspx.   (November 29, 2012)

CHANGES PROPOSED FOR DEAL'S KING STREET AND HIGH STREET JUNCTION

Kent Highways are proposing to introduce a ban on traffic turning left from King Street into Deal High Street to reach the Park Street junction. The suggested change would make the short section of the High Street "one-way only" and is intended to "improve the amenities of the area". Details and a map of the proposed scheme can be inspected at the KCC Highway Depot, Henwood Industrial Estate, Ashford or at Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone. Comments objecting to or supporting the scheme can be e-mailed to MHF@kent.gov.uk not later than Sunday 9 December.   (November 24, 2012)

KENT'S NEW WEB SERVICE FOR SEVERE WINTER WEATHER

Kent County Council is urging Kent residents to make a note of its special on-line service covering "what's on and what's off" if the county suffers severe weather this winter. Parents can find out about closures if schools are hit by heavy snow and it's possible to register for a text message alert straight to their mobile phone . Also there will be live updates on any library closures, household waste recycling centres and travel problems. The KCC's winter website is at: www.kent.gov.uk/winter.   (November 21, 2012)

Environmental action group Deal With It's organiser Rosie Rechter is hoping to raise local interest in a county-wide conference to consider how Kent's water supplies will be able to meet future demand. Organised by CPRE Protect Kent and involving Southern Water, the Environment Agency and other leading bodies, the meeting will feature a keynote speech by Richard Benyon MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The full-day "Planning for Drought – Is Kent in Crisis?" conference is on Monday 26 November in the Clive Emson building at Kent County Showground, Detling, near Maidstone. Tickets are £60 for CPRE Members and £75 for non-members and can be booked on http://planningfordrought.eventbrite.co.uk. However, the organisers appreciate the cost may be a problem for some and suggest contacting CPRE or calling 01233 714540. For more details, CLICK HERE (opens a PDF file). (November 13, 2012)

Deal's annual "Cards For Good Causes" shop is back at Deal Library in Broad Street. The extensive range of cards supports the work of over 25 different charities. The display is staffed by volunteers which means most of the proceeds - normally around 75p from every £1 of card sales - go to the charities. Opening times are: Mondays to Saturdays 10am-4pm.   (November 11, 2012)

DOVER'S LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO BROADCASTING ON 87.7FM

A new local radio station takes to the air on Monday 12 November. Dover Community Radio, which has for the past two years offered an on-line web service, is launching a one-month FM broadcast on 87.7FM (just before the Radio 2 frequency) from 7.30am. Programme plans include a wide range of music, interviews, features, documentaries and news at 25 minutes past every hour. The station's temporary broadcasting licence runs for 28 days until Sunday 9 December helped with cash from a Big Lottery Grant. Reception is expected to cover much of Dover district including Deal, Sandwich and the local villages. For more details and the programme schedule see www.dovercommunityradio.co.uk.   (November 11, 2012)

People planning projects to encourage interest in Kent’s local history are being invited to apply for grants from the Kent Archaeological Society’s Allen Grove Local History Fund. The grants are awarded annually with sums of up to £500 (or more for "exceptional" projects) available to help cover the cost of research, publications, exhibitions and other projects. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2013. Individuals, groups, organisations and students can download application forms from www.kentarchaeology.org.uk or obtain one by sending a s.a.e. to the KAS’s Hon. General Secretary, Peter Stutchbury, at Lympne Hall, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LQ.

Allen Grove is regarded as one of the county’s most eminent historians of his generation. He was Curator of Maidstone Museum from 1948 to 1975, Hon. Curator of the KAS for 26 years, its President in 1987/88 and Chairman of the Kent History Federation for eight years. When he died in 1990 he left £26,000 from the proceeds of the sale of his house to the KAS, with instructions that the society should invest the legacy and distribute the interest in ways that would promote the enjoyment of Kent's local history. The first grants were made in 1994. Since then more than £28,000 has been awarded, mainly to support the publication of books and booklets but also for displays in heritage centres, oral history projects, and establishing archives and research centres.  (November 10, 2012)

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

Deal With It, the local green community group, is organising an Insulation and Energy Fair at Deal Town Hall on Saturday 17 November between 1pm and 4.30pm. The free event could be just the thing for people concerned about rising energy costs. Deal With It co-ordinator Rosie Rechter said: “We want to show people how they can save money and energy. We will have people on hand to explain what help is available, the options for retro-fitting older homes to make them more energy efficient, the practicalities of insulating your home by yourself and the details of the Government’s new ‘Green Deal’." For more details of the fair contact Guy or see Deal With It's website.   (October 27, 2012 - updated November 8, 2012)

MORE HIGH SPEED TRAINS FOR DEAL

Southeastern trains are to add a couple of extra high speed services to their timetable from Deal to London St Pancras, starting on Monday 10 December. For Deal passengers it now means they will be able to catch the London-bound Javelin trains on Mondays-Fridays at: 5.56am (arrives London 7.19am), 6.24am (arr London 7.49am), 6.58am (arr London 8.24am) and 7.26am (arr London 8.49am).

Return services from St Pancras will be on Mondays-Fridays at: 4.40pm (arrives Deal 6.06pm), 5.42pm (arr Deal 7.06pm), 6.42pm (arr Deal 8.06pm) and 11.12pm (arr Deal 12.34am). Currently the direct high speed services to and from Deal do not operate at weekends. For more details, see www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/timetables.   (November 8, 2012)

ENERGY FAIR CANCELLED

Deal With It's “Keep Warm and Save Money” energy fair planned for Saturday 17 November at Deal Town Hall has been cancelled. The local green group's co-ordinator Rosie Rechter says: "Sadly many installers of insulation were unable or unwilling to take part, and we had no representatives from the wall, floor and roof sectors. Naturally this defeated the object of the whole event. There's a likelihood that their absence is due to the free insulation grant coming to an end, meaning they are busy getting the last-minute installations organised. Many participants failed to confirm their bookings. In addition bodies such as Energy Saving Trust and British Gas claimed lack of resources to support such events."   (November 8, 2012)

Businesses employing less than 250 people are being invited to look into the possible advantages of a county-wide scheme that makes recruiting young people affordable. As part of the Kent County Council's Kent Employment Programme, organisations that are thinking of expanding but worried about skills shortages and employee costs could benefit. The scheme provides support and advice to help employ an apprentice and contribute towards paying for him or her. The organisers say: "Hiring an apprentice gives you the chance to build the skills you need for your business, and helps a young person get their foot on the career ladder." To find out how to access £2,000 of KCC funding - and maybe even more from national funding - contact the Kent Employment Programme team on 0800 101 8224, or visit www.kent.gov.uk/kentjobs4kyp.   (November 8, 2012)

TIME TO SIGN UP FOR BOXING DAY DIP

Hardy souls who fancy taking part in Deal's annual Boxing Day dip in the sea are being invited to apply for their official sponsorship form. The event - now approaching its 31st year - usually attracts over 200 participants. The cash raised through sponsorships goes to a number of good causes. For more details, call Margaret Edwards on 0783 666 9079.   (November 8, 2012)

NO TRUTH IN RUMOURS OF BAND CONCERT DEMISE

Mike Scurfield of Cinque Port Music says he's concerned at unfounded rumours suggesting the 2013 All Stars band concert will be the last. He emphasises: "There is no plan to stop the All Stars concerts. We were just mindful that the band numbers and audience numbers were going down but this is probably the result of the present economic climate. I'm sure it will pick up next year."

Mike was confident that as long as conductor David Cole wished to carry on and as long as people turned up there was no reason to stop. He was certain the many supporters and friends "would be devastated to see the concerts stop" and added: "Please be assured we will continue as long as we can, with your support." Mike can be contacted on 01304 210600.  (November 6, 2012)

CONSUMER ALERTS

Kent Trading Standards have issued alerts warning the public about:

• A "fat burning" product, popular with some bodybuilders seeking muscle definition, that poses serious health risks;
• Labelling on several varieties of the Co-op's Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Peruvian Chocolate fails to show they include nuts and milk and could be a problem for people allergic to these;
• "Cold callers" offering to carry out jet washing or similar cleaning work on driveways - recently operating in the Whitfield area.

For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (November 6, 2012)

RUMOURS OF DEAL HOSPITAL RUN DOWN SPARK PETITION

Concerns that services at Deal Hospital might be transferred out of the town and the future of the hospital threatened have been voiced. The fears stem from reports that the administrators for the hospital, the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT) are considering ways to provide services from fewer sites in east Kent. The Trust is reported to have confirmed that it is currently developing its future plans and expects these to become available for public consultation early in 2013. Meanwhile local MP Charlie Elphicke and concerned members of the public say they are pressing for answers. They emphasise the importance of local services and avoiding stressful and expensive travel for patients to other centres. It is understood a public petition calling for maintenance of services at Deal Hospital is to be launched next week.
UPDATE: A number of shops and businesses - including the East Kent Mercury office at 13 Queen Street, Deal - have copies of the petition to sign.   (October 11, 2012; updated November 6, 2012)

CLOSURE OF RICHBOROUGH TIP WILL IMPACT ON DEAL

A group campaigning against the possibility of Kent County Council closing the Richborough Household Waste Centre is urging people to sign its petition. The Richborough Action Group (RAG) say that closure of the tip near Sandwich would lead to congestion at neighbouring tips in Deal and Margate, environmental damage through longer car journeys and, very probably, more fly-tipping. For local residents on the Southwall Road and Middle Deal Road routes to the Deal waste tip the prospect of increased traffic is seen as especially unwelcome. To sign the petition or comment, go to: www.saverichboroughtip.co.uk/.    (November 2, 2012)

ROADWORKS FOR SOMERSET ROAD, DEAL

Roadworks are planned for Deal later this month. Kent Highways has announced that it will be carrying out repair work on Somerset Road - which will be closed to through traffic for up to two days and expected to start on Thursday 15 November. Diversions will be signposted. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see: www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (November 2, 2012)

CANDIDATES FOR NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER ROLE

The list of candidates seeking election as Kent's first Police and Crime Commissioner has been published. Voters will be able to make their choice for the person who will be accountable for how crime is tackled across the county on Thursday 15 November. The six people seeking election are:

Dover District Council says it will be enforcing some new vehicle parking rules from Monday 29 October. These will affect drivers when they stop in designated "Special Enforcement Areas" (mostly in and around town centres where on-street parking is controlled). Drivers risk receiving a penalty notice if they:
park more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway and NOT within a designated parking place; or
park adjacent to a dropped footway.

Since 1 October, the council has been issuing advisory notices to any vehicle seen parked in contravention of these restrictions. For more details on parking, see www.dover.gov.uk/parking.aspx.    (October 25, 2012)

ROYAL VISITOR FOR WALMER SCIENCE COLLEGE

HRH Princess Anne visited Walmer on Wednesday 10 October, arriving by helicopter at 2.30pm. The Princess Royal was here to officially open the new maritime studies centre at Walmer Science College in Salisbury Road. For reports on the royal visit, see the This Is Kent/Dover Express website and the Science College's website at www.walmersciencecollege.co.uk/.   (October 20, 2012)

BRUSSELS TRIP UNDERLINES FOLLY OF "FRACKING"

Local environmental campaigner Rosie Rechter has returned from lobbying the EU Parliament in Brussels and says she is more convinced than ever that there needs to be a moratorium on shale gas extraction or "fracking". Rosie delivered two petitions. One called for reconsideration of the European Commission's Horizon 2020 project where gas is wrongly described as a low-carbon form of energy. The other petition pressed for recognition of the dangers of on-shore shale gas extraction and a need for introduction of effective regulation.

Rosie says that, before her visit to Brussels, she believed she could not possibly be more certain that a moratorium and tougher regulation was an urgent necessity. However, after taking part in a three-and-a-half hours long workshop and hearing from other petitioners, scientists, legal experts and what she considered were "self-serving" arguments from gas lobbyists and some MEPs in favour of shale gas, she came away more convinced than ever that "the 'dash for gas' is insane and must be stopped".

"I was well aware of the confused and inadequate regulations," Rosie explained, "but I had not given much thought to the legal framework that I now know to be equally confusing and inadequate. Hearing from scientists who disagreed on important aspects of this procedure underlined the importance of more time to review the evidence. I learned that geologists query the evidence of what can be extracted, and that work needs to be done on analysing which areas it would be particularly dangerous to frack for fear of causing earthquakes." The meeting also heard an impassioned plea from Professor Kevin Anderson of Manchester University on the effect that shale gas extraction will have on climate change. He considered it would stunt necessary investment in renewables and the continued burning of fossil fuels was "complete folly".

Rosie's call for a moratorium was supported by Keith Taylor, MEP who warned her that the EU can move very slowly. So, to try to speed things up, Rosie is urging those who share her concerns to write to their MEPs asking them to support a moratorium. For a list of local MEPs, see: WalmerWeb's MPs and MEPs webpage.

For more on Rosie Rechter's Brussels trip, there are two video reports at www.europeandyou.com/news/1180/4/
and www.europeandyou.com/news/1179/4/.
For the texts of Rosie's two petitions, see Horizon2020 and Regulation (PDF files).
The official Horizon 2020 Initiative website is at: www.h2020.net/index.php.    (October 19, 2012)

Poundland is recalling packs of its "35+10 Free" felt pens with a barcode 5025066821456. The end cap at the base of some of the pens can easily be removed and could prove a choking hazard to young children. Customers who have bought these felt pens from the high street retailer need to check the barcode and return matching items to a Poundland store as soon as possible. For any queries or concerns regarding this information call the Poundland customer service team free on 0800 731 5622 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. See www.poundland.com for nearest store details.    (October 18, 2012)

PUBLIC CAN HELP CHOOSE BEST COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Local residents are being invited to vote for their favourite community projects at a meeting of the Deal and Walmer Neighbourhood Forum on Thursday 1 November in Walmer Science College, starting at 6.30pm. Voluntary and community groups seeking grant aid will each give a two-minute presentation on their project. People at the meeting will then vote electronically for each and the top scoring projects will be recommended for funding. The final awards are subject to approval by Kent County Council and Dover District Council.

Doors at the Science College in Salisbury Road, Walmer, open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start, with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet local councillors and other Forum members. It's an open meeting and all residents are welcome. For further information, please contact KCC Community Engagement Officer Emma Carey on 01622 694943, or DDC Community Development Officer Lynn Brisley on 01304 872164, or see Neighbourhood Forum pages.    (October 18, 2012)

People are being urged to make sure they don’t lose the chance to have their say in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections being held on Thursday 15 November. Over the last three months, households in the Dover District Council area have received an annual voter registration form. This needs to be returned to the council by Wednesday 31 October. Many will have already done this but for any who have not received or have lost the form a call to 01304 872344 should help to sort things out. Alternatively, it is possible to print off a registration form at the About My Vote website. Returning a properly completed form by the 31 October deadline ensures being included on the Electoral Register.

Nadeem Aziz, Electoral Registration Officer for Dover District Council said: “You have to be on the electoral register if you want to have your say in the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections. We estimate that around 3,200 households in the district have not returned their forms. Some people wrongly assume that paying Council Tax means you are registered to vote. I am urging all those eligible to vote in this area to return their form as soon as possible.”    (October 18, 2012)

RETUNE NEEDED FOR FREEVIEW HD AND ADULT CHANNELS

Viewers who receive Freeview programmes may need to retune their televisions, recorders and set-top boxes today (Wednesday, 17 October 2012). The HD and Adult channels have been moved to new channel numbers. Some equipment may update automatically - but, if not, users will need to use the setup function to retune the programme channel list. The new channel numbers are now:

• 101 BBC One HD; 102 BBC HD (later to be renamed BBC TWO HD); 103 ITV1 HD; and 104 Channel 4 HD.
• Adult channels are 171 Television X; 172 smileTV2; 173 smileTV3; 174 Babestn; 175 PARTY; 176 Blue; 177 Babestn2; 178 Playboy. (Channels 170 and 199 are "bookend" pages to warn the presence of the adult channels.)

There are more changes in the pipeline - with the date yet to be announced. These will see the News channels move to 131 BBC NEWS, 132 BBC Parliament, 133 Sky News, 134 Al Jazeera 6-8, 135 Al Jazeera Eng, 136 Russia Today and 137 Community. The Children's channels will move to 121 CBBC; 122 CBeebies and 123 CITV.

The changes and need to retune only affect people who receive Freeview services from a local transmitter such as Dover. Sky, Freesat and cable viewers are not involved.   (October 17, 2012)

STAY SAFE AND LEGAL WITH FIREWORKS

Kent Trading Standards has issued its annual advice to help people avoid purchasing potentially dangerous fireworks or falling foul of the law. Current legislation restricts when and where they can be let off. Youngsters cannot buy fireworks and risk an £80 on-the-spot fine from the Police if they've got them in a public place. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (October 16, 2012)

PUBLIC'S VIEWS SOUGHT ON SCHOOLS MERGER PLAN

Deal and Walmer residents are being urged to let Kent County Council have their views on a proposal for Castle Community College and Walmer Science College to merge as a single school in September 2013. Main reasons for the suggested change are:
a forecast drop in the total number of pupils over the coming years;
a larger school would offer a wider curriculum and satisfy a broad range of ability and aspiration;
a successful bid in the new “Priority Schools Building Programme” by Castle Community College makes it possible to provide all secondary education for Deal and Walmer on one site; and
there are insufficient pupils across the two schools to sustain current staffing levels but a merger could help reduce expenditure and avoid some staffing reductions.

Two public meetings are being held to explain the proposal - at Walmer Science College, Salisbury Road, Walmer on Wednesday 17 October at 7pm and at Castle Community College, Mill Road, Deal on Thursday 18 October at 7pm. Several consultation documents can be seen on the KCC website at http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/WalmerandCastle/
consultationHome where it is also possible to comment by completing an online consultation form or sending an     (October 11, 2012)

DODGY OFFERS TO AVOID

Latest consumer alerts from Kent Trading Standards warn the public to be on their guard about:
crooks trying to "con" money by telephoning and pretending to be from Trading Standards;
offers of “free” burglar alarms that can prove very costly;
unsolicited phone calls from a business calling itself ‘Oceans Estates’ offering to arrange holiday timeshare deals.

For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (October 11, 2012)

LOCAL FOCUS ON "HEALTHY CHOCOLATE"

Deal’s Chocolution pure chocolate enterprise will be playing its part in National Chocolate Week between 8 and 14 October. Chocolution’s founder Kieran Renihan is heading up a number of talks and workshops in Deal, exploring all aspects of chocolate including its history and production and the importance of fair trade initiatives. He says: "Most commercially sold chocolate has been heavily processed and no longer contains beneficial antioxidant flavanols." The special week would provide opportunities for everyone in Deal to appreciate the benefits of pure chocolate with current scientific research recognising its potential to improve heart health.

The Deal-based social business, The Chocolution, sources its raw ingredients ethically and enjoys a direct relationship with the Cocao producers and registration with The Soil Association. Its products are all hand-made locally - using a variety of ad-hoc production sites such as kitchens in local churches, theatres and schools. The resulting bars are sold at a number of local independent outlets. For more information and details of talks and workshops for community groups and schools, contact Kieran Renihan on 07846 094220, or see http://thechocolution.com/.   (October 3, 2012)

TIME TO CHECK THOSE BOUNDARY HEDGES

Kent Highways are asking property owners with trees, hedges and other vegetation which overhang the road or pavement to check these aren't causing problems. Autumn is seen as a good time to ensure that any trees and hedges next to the Highway are maintained and cut back to the boundary. Where the boundary of a property borders the pavement, the full width of the pavement must be available for use by pedestrians and there must be a minimum height clearance of 2.1 metres (7 feet). Any vegetation that overhangs the road must have a minimum height clearance of 5 metres (16 feet) needed by buses and HGVs. In rural locations the vegetation should be 0.45 metres (1 foot 6 inches) from the edge of the road and all signs need to be kept clear of foliage for at least 20 metres.    (September 23, 2012)

PUBLIC INVITED TO HAVE A SAY ON COASTAL ACCESS

Natural England has published draft proposals for improving public access along the coastline between Ramsgate and Folkestone. These can be seen on the Natural England website at www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/access/coastalaccess/
kent/default.aspx. The public is being invited to comment on the proposals and any views can be submitted or sent by post to: Coastal Access Delivery Team (South East), Natural England, 7th Floor, Hercules House, Hercules Road, London SE1 7DU. The deadline for comments is 5pm on Friday, 9 November.    (September 23, 2012)

CHANGE TO 82 BUS ROUTE

Stagecoach have announced that, from Monday 8 October, there will be a change to the 82 bus route in Walmer. It will be diverted via Lord Warden Avenue and not serve bus stops on Dover Road at Salisbury Road and on Granville Road at Knoll Place. The bus company says the change is to overcome problems at the Granville Road/Dover Road junction and to offer a better service to residents of Lord Warden Avenue. The bus timetable will not change. For details, see: www.stagecoachbus.com/serviceupdatedetails.aspx?Id=5676.    (September 22, 2012)

INVITATION TO HELP SPRUCE UP DEAL'S BEACH

UPDATE!! The organisers have cancelled this event following today's (Saturday 22 September) forecast of severe weather by the Meteorological Office.
Local people are being invited to join in the next Deal Beach Clean exercise on Sunday 23 September. Organised by local representatives of the Marine Conservation Society and supported by green campaigners Deal With It, the scheme mobilises voluntary effort to clean up the main beach at Deal. All are welcome to help and all essential gloves and cleaning materials are provided. The big clean up starts at Deal Pier at 9am and usually finishes around 11am.

Deal Beach Warden Wendy Boorman said: "This is part of the Marine Conservation Society’s national BeachWatch Weekend and is an important step in their routine monitoring of how our waste is impacting on our seas and coast. Last year’s campaign saw beach cleans on 335 of the UKs beaches involving some 4,375 people. Plastics remain the number one threat to our coastal environment with dozens of birds and seals killed every year on our local coast." For more details, see: www.dealwithit.org.uk.     (September 10, 2012 - updated September 22, 2012)

MORE HIGH SPEED TRAINS AND GATWICK LINK PROPOSED

Dover District Council has submitted a number of suggestions to the Department of Transport on how local rail services could be improved when the current Southeastern franchise is renewed in April 2014. These include:

• Making the best use of the domestic high-speed rail service to deliver value and support economic growth with a need to improve journey times to Dover Priory.
• A new rail service between Dover and Gatwick via Ashford - to link the airport to Ashford International and the Dover ports.
• Extending the current peak time high-speed rail service to Deal and Sandwich to provide an all day and weekend service to and from London.
• Reducing passenger journey times to Thanet to help with the economic expansion of East Kent and supporting the Discovery Park in Sandwich.
• A number of other points including more facilities for bikes, continued station improvements, the extension of Crossrail, simplified ticketing, and wider integration between services and other public transport.

   (September 20, 2012)

The public is being alerted to unsolicited telephone sales calls offering a plug-in energy saving device. It is said the device will reduce electricity bills but Kent Trading Standards believe these claims are false and the product poses a fire and electrocution risk. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (September 20, 2012)

ORIENT EXPRESS TRIPS ARE BOOSTING LOCAL TOURISM

The world-famous Orient Express UK Pullman train pulls into Deal for the fourth and final 2012 ‘Discover Deal’ excursion on Wednesday 26 September. Visitors to Deal travelling on board the train from London Victoria will arrive at 1.15pm and, following two hours’ free time in Deal, will return to London at 3.45pm. The founders of Deal station’s Platform 1 café, Nick and Andy Stevens said: “The famous train’s visit to Deal on every occasion this year has presented a unique opportunity to showcase the town to visitors. Thanks to the hundreds of local people who have been there to provide a great welcome, an excellent impression of the town has been created. We know that previous train passengers have since returned to Deal on private short break visits, so to generate repeat business in this way is very positive news."     (September 14, 2012)

BOGUS "SAFE AT HOME" CALLS

A report of a householder receiving a phone call from someone who said they were from “Safe at Home” and asking if she had a smoke alarm has prompted a warning from Kent Trading Standards. The caller said they were in the area, thought the householder qualified for safety equipment and they would call back later.... However, Safe at Home was a two-year scheme that ended in March 2011. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (September 14, 2012)

ROADWORKS AT ALBERT ROAD LEVEL CROSSING

Kent Highways say that, because of work to maintain and re-rail the level crossing on Albert Road at Deal, it will be necessary to close it to traffic for most of Saturday 29 September and the early hours of Sunday 30 September. The closure starts at 0.30am on Saturday and is due to end at 5am on the Sunday. An alternative route for traffic will be via A258 Queen Street, Broad Street, Beach Street, King Street, High Street and Ark Lane. For further details, call KCC Highways on 0845 824 7800.

Network Rail say these track improvements and maintenance will affect rail services between Dover Priory and Ramsgate from 00:35 on Saturday 29 September until 00:35 on Sunday 30 September. There will be no train services calling at Deal, Martin Mill, Sandwich or Walmer. Replacement bus services will call at these stations, operating in each direction between Dover Priory and Ramsgate. To check these and other engineering works, see: www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/currentAndFuture.html.    (September 13, 2012)

CRICKET CLUB'S PLANS FOR COLDBLOW

The owners of a 15-acre area of woodland and open field at Coldblow on the southern outskirts of Walmer have revealed their plans for the site. In a letter to the local press, Mr Nicholas Fielding, a director of the landowners TG Claymore UK Limited and secretary to a newly formed Ringwould Cricket Club, explains that the intention is to create a rural cricket pitch and improve the woodland area for other sports activities such as a running club. He emphasises that the recent works to reinstate original fencing on the boundary of the site are an important security and safety measure, especially whilst work to clear up the mess created by trespassers on the land is carried out. He deplores the recent spate of vandalism to boundary wire installed by a small team of cricket club volunteers and promises that any dangers created from the cut wire will be looked into. There are, he confirms, no plans to erect permanent structures and that any necessary planning consents will be sought.

Mr Fielding is hopeful that the founding members of the new cricket club will be in a position to show progress on creating their ground and invite applications from prospective new members early in the new year. A full copy of Mr Fielding's letter to the local press can be downloaded from the Ringwould with Kingsdown Parish Council website. Nicholas Fielding says he will welcome constructive comments and ideas on what he believes is a fitting project in the Jubilee and Olympic year. He can be contacted     (September 12, 2012)

GET THE FACTS ABOUT HELPING AS A VOLUNTEER

Anyone who is possibly interested in volunteering but feels unsure about what is involved can now "get the facts" on a free two-day course being organised by Dover District Volunteering Centre. The organisers say they appreciate there are many reasons why taking on a volunteer role may seem daunting. Some folk may lack confidence or need encouragement; there could be concerns about childcare costs or maybe deciding on the most suitable volunteer work. That's where the free course could really help. It takes place in Dover on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 October. Lunch and refreshments are included free of charge and travel expenses reimbursed. For more information contact Karen at the Volunteer Centre on 01304 367898 or     (September 10, 2012)

CONSUMER ALERTS: DODGY MoT CERTIFICATES AND NEW PPI SCAM

Kent Trading Standards have issued warnings about two scams that could cause problems for the unwary. The first involves the new-style paper MoT vehicle test certificates. These can be easily forged and are no longer proof that a valid MoT exists. To check a current MoT exists, people need to visit the official VOSA website. The second scam is the latest variant of an unsolicited telephone call offering a big rebate for missold PPI insurance. The aim is to dupe people into paying an upfront "admin fee". The promised big rebate never materialises. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (September 7, 2012)

YELLOW LINES PLAN FOR SHORT LENGTH OF DOVER ROAD

Kent County Council has published proposals to introduce yellow line waiting restrictions outside nos: 215, 217 and 219 Dover Road (A258) at Walmer. Details can be downloaded at: www.walmerpc.kentparishes.gov.uk/UserFiles/file/
ACCOUNTS/roads.pdf. The public can comment in support or objection to the proposal by writing to the KCC Traffic Schemes Team in Ashford or by . The deadline for comments is 12noon on Monday, 24 September.     (September 7, 2012)

TIMETABLE FOR DEAL'S NEW SEA DEFENCES

The Environment Agency has released details of the timetable for construction of its £10-million sea flooding defences at Deal. The first stages will include delivery of heavy rocks by sea on a rock barge from Norway in early September. These will be used for the construction of wave protection to the north of Sandown Castle, scheduled to start in mid September and expected to take about eight weeks. The Environment Agency team say that they can only do the rock work during low tides. To finish it as quickly as possible before the winter storms they will need to work during both of the low tides each day, some of which will be at night. They have apologised in advance for any disruption and inconvenience that this may cause to nearby residents and will be happy to provide more information and discuss any concerns.

The scheme also includes introducing extra shingle along most of the beach. This is due to start in mid September and will take around three weeks with the new shingle being pumped ashore from a dredger. An equally vital part of the scheme is introduction of a 3-foot high wave wall along the promenade from the Royal Hotel to Deal Castle. Work on this also starts in mid September and the Agency team anticipate it will be substantially completed by Christmas, leaving just a period of tidying up and removal of site offices based at Sandown in January 2013.

For those who would like to find out more, there will be a small exhibition about the scheme during the works at the Royal Hotel; daily activity updates posted at the entrance of the Pier; and a monthly newsletter to update the progress of the works. For comprehensive details of the scheme and how to contact the Environment Agency Team, see: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/135503.aspx. To download the September edition of the monthly newsletter, click here.    (August 31, 2012)

ROAD CLOSURE: HAWKSDOWN, WALMER

Part of Hawksdown, Walmer is due to be closed to traffic from Monday, 3 September for up to three days. The road will be closed between the junctions with Dover Road and White Acre Drive so Kent Highways can carry out carriageway patching works. The alternative route is via the A258 Dover Road, Gram's Road, Hawksdown Road and Hawksdown.     (August 29, 2012)

"CRICKET CLUB" MYSTERY AT COLDBLOW

Mystery surrounds recent developments at Coldblow on the southern outskirts of Walmer. Local dog walkers and hikers have been surprised by the erection of barbed wire fencing and "keep out" notices around the perimeter of an area of rough woodland and open field over the past two weeks. It is understood that the land was once owned by the Ministry of Defence and sold off when surplus to requirements. It is believed that the land was recently sold again and new notices on the site suggest that the latest owners are "Ringwould Cricket Club". However, there appears to be no evidence of an active club operating under that name!

Coldblow Woods and the open land alongside have enjoyed a chequered history in recent years. The police have been called on numerous occasions to deal with unauthorised off-road motor cycling, campers lighting fires and disturbance from bad behaviour. Litter and dumped rubbish have regularly spoilt the area for more considerate users such as locals walking their dogs, ramblers and cyclists. Dover District Council has been advised of the latest activity at Coldblow but is understood not to have received any formal notification or planning applications for it.     (August 24, 2012)

DEAL'S BUSY WEEKEND IN MID SEPTEMBER

Deal is set to be busier than ever over the weekend of 15 and 16 September. For folk music fans there's the Deal Maritime Folk Festival which kicks off on Friday 14 September and continues for the next two days. And for people looking for a bargain or a collectible there's the combination of the town's annual Braderie flea market along the length of the High Street, plus indoor antiques and craft fairs at the Astor Theatre and in the St George's Hall - all on Sunday 16 September. For details of these and other events during Deal's big weekend, see the coming events listings on WalmerWeb.     (August 24, 2012)

FOOD RECALLS: COOK TAGINE AND TESCO PRAWN MASALA RICE

Kent Trading Standards has issued warnings about two recalls on food products. They are for:

• Cook Trading Limited own brand Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Tagine (batch 12117; best before date 22/04/13). This one batch has been found to contain nuts. This is not declared on the labelling and could pose a risk to those with an allergy or intolerance to nuts.
• Tesco Stores Ltd own brand Indian Prawn Masala and Pilau Rice, 500g (use by date 22 September). This one batch has been wrongly labelled with an incorrect "use by" date of 22 September; it should have been labelled for 22 August. Purchasers are advised not to use this particular batch.

For more details and how to obtain a refund, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (August 22, 2012)

NEW CROSS-CHANNEL FERRY LAUNCHES

Two former SeaFrance ferries are back in service again with the launch on Monday (20 August) of a new Dover-Calais link. Operating under the My Ferry Link banner, the ships are now owned by Eurotunnel with day-to-day management by a cooperative group formed by previous SeaFrance employees, the majority in France and around 100 in Dover. The new My Ferry Link fleet comprises three ferries. Two - the Berlioz and Rodin -will provide an initial service between Dover and Calais with eight return sailings a day. The third ferry - the former SeaFrance Nord-pas de Calais - is expected to join them later this year. For the company's website, see www.myferrylink.com/.      (August 21, 2012)

RECORD NUMBER OF NEW BUSINESSES START UP IN DEAL

Research by a UK business support organisation, Duport Associates, has identified Deal as a good place to consider launching a new business. The group says that Deal has seen record net growth in the number of new companies formed during the "Q2" period of April, May and June 2012. Following the disappointment of a failed bid to become a Mary Portas Pilot Town, there is now good news for the area with 27 new companies starting up. It's a figure that beats all previously recorded quarter-year periods.

The local Town Team volunteers who put together the Portas bid say they will continue to focus on improving Deal. As well as identifying essential low-cost projects to bring vibrancy to the town, they also plan to bid for large sums of money for bigger jobs. Councillor Ian Killbery, a member of the team, said: "The next step is to work out exactly what our priorities are going to be. There are certain sorts of funding we can go for but they all take time and effort to apply for."

For new businesses in the area, the Expansion East Kent scheme has £35million available in the form of interest-free loans. The aim of the fund is to invest in Kent and create jobs. Managing director of Duport, Peter Valaitis said: "Deal may be a relatively small town but the record level of net growth in number of new companies speaks well of the area. The local council offers valuable support to business start-ups and Deal is certainly a promising area in which to set up a new company." He considered Deal was committed to growing and developing and the recent increase in new companies showed great promise for the future. Duport Associates Ltd says it has been operating in the UK for around 15 years and, as part of its services, registers around 10,000 new companies each year using its Companies House-approved software.
Duport's website is at www.duport.co.uk/.     (August 16, 2012)

SEPTEMBER START FOR DEAL'S NEW SEA DEFENCES

Construction of new sea defences at Deal are set to start next month (September). The Environment Agency scheme includes a 3-foot high wave wall along the promenade from the Royal Hotel to Deal Castle, introducing heavy rock protection to the north of Sandown Castle and extra shingle along most of the beach. It is estimated the £10-million scheme will reduce the risk of sea flooding to 626 homes and 44 businesses. The Environment Agency says that, subject to good weather, it aims to complete the works within four months. For more details, see: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/
135503.aspx .     (August 16, 2012)

"WALMER IN BLOOM" COMPETITION WINNERS

Winners in the 11th year of Walmer Parish Council's "Walmer In Bloom" gardens competition have been announced. The proud householders and businesses who impressed the judges with their front gardens and hanging baskets are:

• Best gardens: Punam Singh, St Margaret's Drive **; Janet Wood, Salisbury Road; and Keith Johnson, Drew Lane.
• Best containers: Robert Holt, Blake Close; Allan Scott, Herschell Road West**; and Jennifer Hadley, The Strand.
• Minimum size/maximum impact category: Jean and Tony Fulljames, The Shrubbery**; Glenys McKenna, Churchill Avenue; and Susan Sim, Ravenscourt Road.
• The Business Category winner: The Walmer Centre, Liverpool Road.
• **The Deal Society Trophies for best gardens and outstanding contributions to the competition were awarded to Punam Singh, Allan Scott and Jean and Tony Fulljames.

In the early stages of judging, 268 premises gained "commended" certificates. The main prizewinners will be invited to attend an awards event in September.     (August 16, 2012)

CAMPAIGNERS CRY "FOUL" OVER DOG MESS

Thoughtless dog owners are to be targetted in a new campaign led by Deal town councillor David Cronk. Fed up with the sight of dog fouling in the town and concerned at the health risks the mess poses, he and other town councillors are holding a free Dog Awareness event outside the Town Hall in Deal High Street on Thursday, 23 August between 10am and 1pm. Everyone is invited and, for dog owners, there are free health checks and micro chipping for their pets. As well as encouraging responsible dog owners who "bag it and bin it", the campaigners hope that the message will get through to the irresponsible minority who don't bother that they are risking legal action and fines.     (August 16, 2012)

Community groups looking for help with projects that offer a local community benefit are being invited to apply for grants of up to £2,500 from the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums. Successful projects that, last year, qualified for cash grants provided by Dover District Council and Kent County Council included upgrading outside play areas, a community seating project, music systems for several clubs and renovating community buildings. The County Council is administering the funds and application packs and further information are available from KCC Community Engagement Officers Emma Carey on 01622 694943 and Will Farmer on 01622 694032. Details can also be downloaded at www.dover.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums.     (August 9, 2012)

DOORSTEP OFFERS OF "SPARE TARMAC" CAN PROVE COSTLY

There are reports of homeowners in the Petham and Hoath areas near Canterbury being approached and intimidated by a group of rogue traders offering driveway surface repairs. It was the old story of having "tarmac left over", a vague suggestion of "a good deal" and falsely claiming a Council connection - all leading to a shoddy job, a grossly inflated price and abuse for anyone agreeing to the work and then questioning the cost. Kent Trading Standards advise refusing to discuss or accept this type of doorstep offer. For details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (August 9, 2012)

FILM MUSEUM PLAN FOR DEAL

A Deal couple - David Francis (77) and his wife Joss Marsh (55) - have revealed plans to establish a new museum tracing the history of film and the moving image from the late 1800s to the present day. They have their sights set on a large building in Stanhope Road, Deal, where they hope to create a research library and archive with displays recording the history of the silver screen. The couple, who have lived and worked in America for many years, now live in Deal and say their aim is for the proposed museum to serve local interests and to attract visitors to the town.     (August 9, 2012)

BEWARE OF OLYMPIC TICKET FRAUDSTERS

The Metropolitan Police Force have alerted the public to an illegal website offering for sale Olympic and Paralympic tickets. It is called www.liveolympictickets.com and has now been suspended by the Police. The site is not authorised to sell tickets for the games and people who have bought from them may find that they do not receive any tickets or they are unable to get into the venue. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (August 3, 2012)

VIEWS INVITED ON PROPOSED COUNCIL TAX CHANGES

A cut in central government funding to local councils means there will be changes to the Council Tax system from April 2013. Dover District Council says it will have to work within a budget that is 10 to 15% less. To meet the shortfall in funding, the Council is suggesting a number of proposals to reduce or remove some current council tax benefits, discounts and exemptions. However, before any final decision, the council is carrying out a consultation process. The public is invited to have its say online at www.dover.gov.uk/counciltaxchanges or by returning a survey form (available from the council's area offices or by calling 01227 862310). Comments need to be submitted before Wednesday, 17 September.    (July 30, 2012)

ROAD CLOSURE FOR UPPER STREET, KINGSDOWN

Part of Upper Street at Kingsdown is due to be closed to traffic to allow phone cabling works over two days in mid August. The work is due to start on (or shortly after) Monday 13 August and involves the section of Upper Street between its junctions with The Rise and Undercliffe Road. Traffic will be banned between 9.30am and 3.30pm while the work is carried out. Diversions are via Upper Street, The Avenue, Victoria Road, Kingsdown Hill, Oldstairs Road and Undercliffe Road. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see: www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (July 28, 2012)

BOTULISM SCARE FOR DIVINI DI CHICCO FRANCESCO OLIVES

The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning following a case of botulism food poisoning linked to a specific batch of DIVINI di Chicco Francesco olives. The product comes in a 580-gram glass jar with metal screw top lid. The suspect batch has a Lot number: 161/11 and Best before date: 10/06/2014. For details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (July 26, 2012)

SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE FREEDOWN

Youngsters looking for something different to do during the school holidays could find that a joint venture by Walmer Parish Council and the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership ticks several boxes. The Partnership's Green Gang are running two special events at Hawkshill Freedown on the southern edge of Walmer. The first is an Ugly Bug Tea Party on the evening of Wednesday 8 August. Starting at 7.45pm and finishing by 9.45pm, it combines a picnic and an opportunity to learn about the wildlife of the Freedown. Organiser Steve Walker explained: "Bring something to eat and drink as we picnic in the grassland and hunt for ugly bugs, bats and moths. Bring something warm to wear and a torch as we will be out and about at dusk and please wear sturdy footwear." Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them throughout the event. To join in participants need to meet in the Hawkshill carpark at the junction of Liverpool Road and Grams Road, Walmer, at 7.45pm.

The second event - on Wednesday 22 August at 2pm - is billed as "An Afternoon in the Grassland Jungle". Green Gang organiser Steve Walker said the afternoon would feature an I-SPY hunt with stories and games to explore what grows in chalk grassland. The 2pm assembly point is the Hawkshill carpark and the event is expected to last for two hours. Children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Both events are funded by Walmer Parish Council and free to participants. For more details, contact Steve Walker on 01304 241806.     (July 24, 2012)

FAME BECKONS IN LOCAL BANDS CONTEST

Deal's Rivals Nightclub and Astor Theatre are getting together to host a “Battle of the Bands” competition – running through the whole of August with a launch party on Deal Carnival Night (Thursday, 26 July) at the nightclub. For bands looking for professional help to break into the music business, the competition could be a golden opportunity. The organisers are seeking over 20 bands to take part - with no restrictions in type of band or style of music.

Every Thursday night through August (the 2nd, 9th and 16th) there will be live auditions at the Astor Theatre between 7pm and 11 pm, followed by a "Blow Out After Party" at Rivals from 11pm to 1.30am. The semi final is on Thursday, 23 August and the final on Saturday, 25 August - both at Rivals. The winners will get a recording session in the new Astor Recording Studio, an EP release launch party and exposure to key industry players, who can potentially aid towards a commercial recording contract. To register contact Brian Andrews on 01304 370220 or

The Astor Theatre says one long-term goal is to encourage the use of its brand new recording studios by the local community and beyond. The theatre will also be going through a major upgrade in late August with new lighting and sound equipment, a stage revamp and new comfy chairs. Rivals Nightclub aims to enhance the potential of local bands and talent through more live events and increased community participation.     (July 18, 2012)

Morrisons Supermarkets are warning people that a batch of their own brand Pesto Chicken Pasta contains prawn linguine rather than chicken pasta, due to a packing error. It is therefore unsuitable for consumers with a shellfish (prawns) or celery allergy. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.     (July 16, 2012)

WHERE TO SEE THE OLYMPIC TORCH IN DEAL ON 19 JULY

The Olympic Flame will arrive at Deal Pier on Thursday, 19 July for an 8.27am start to the relay through the town and out towards Sholden. The route will include King Street, part of the High Street, Sondes Road, the seafront, Deal Castle Road, Gilford Road, Park Avenue and London Road. For a map of the route, click here (opens a PDF file). The exact times of arrival at Deal Pier and finish at Sholden could be affected by weather or other factors but it is expected the Relay will take about 25 minutes following the 8.27am start at the Pier.

Although no full road closures are planned for the Torch Relay, the Police will operate a system of rolling road closures to ensure the roads ahead of the Torch Relay remain clear, that no traffic pulls out into the convoy and no following traffic overtakes. This will involve only short periods and it is expected the roads on the route won’t have to be closed for more than 30 minutes during the Torch Procession. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained. Motorists at Deal are being advised to avoid the Relay route for around 30 minutes before and after the Torch Relay times and to use alternative routes where possible. For more - including details of Torch Relay arrangements in Dover and Sandwich - see: www.dover.gov.uk/olympic_torch.aspx and www.london2012.com/
olympic-torch-relay.     (June 30, 2012 - updated July 14, 2012)

PICNIC COMBINES FUN, MUSIC AND A SHOWCASE FOR LOCAL CLUBS

Walmer Parish Council’s popular Picnic on Walmer Green will take place this year on Saturday 11 August from 1pm to 5pm. Local residents are invited to pack a picnic and come along for an informal afternoon of fun and music. Clubs and organisations serving Walmer and Deal are also invited to set up a stall to attract new members and give advice and information about what they provide. Chairman of the Council Pat Heath said: “This is a relaxed and informal way for the people of Walmer to find out what is happening around the parish, about new facilities or services on offer or new clubs and societies to join. It’s also a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon listening to some great live music with family and friends.” For more information and to book a pitch at the picnic contact the Parish Council Office on 01304 381506 or .   (July 11, 2012)

STILL TIME TO ENTER "GARDENS" PHOTOS

Judging for the annual "Walmer in Bloom" front gardens competition is now underway. But people with a "hidden" back garden still have a couple of weeks to enter Walmer Parish Council's photographic competition. This 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.   (July 9, 2012)

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL "FOODBANK" INITIATIVE

Supporters of a new voluntary group planning to help local people who may be struggling to feed themselves or their families are celebrating official recognition by the national Trussell Trust charity. Started in recent weeks by a small group of concerned local residents, the Deal Area Foodbank has set up a Facebook page and already attracted over 150 supporters or "friends". Founding member Heather Walters says she and other core team members Alan and Julia Thompson, Laighton Walters and Dominique Westbrook would love others to join them in the project.

Recognising that 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK, The Trussell Trust works with churches and communities to provide foodbanks where people facing hunger - possibly through redundancy and money problems - can get a minimum of three days emergency food and support to help them through their crisis. The Trust says that, in 2011-12, foodbanks fed 128,687 people nationwide - 100% more than the previous year. Rising costs of food and fuel combined with static income, high unemployment and changes to benefits are causing more and more people to come to foodbanks for help. With over 200 foodbanks currently launched, the goal is for every town to have one.

Members of the Deal Area Foodbank are now anxiously waiting for detailed information from the Trust's HQ so they can set up their local group. Heather says this could take three months but she and her team aim to be fully operating by Christmas. For more details, see Deal Area Foodbank Facebook pages and The Trussell Trust website.    (July 7, 2012)

ROADWORKS ON RIPPLE ROAD

Kent Highways is planning to carry out patching works on Ripple Road, Ripple, starting on Monday, 9 July and expected to take two days. A section of the road near the junction with the A258 Dover Road will be closed to through traffic. Diversions will be via Ringwould Road and Sutton Lane. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see: www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (July 7, 2012)

ROADWORKS IN DEAL

Several sets of roadworks are planned for Deal later this month. Kent Highways has announced that it will be carrying out patching works in the following roads:
Beaconsfield Road - which will be closed between its junctions with Victoria Road and Blenheim Road for up to three days from Monday, 23 July between 7.30am and 3.30pm each day.
Blenheim Road - which will be closed between its junctions with Wellington Road and Hope Road for up to two days from Monday, 30 July.
Gladstone Road - which will be closed between its junctions with The Strand and Blenheim Road for up to three days from Wednesday, 1 August.

Diversions will be signposted and one-way restrictions in some local roads will be suspended to enable access for local residents. For more information, call 0845 824 7800 or see: www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (July 7, 2012)

CHOCOLATE AND DRINKS PRODUCTS RECALLED

Manufacturers of several soft drinks and some chocolate bars are advising customers not to consume them and return them for a refund. The products that have been recalled are:

• Cott Beverages Emerge Isotonic Orange Flavour Sports Drink, 500ml bottle (labelled "Best before: December 2012" and "Batch L156"). There are concerns that the bottles may contain small pieces of plastic and they should be returned to the store where purchased or sent by freepost for a full refund or replacement to Customer Care, Cott Beverages Ltd, Kegworth, FREEPOST DY691, Derbyshire. For further information call freephone 0800 783 5223 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday).
• Breckland Orchard Drinks in the following flavours: Blackcurrant & Raspberry, 275ml; Cloudy Lemonade, 275ml; Cream Soda, 275ml; Ginger Beer with Chilli, 275ml; Pear & Elderflower, 275ml and 750ml; and Strawberry & Rhubarb, 275ml. All have "best before" dates of March 2013 or April 2013. Due to a process failure, there is a risk of fermentation which may result in breakage of the glass bottle. Return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.
• Co-operative Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Peruvian Dark Chocolate with Dried Sweetened Cranberries 100g (best before: 01 February 2013, batch code: L2032) and (best before: 02 February 2013, batch code: L2033). They are incorrectly described as dark chocolate but actually contain milk chocolate and are therefore unsuitable for consumers with a milk allergy or intolerance. Call freephone 0800 0686 727 to arrange a full refund.

No other products by these companies are known to be affected.     (July 7, 2012)

1000-STRONG PROTEST AT PARKING CHARGES

A petition with over 1,000 signatures from angry shoppers and businesses protesting at recent changes to car parking charges in Deal has been handed to Dover Council. Their complaint reflects growing concerns that town centre parking fees deter shoppers and can result in struggling and failed businesses. The charges are believed to place high street shops at a serious disadvantage to out-of-town retail parks where parking is free. The petition, compiled by local campaigner Brian Henderson, is now expected to be considered by the district council's scrutiny committee and could lead to a review of car parking in Deal and Sandwich and a study into how other retail areas attract shoppers.     (July 4, 2012)

KCC TO LOOK AT LIBRARY PROVISION

Kent County Council has announced a new study into the future provision of its library services. The council says it wants to find "new and better ways" of meeting the needs of people in Kent in the 21st century. These, it suggests, will involve refreshing services so that they reflect changing needs, working with communities to find innovative and efficient ways to maintain local library services and meeting legal responsibilities. Details of how the library service might develop in the future and how the public can have its say are on the KCC website at www.kent.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/libraries/
future_library
_services.aspx. Included is a detailed fact sheet about the Deal Library at: https://shareweb.kent.gov.uk/Documents/
leisure-and-culture/libraries/FLS/Dover district/Deal.pdf.     (July 1, 2012)