FREE WALK TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT BATS

There's an opportunity to learn about bats in a free guided walk on Hawkshill Freedown at Walmer on Thursday 4 July. Wildlife management consultant Martin Newcombe will lead the walk which is one of the regular events at the Freedown arranged by Walmer Parish Council. Participants are advised to wear suitable footwear for the uneven ground and bear in mind it will be dark. The walk starts at the car park at the junction of Liverpool Road and Grams Road at 8pm. (Note this is a change from the previously published time.)   (June 27, 2013)

CASH FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN "YOU DECIDE" SCHEME

Grants of up to £2,500 are, once again, on offer to voluntary groups planning projects that will benefit their local community. For their latest "You Decide" grant scheme Dover District Council and Kent County Council are inviting groups to submit their projects so the best can be selected at public events later this year. At these local people - residents, community groups and representatives from all parts of the community - vote on the grant applications and how the grant money is to be spent locally. Their recommendations then help the county and district councils make the final awards to successful applicants. The "You Decide" event for Deal and Walmer area is due to be held on Saturday 30 November.

Projects last year were as diverse as day care centre improvements, a community event and a bird’s nest swing for a recreation project. Application forms for the 2013/2014 awards are available from KCC community engagement officer Shuna Body on 01622 694943 or  They can also be downloaded from the Dover DC website. The closing date for applications is Friday 13 September 2013.   (June 24, 2013)

DOG WALKING VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED

A national charity that helps the elderly and terminally ill care for their pets, is seeking volunteers in the Walmer area. The Cinnamon Trust says it urgently needs people to help keep owners and pets together. This might be by walking a dog for a housebound owner or fostering pets when the owners need hospital care. The Trust's Sally Collins says: "We are desperate for volunteers in this area. Even if you can only offer an hour a week it will improve the dog’s quality of life and give the owner peace of mind." Top of the list of current problems is a shortage of volunteers to provide much needed walks for a five-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Cross in Walmer. Sally asks anyone who feels they can help to call her on 01736 758707 or  For more details see www.cinnamon.org.uk.   (June 24, 2013)

FREE PROMOTION FOR LOCAL CLUBS AT ANNUAL PICNIC

Local residents are being invited to pack a picnic and join in an informal afternoon of fun and music when Walmer Parish Council stages its annual Community Picnic on Walmer Green. This year's event is on Saturday 10 August from 1pm to 5pm. As well as music from the popular Kingsdown Band, there will be displays by local clubs and organisations and a selection of inexpensive fairground rides for youngsters. The afternoon also provides a great opportunity for local clubs and community groups to set up a stall to offer advice and information about the services they provide and even attract new members and supporters.

Parish council chairman 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 Office on 01304 381506 or    (June 21, 2013)

SEEKING OUT WALMER'S BEST BACK GARDENS

Keen gardeners living in Walmer are being invited to enter a photographic competition that lets others appreciate their horticultural skills. A spin off from the annual Walmer In Bloom awards that seek out the area's best front garden displays, the photo competition gives residents the opportunity to show what is going on in their back gardens. There are three categories: animals, close up and panorama. The closing date for entries is Friday 2 August and members of the public will then be invited to judge entries throughout the afternoon at the Walmer Green Picnic on Saturday 10 August.

Entry forms and details can be collected from the parish office at 10 Victoria Road, Deal or requested Walmer In Bloom committee chairman Sue le Chevalier urged people to join in and "grab your camera and get clicking!".    (June 21, 2013)

SHOOTING DEAL FROM A NEW ANGLE

West London commercial photographer Marc Henwood has contacted this website to tell us about a recent photoshoot in Deal. In capturing a number of distinctive features along the seafront Marc considers he was helped by the light from the early morning sunrise on the beach. He explained: " I think this has paid off in the quality of the final images." Marc offers copies of his work for sale and to see some of his photos of Deal go to www.marchenwoodphotography.co.uk/gallery_528910.html.    (June 21, 2013)

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS TO THE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Residents may have wondered what happened to the short lists of planning applications no longer published in some local newspapers. Dover District Council says that it now only uses the Kent on Sunday freesheet for public notices detailing some new applications. Full lists are published on the council's website at www.dover.gov.uk/Planning/Planning-Applications/View-Applications--Decisions/Weekly-Planning-List.aspx. The latest list for the week ending 21 June 2013 can be seen as a pdf file.    (June 20, 2013)

CALL FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS

The launch of a new befriending scheme that links up able volunteers with the frail and elderly has prompted a call for more people to consider offering their time and skills to help others. Staff at the Dover District Volunteering Centre in Deal say that they would very much like to hear from people who want to know more about the new befriending scheme or the scores of other community projects they support. For more details of the Volunteering Centre's activities, see www.doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk.    (June 14, 2013)

NAUTICAL FLAGS TO BRIGHTEN HIGH STREET

Deal Town Team - the voluntary group working to improve and sustain the local town centre for residents and visitors - is inviting the public to create artwork to brighten up the High Street. Groups and individuals can take part and the idea is to produce flag designs with a maritime theme. Participants will be supplied with blank canvasses for their projects and the completed artwork will be put on show along the length of the main shopping area. Details for the "Flag It Up" project can be seen at http://highstreetdeal.co.uk/flag-it-up.    (June 14, 2013)

NEW CARE HOME PLAN FOR SAMPSON COURT SITE

Plans by the Orbit South housing group to build a new care home on the site of the former KCC Sampson Court home in Mongeham Road, Deal, have been announced. Orbit's proposal includes 81 residents' rooms, a computer room, hair salon, communal lounge, laundry, a cafe and car parking. The planning application for the scheme (reference: 13/00406) can be seen on Dover Council's website.   (June 14, 2013)

The world-famous Orient Express train returns to Deal on Friday 21 June for the second of four UK Pullman ‘Discover Deal’ excursions in 2013. People on board the train from London Victoria will arrive at 1.15pm and, following two hours’ free time in Deal, will then return to London Victoria, leaving Deal at 3.45pm. Deal station’s ‘Platform 1’ café owners, Nick and Andy Stevens said: “We are once again looking forward seeing this iconic train returning to Deal and expect many local people to be there to give visitors wonderful welcome and create the best of impressions of what the town has to offer.”   (June 14, 2013)

PATH CLOSURE FOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

A path on the Royal Cinque Golf Club links will be temporarily closed to the public for the Amateur Golf Championship later this month. The closure is for Byway EE245 which runs southwards from Dicksons Corner near Worth to where it joins public footpath EE247 and will operate from 5am on Saturday 15 June to 10pm on Sunday 23 June. A nearby alternative route will be signposted. For more information, call Olivia Bonham on 01622 221169 or visit the KCC's Kent Rights of Way website. For an interactive map of the county's footpaths, see www.kent.gov.uk/explorekentgis/map.aspx.    (June 9, 2013)

CANNON STREET WAITING RESTRICTION FROM 24 JUNE

Traffic will be banned from parking on part of Cannon Street, Deal, for up to 15 months from Monday 24 June. The restriction will apply to the southern side of the street between no:23 and the entrance to the Outdowns Medical Centre on Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5.30pm. Kent Highways say the ban is to help ensure safety of the public and workers on local construction works. For more information call Kent Highways on 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (June 9, 2013)

MONDAY DEADLINE FOR COLDBLOW "VILLAGE GREEN" COMMENTS

Time is running out for the public to comment on an application to Kent County Council for land at Coldblow Woods in Ripple to be designated as a village green. Any views - for or against - need to be submitted by Monday 10 June. The applicant Roger Chatfield claims that the land has been used for lawful sports and pastimes "as a right" and "without challenge by the landowner" for more than 20 years.

Covering about 23 acres, the area comprises woodland and a meadow to the east of Coldblow Road. Details of the case made by Mr Chatfield and supporters of the "Save Coldblow Woods" action group for the land to be safeguarded as an area open to the public for recreational use can be seen on their website at www.savecoldblowwoods.co.uk.

Documents for the application can be inspected at the county council's Invicta House offices in Masidstone; and on-line at https://shareweb.kent.gov.uk/Documents/environment-and-planning/village-greens/VGA652 ripple.pdf. Further information on village greens is on www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess. Prior to any decision whether to grant formal village green status, the application has been open to public consultation. Representations need to be submitted in writing, quoting reference VGA652, to Miss Melanie McNeir, Public Rights of Way and Access Service, Kent County Council, Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone ME14 1XX or, in view of the Monday 10 June deadline,    (April 27, 2013 - revised June 7, 2013)

SMALL CHANGE TO PROPOSAL FOR WALMER HOUSING LAND

Dover District Council is suggesting six changes to its Land Allocations Local Plan which is now in its final stages of preparation. One is a minor change to a nine-hectare site designated for around 220 new houses fronted by 51-77 Station Road, Walmer. The council says it now wishes to remove a small area at the end of Mayers Road from the proposed housing land. Objections from residents had pointed out that it encroached on private gardens not available for development. The change is not expected to affect the potential number of 220 homes on the site. The public is being invited to comment on the proposed changes no later than 12midnight on Thursday 11 July.

Details of the six proposed changes - including the Station Road, Walmer, site - can be seen in the "Addendum to the Land Allocations Pre-Submission Local Plan" at www.dover.gov.uk/Planning/Planning-Policy/Local-Development-Framework/Land-Allocations.aspx. To comment, go to http://dover-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/site_allocation_v1/addendum_to_lalp. The team working on the land allocations plans can be contacted on 01304 872477 or     (May 30, 2013)

LEADING DISTRICT COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

The top civic roles on Dover District Council remain unchanged for the next 12 months. Councillor Sue Nicholas continues as chairman of the council and Councillor Paul Le Chevalier as vice chairman. Both were elected, for the third year running, at the annual meeting of the council on Wednesday 22 May. Also announced at the meeting were the leading political appointments. Councillor Paul Watkins (Conservative) remains the Leader of the Council and Councillor Mike Eddy (Labour) becomes the Leader of the Opposition.   (May 28, 2013)

Kent Trading Standards have updated recent advice about two people posing as Age Concern representatives as a way to carry out a distraction robbery. The majority of Age Concern branches are now called Age UK. However, there are some in Kent - including Deal - that still use Age Concern in their name. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (May 28, 2013)

JOBS HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

There's free advice for people with learning disabilities about job opportunities and seeking work at a special event in Deal next month. Dover District Partnership Group and East Kent Mencap are staging a special Careers Fair at the Astor Theatre in Stanhope Road on Thursday 6 June between 10.30am and 2.30pm. The event is free and designed to offer practical advice for people with learning disabilities who want to find work or know more about employment. A series of workshops will deal with such issues as seeking work, writing a CV, preparing for interview and, even, what it's really like to have a job.

Michelle Hosken, District Partnership Support Worker for Dover Thanet and Shepway, explained: "People can either come for the whole event and join in the five workshops we'll have on offer or, if they prefer, drop in for a part of the event. There will also be 15 stands in the main room with representatives from Kent Supported Employment, Job centre plus, Kent College, local businesses and others offering support or training advice."

As well as providing useful information for those seeking employment, the event is open to their friends and families and potential employers. Michelle said: "We want to break down barriers and raise awareness of the need for more people to be supported into work. All will be welcome." For more information or to reserve a place, contact Michelle Hosken on 07577 681 783 or    (May 23, 2013)

RE-SURFACING WORK FOR A258 DOVER ROAD

Kent Highways say they are planning to carry out resurfacing works on the A258 Dover Road at Upper Walmer and also at Ringwould on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 May. The sections of road affected are between Belmont and Station Road junctions in Walmer and at the junction of Ripple Road (on the boundary of Walmer and Ringwould parish). The works will be carried out between 9.30am and 3.30pm and traffic will be restricted by a temporary 10mph speed limit. For more information call Kent Highways on 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (May 20, 2013)

SURVEY TO HELP FOIL LOAN SHARKS

The National Illegal Money Lending Team wants to find out how aware people are about the activities of loan sharks. They have an on-line survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GV5KXR6. Everyone is invited to participate. The closing date is 1 June and one name will be drawn out of a hat to win a £20 voucher. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (May 18, 2013)

VACANCY ON WALMER PARISH COUNCIL

Walmer Parish Council needs to appoint a new councillor. A "casual vacancy" has arisen due to the resignation of long-standing member Mrs Celia Harris. The procedure for appointing a new member can be through a by-election if ten or more local electors ask for it or, if there is no request for an election, by co-opting a suitable candidate. Requests for an election have to be made in writing to the Returning Officer at the Council Offices, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield CT16 3PJ by Friday 31 May latest. If an election is called it will be held before 2 August. For more information call Mrs Kirsty Holroyd, Clerk to Walmer Parish Council on 01304 381506.    (May 15, 2013)

HEAR WHAT'S HAPPENING LOCALLY AT WALMER MEETING

Walmer residents have an opportunity to hear about their parish council and local services on Wednesday, 15 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 over the past year, Amanda Martin from Dover District Council will be explaining how a new scheme can help local residents save on their energy bills. 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 9, 2013)

The world-famous Orient Express train returns to Deal on Thursday 23 May for the first of four UK Pullman "Discover Deal" excursions in 2013. Visitors on board the train from London Victoria will arrive at 1.15pm and, following two hours’ free time in Deal, will then return to London Victoria, leaving Deal at 3.45pm.

Deal station’s Platform 1 café owners, Nick and Andy Stevens said: “Following the fantastic welcome hundreds of local people gave Orient Express passengers on last year’s "Discover Deal" visits, we are delighted to welcome back the train and guests for the first time this year. The famous train’s visit to Deal presents a unique opportunity to showcase the town." They hoped that the trip will create such a good impression for visitors that they will be keen to return and experience more of what the town has to offer. Other Orient Express "Discover Deal" 2013 excursions are scheduled for Friday 21 June, Saturday 10 August and Thursday 3 October.   (May 9, 2013)

BRIDGE REPAIRS AT SOMERSET ROAD, DEAL

Kent Highways is planning to close part of Somerset Road, Deal, for railway bridge repairs between 8am and 8pm on Saturday 25 May. The alternative route for traffic is via Telegraph Road, Cornwall Road and Downs Road. For more information call Kent Highways on 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (May 7, 2013)

MORE DATES FOR WHITE CLIFFS 2013 ART PROJECT

More dates for workshops and exhibitions for the White Cliffs 2013 art project have been announced. Local artists and art, photography and quilting groups as well as newcomers who fancy trying their hands at artistic activities are being invited to get involved.

Project organiser Joan Weston says: "This is the chance for anyone - whether a professional artist or teacher, class member or new artist - to celebrate the landscape, seascape, the history, the flora and fauna and the people associated with the White Cliffs in the medium of their choice and have their work exhibited." For the latest details of the project's planned exhibitions and workshops, CLICK HERE.   (April 15, 2013 - updated May 5, 2013)

CAMPAIGN TO HELP PUBLIC WISE UP TO CROOKS

May 2013 is Scams Awareness Month. Citizens Advice and the Trading Standards Institute have teamed up with a campaign to highlight the problem of scams, tell people how to avoid being taken in and how they can fight back against the scammers. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (May 4, 2013)

RESURFACING AT SALISBURY ROAD, WALMER

Resurfacing work on Salisbury Road, Walmer will start on Saturday 11 May and is expected to take two days to complete. The road will be closed to through traffic and diversions signposted. The scheme had originally been planned for earlier this year but was delayed through bad weather. Kent Highways say they will be using a micro-asphalt product which seals the existing surface and is quick to apply. They warn that this type of treatment can look uneven immediately after laying but settles to a much smoother appearance after used by traffic for four to six weeks. For information call Kent Highways on 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (May 2, 2013)

"CITY OF CULTURE" BID

Five East Kent districts - Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet - have joined forces in a bid to become "UK City of Culture" in 2017. They are competing against 10 other towns and areas: Aberdeen, Chester, Dundee, Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea, Hull, Leicester, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, Southend-on-Sea and Swansea Bay. The deadline for bids to the Department for Culture Media and Sport was on Tuesday 30 April and a shortlist is expected to be announced in June.   (May 1, 2013)

GAS MAIN WORKS FOR CHURCH PATH, DEAL

Parts of Church Path, Deal, will be closed to traffic and pedestrians for gas main replacement works over seven weeks from Monday 13 May. Kent Highways say the work will be carried out in two phases: initially on the road between the junctions with Grange Road and Claremont Road and, then, on the footpath between Claremont Road and Bowling Green Lane. The timetable for the scheme could be affected by bad weather or ground conditions and local residents will be advised of exact dates. For more information contact Kent Highways on 0845 824 7800 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/highways.  (April 27, 2013)

ATTRACTIONS READY FOR 2013 SEASON

Deal and Walmer's visitor attractions are all set for the 2013 summer season. The free weekly band concerts at the Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green start again at 2.30pm on Sunday 4 May. The Timeball Tower on Deal Seafront re-opens on Saturday 3, Sunday 4 and Monday 6 May from 12noon to 4pm each day. The town's Maritime and Local History Museum at 22 St George's Road opens again at 11am-5pm on Saturday 3 May. The popular English Heritage attractions of Deal Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens are already open every day.

For bargain hunters Walmer Parish Council will be staging its annual Brocante vintage collectable and craft goods fair on Walmer Green on the Monday 6 May bank holiday. Times are 8am to 4pm and entry is free. And for those who fancy a bracing walk and stunning view of the local seafront there is, of course, Deal Pier. For details of opening times of these and other local attractions during May, go to WalmerWeb's coming events listings.  (April 25, 2013)

CAMPAIGN FOR SAFER HOLIDAY BOOKINGS

Last year some 1,000 people were cheated out of their holidays through falling victim to fraudulent booking scams. So, for 2013, the National Fraud Investigation Bureau (NFIB) has joined forces with ABTA, Get Safe Online and Action Fraud to launch a national "holiday fraud" campaign. They suggest some sensible precautions to avoid dodgy bookings, no holiday and ending up out of pocket. For more details, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (April 24, 2013)

FOOD ALERTS

Kent Trading Standards have issued details of several food products that have been recalled by the makers. They include: Asda own brand Deli Pork And Egg Slices, TRS Pure Milk Powder and some Thornton's chocolate Smiles in glass jars. For more details, see the Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (April 16, 2013)

ROADWORKS FOR DEAL AND WALMER

Kent Highways have announced plans for road repairs and resurfacing involving West Street in Deal and Grams Road at Upper Walmer. The West Street works are scheduled for three Sundays this month (14, 21 and 28 April) when the section of road between Queen Street and Western Road will be closed to through traffic from 4pm to 11pm. The Grams Road works involve the section from the A258 Dover Road to St Clare Road which will be closed to through traffic on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 April between 9am and 5pm both days. For more information, call Kent Highways on 0845 824 7800 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (April 9, 2013)

ELECTION OF LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLORS ON 2 MAY

KLM STARTS SERVICES FROM MANSTON

Dutch airline KLM is set to start its new twice-daily service from Manston to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport on Tuesday (2 April). The international hub at Schiphol offers links to around 130 destinations worldwide. Attempts in recent years to operate international flights from Manston by other airlines have been unsuccessful. However, there are hopes that the move by KLM - a major operator which has already established similar services from a number of UK regional airports - will prove popular with the public. For more details, see: www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/plan_and_book/special_offers/manston_kent.htm    (March 31, 2013)

TOP MARKS FOR LOCAL BEACHES

Local beaches have gained "top marks" for water quality in the Marine Conservation Society's latest Good Beach Guide. Deal Castle beach, St Margaret's Bay and Sandwich Bay are all placed in the Guide's highest category and rated as having "excellent water quality". The Good Beach Guide uses water sampling data collected by the UK environment agencies and local authorities during the previous summer. Some beaches are not tested and, locally, these include Walmer and Kingsdown. For more details, see: http://www.mcsuk.org.    (March 27, 2013)

VICTORY FOR KINGSDOWN BEACH CAMPAIGNERS

A planning application to site 12 mobile huts on Kingsdown beach has been withdrawn by holiday camp owners Tingdene. The scheme, in the shadow of the White Cliffs, drew considerable local, national and international opposition. As well as an on-line petition, a record 300 objections were lodged on Dover District Council's planning website. Environmental bodies Natural England, The National Trust and Kent Downs AONB were also unanimous in their opposition.

Campaigners have welcomed the decision but say they are ready to reactivate public opinion if a similar application is made. Philip Evemy, chairman of Kingsdown Conservation Group, said: "Our small campaign team worked tirelessly on a comprehensive rebuttal dossier to oppose this crass attempt to ruin a precious, iconic landscape. The result is great news, but the need for vigilance to protect this area's natural beauty continues." He considered that, as the beach is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest, overlooked by the Kent Downs AONB and the village Conservation Area, it was "beyond belief that the application was ever made in the first place".    (March 26, 2013)

REPRIEVE FOR RICHBOROUGH WASTE TIP

The household waste and recycling centre at Richborough near Sandwich is to stay open. It had been earmarked for closure this summer by Kent County Council in a cost-cutting move that had raised local concerns in Deal. Local residents feared substantially increased traffic to the town's Southwall Road waste tip. However, KCC leader Paul Carter says that an alternative plan will go ahead. It involves transferring the council's Highways Depot at Sandwich to the Richborough site so the depot land can be sold off; the shared site should also help save money.

It is expected that the combined centre at Richborough will open early in 2014. The current tip will stay open until then, after which the recycling centre will be smaller and possibly operate only four days a week. The county council's change of heart has been welcomed by the chairman of the Richborough Action Group, Jeffrey Loffman, whose supporters had strongly protested against the proposed closure. He is due to speak on the subject at a meeting in Deal Town Hall on Wednesday 27 March at 7.30pm.    (March 26, 2013)

MORE COLLECTION POINTS FOR FOODBANK SCHEME

Organisers of the Deal Area Foodbank have increased the number of collecting points where the public can donate food items. The latest list includes:
In Deal: The Citizens Advice Bureau, The Town Hall, The Golf Road Centre, Sainsbury's, St Andrew's Church, St George's Church, St Leonard's Church and Trinity Church.
In Walmer: St Mary's Church and Walmer Baptist Church.
In the surrounding area: Kingsdown Church, Mongeham Baptist Church, Sholden School, St Nicholas Church at Sholden, St Peter's Church and St Thomas' Church at Aylesham and St Clement's Church, Sandwich.
The local foodbank project redistributes donated food supplies to people who are confronted with a major problem in feeding themselves or their families. Qualification for help is through the issue of vouchers by authorised local agencies such as social services. For more details, see: dealarea.foodbank.org.uk.    (March 20, 2013)

Deal Rail Station's Platform 1 Cafe opened its doors to the public on March 19, 2012. Since then, as well as serving more than 30,000 teas and coffees to more than 20,000 customers, owners Nick and Andy Stevens say their retro-style cafe has been very active in putting Deal firmly on the map as a desirable destination to visit. The cafe has been chosen on three occasions by the BBC Radio Kent Breakfast Show for live broadcasts, including the whole breakfast programme on one sunny day last summer. The brothers play an active role in supporting the local community, sponsoring Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club, supporting the Trains4Deal campaign to gain more high-speed train services for the town and encouraging the Deal With It group's new scheme to smarten up Deal station with a community garden.

As members of Deal and Walmer Chamber of Trade, they were at the forefront of welcoming the Orient Express train - and hundreds of visitors - on four successful "Discover Deal" excursions in 2012. The Orient Express is returning to Deal four more times this summer, starting on Friday 21 June, and Platform 1 Cafe plans to be open throughout to give the visitors a big welcome.

Andy Stevens said: "It's amazing that a year has passed since Platform 1 first flung its green doors open to the Deal public. Our very first coffee was sold at precisely 5.30am on Monday 19 March and we continue to open at that unearthly hour every week day for the benefit of Deal station passengers while the rest of the town sleeps. We love providing a much-needed cafe service for Deal's busy station and are thrilled at the positive feedback we've received in our first year." The cafe has a website at www.platform1deal.com   (March 18, 2013)

DEADLINE NEARS FOR COMMENTING ON KINGSDOWN BEACH HUT PLAN

Campaigners objecting to a planning application for mobile huts on Kingsdown beach say there are only a couple of days left in which to submit comments to Dover Council planners. The operators of the nearby Kingsdown Holiday Park wish to install 12 mobile beach huts on the beach. Protesters say it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the huts would ruin a currently wild and rare shingle beach that is home to rare insect and plant life including a spreading colony of spider orchids. Their concerns have gained the support of the local MP, councillors and national nature body Natural England.

For more details, see:
the Kingsdown Conservation Society's website;
an online petition started by local resident Karen Brewer at on the change.org website; and
the planning application on Dover Council's website - where it is also possible to comment on-line. The deadline for comments is Friday 15 March.
  (March 12, 2013)

CHANGES IN LOCAL HEALTHCARE ON 1 APRIL

A new organisation - the South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) - takes over the responsibility for local healthcare services from the area's Primary Care Trust on 1 April. The CCG brings together a group of healthcare professionals responsible for deciding what services are provided, by whom and where. They will commission the majority of local health services for people in the Shepway district, Dover and Deal. This includes most hospital and community NHS-funded services, though not primary care or very specialised services. The CCG has a £253m budget allocated by the Department of Health for spending on community health services such as district nurses, acute services for those who are ill or injured and need specialist care, mental health services and the cost of prescribed medication.

The new CCG will be based in Dover District Council's offices on the Whitecliffs Business Park at Whitfield from Monday 11 March. Their telephone number is 03000 424700; to e-mail them . More is available on their website at www.southkentcoastccg.nhs.uk.   (March 9, 2013)

UNABLE TO ENGAGE IN COLDBLOW DISPUTE

Walmer Parish Council has said it cannot become involved in the current dispute over land at Coldblow Woods in Ripple. The decision follows a request for the council to support an application to designate the land as a village green from people opposed to plans to enclose it as a private sports area. Having taken legal advice, the parish council said that, although it encourages retention of green space in Walmer parish, the Coldblow dispute is within another parish's boundaries. This and the fact that it is a legally active issue at the present time means Walmer Parish Council found itself "unable to support either party in this matter".   (March 9, 2013)

COUNCIL ASSISTS THE FIRE SERVICE

Walmer parish councillors have agreed to help out Kent Fire and Rescue Service by keeping an eye on fire hydrant points in the parish. Although it's an informal arrangement, it could help in alerting the fire service to any damage or obstruction to these vital sources of water in an emergency.   (March 9, 2013)

EXPERT ADVICE FROM "FUNDING DRAGONS"

Local clubs and voluntary groups looking for ways to tap into cash for their projects could find a special event in Ashford has some answers. Organised by Community Action South East Kent, it's the Funders' Dragon's Den on Tuesday 26 March from 10am to 3.30pm at the Singleton Environment Centre, Wesley School Road, Singleton, Ashford. The day is open to voluntary and community groups from Ashford, Dover, Shepway and Thanet.

The first half of the event will feature presentations by four funding ‘Dragons’ from the Big Lottery; Sport Kent; Heritage Lottery and Kent Community Foundation. In the second half selected groups will ‘pitch’ ideas for projects they are seeking funding for. The Dragon’s will then provide feedback and indicate which funding stream they would be eligible for. The idea is to demonstrate the criteria for the different funders and give practical tips on putting together good funding applications. The cost of attending is £10 which includes lunch and refreshments. For more information or to book a place, contact the organisers or call 01233 610171.   (March 8, 2013)

COUNCIL TAX FOR THE COMING YEAR

Dover District Council has set local Council Tax levels for the coming 12 months. The average total Council Tax bill for households in the district is to increase by 1.06%. The District Council says its part of the bill goes up by 1.86% - an increase of 6p a week for "band D" properties.

The average total bill for a "band D" property in Dover District for April 2013 to March 2014 will be £1,484.49. This includes the element of Council Tax for Kent County Council (£1,047.78), Dover District Council (£167.49), Kent Police (£141.47), Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Service (£67.95), and an average for Town and Parish Councils of £59.80. There are important changes for people who receive Council Tax benefits, discounts or exemptions from April 2013. For more details, see Welfare Reform - changes to benefits.   (March 8, 2013)

SPOTLIGHT ON WHITE CLIFFS IN 2013 ART PROJECT

The White Cliffs of Dover are the focus of a major art project being planned for the coming summer and autumn. The idea is to involve individual local artists as well as the area's art, photography and textile/quilting groups and provide a showcase for their work with much of it linked to the White Cliffs theme. Newcomers can join in as well thanks to workshops and other opportunities for children and adults to try their hands at artistic activities.

Project organiser Joan Weston said: "This is the chance for anyone - whether a professional artist or teacher, class member or new artist - to celebrate the landscape, seascape, the history, the flora and fauna and the people associated with the White Cliffs in the medium of their choice during the summer of 2013, and have their work exhibited." A number of venues have offered exhibition space and more are being approached. For more details, contact Joan by or see www.joanweston.co.uk/.   (March 6, 2013)

BOGUS CALLS OFFER £1,000 PENSION CASH

There are reports of people receiving telephone calls with a recorded message telling them they are entitled to £1,000 in the next few weeks towards their state pension. The calls are a scam in which recipients are asked to press 5 for more details - a good way to rack up a large phone bill. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (March 6, 2013)

RAIL STATION GARDENERS SEEKING MORE HELPERS

The team of volunteers who are planning to brighten up Deal Rail Station with new planters and floral displays say there are a number of ways people can help out. Anyone who fancies joining in the practical gardening work will be especially welcome - but it's important get in touch first by calling organiser Sarah Gleave on 01304 389553 as volunteers need to be included in the group's formal agreement with Southeastern Rail. The gardening group is expecting to take delivery of planters built for them by the RippleVale School and supplies of topsoil in coming days and has planned a work session for Saturday 16 March from 12noon to 3pm. They'd also welcome donations of any spare watering cans, spades, trowels and other gardening implements. There may also be a need to borrow a couple of wheelbarrows and anyone who can help or wants more information is asked to call Sarah on 01304 389553. (March 3, 2013)

VIEWS SOUGHT ON PROPOSED BEFRIENDING SERVICE

Dover District Volunteering Centre say they have become aware that there is a need for a local befriending service. It would be for people over 60, who live in the Dover district and feel isolated. Referrals could be made by the individual, family members or friends, carers, Volunteer Centre staff, Social Services or other health professionals. Before going ahead they want to make sure they will create a sustainable and appropriate service and are inviting interested people and organisations to share their views by completing a short on-line survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/25WQ3P8. People answering the survey on behalf of clients might also wish to estimate how many clients they envisage would use this service. For further information or to discuss befriending in Dover district, contact the Volunteer Centre team on 01304 367898 or by   (February 27, 2013)

CONCERN AT POSSIBLE "DASH FOR SHALE GAS"

People who have concerns at signs the UK Government is keen to give drilling for shale gas - or fracking - a go-ahead, are being urged to lobby their MP and support a petition to the European Commission. Meeting at Lenham near Maidstone in late January, representatives of environmental groups across the county spent a day considering the claimed benefits and risks posed by the process. Fracking involves deep drilling and pumping large quantities of water, sand and chemicals to crack deposits of shale rock and release natural gas. Several companies already hold licences covering substantial areas of Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

Local Deal With It campaigner Rosie Rechter, who attended and spoke at the meeting, said that although potential benefits were explored to balance the argument these were considered to be outweighed by the negative impacts and risks. A number of ways in which organisations and individuals could "have their say" were promoted and details can be seen in a report of the meeting, available here.   (February 26, 2013)

DEAL TO JOIN IN GLOBAL "EARTH HOUR"

An invitation to get together and sit in the dark for an hour might seem rather strange. But it's an invitation that Deal's deputy mayor Cllr Eileen Rowbotham is hoping local people will accept when she hosts an event on Saturday 23 March to mark the World Wildlife Fund's "Earth Hour". The annual event started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to show their concern over climate change. Since then it has become a global movement with hundreds of millions of people and numerous commercial and public bodies taking part.

The Deal event is in the Cleary Hall at The Landmark Centre on the High Street from 7.30pm onwards with "lights out" at 8.30pm. People who are unable to attend the deputy mayor's social can still support the cause by turning out lights from 8.30pm until 9.30pm. For more details of the WWF Earth Hour see: http://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/.   (February 26, 2013)

FREE WORKSHOP TO LEARN COOKERY SKILLS

There's going to be plenty for children and adults to do when the Whole School Meals company holds a "Cooking From Scratch" event at Deal's Astor Theatre on Saturday 9 March. Between 10am and 3.30pm, experts will be on hand to provide practical demonstrations and offer advice on a wide range of convenient and healthy snack and main meal options. Highlights will include: delicious and affordable snacks from popcorn to home-made chicken nuggets and 'burgers; children’s biscuitmaking workshops; bread and pizza making; stir frying and veggie recipes; scintillating salads; homemade soup; and knife skills workshops to learn to chop and peel with ease. Chocolate lovers can discover all they need to know about eating chocolate to keep healthy! And there's a free prize draw with a 10-class Zumba pass, food hampers, cookery books and cooking utensils among the prizes. Admission is free and people can drop in at any time or stay for the day! The organisers' website is at: www.wholeschoolmeals.co.uk.   (February 26, 2013)

BOGUS DOOR-TO-DOOR CHARITY COLLECTION BAGS

Kent Trading Standards is alerting householders to illegal house-to-house charity collections using unauthorised bags. One involves RNLI bags - but the Lifeboat Institution stopped using this form of fundraising in January. Anything now donated in these bags will not benefit the RNLI. The other scam robs TROOP AID, a registered charity that supports injured service personnel. TROOP AID currently uses Midlands Textile Ltd to run its door-to-door collections. However bags have turned up bearing details of other companies. They are not authorised collectors and anything donated will not benefit TROOP AID. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (February 21, 2013)

NEW CAMPAIGN TO CUT DEAL'S TRAFFIC SPEED TO 20MPH

A new campaigning group that believes it can make Deal’s streets safer launches next week. They say this could be achieved by reducing the local speed limit from 30mph to 20mph. The campaign's chairman Alan Gleave said: “Deal is facing increasing traffic due to new housing, a lack of quality public transport provision and a culture of driving children to school because our roads are perceived as being too dangerous to walk or cycle. More than half of our road deaths and serious injuries nationally happen on roads with a 30mph speed limit. We believe Deal should join the hundreds of other communities saying '20’s plenty' for where we live."

Alan and his team are calling a public meeting on Wednesday 27 February at 7pm in Deal Town Hall, High Street, Deal. He said: "We urge people to come to the meeting, listen to the arguments and sign the petition we have started.”  Rod King from the national '20s Plenty Campaign will be a guest speaker. He said: “Throughout the country more than eight million people live in local authority areas that are setting 20mph as the speed limit for all residential roads. It’s happening in some of Britain’s most iconic cities and whole counties. Recent changes in DfT guidelines have both encouraged and made it easier to implement 20mph speed limits.” The new local group has a website at www.20splentyfordeal.org.uk.   (February 19, 2013)

HELPERS NEEDED FOR LANDMARK GARDEN SCHEME

The garden space outside the Landmark Centre in Deal High Street could be getting a bright new look if enough people are interested. Rosie Rechter of local environmental group Deal With It says her members are talking to the Centre about “adopting“ the outdoor space. The idea is to create a cottage-style garden with flowers, fruit, herbs and some vegetables. Rosie explained: "This would not only make the Landmark Centre much more attractive but we think it would be a very worthwhile addition to the town and help to enliven the High Street. It would also be a great community project, bringing people together to improve the town for all of us."

If the project goes ahead, it could take the form of a gardening club, open to all. Rosie says she is keen to hear from people of all ages and abilities who would like to get involved. To find out more or volunteer to help, contact Rosie    (February 17, 2013)

NEW COMMUNITY RADIO WILL HELP YOUNG UNEMPLOYED

Deal's Astor Community Theatre has announced an ambitious new project to set up the town's first Creative Apprenticeship Programme and launch its very own radio station. The theatre's director James Tillitt said that the project has already gained the support of the Loveday Family Grassroots Endowment Fund, Deal Town Council and a group of knowledgeable local people. The planned radio station would mirror the ethos of the theatre. He explained: "Whether it is the latest dance music, unsigned bands broadcast live from the Astor, drama and comedy programmes, interviews with some of our well known acts and nationally known authors, live outside broadcasts or local news and activities, there will truly be something for everyone.

"The most exciting aspect of this project will be that we will be offering up to 10 paid apprenticeship places in partnership with Sussex Downs College, the Kent Employment Programme and Job Centre Plus. This will be a one-year placement for unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 24. In addition to working with Astor Community Radio we will also be offering Level 2 Certificates in the following: Cultural Heritage (The Hidden Stories of the Astor project); Live Events and Promotion; Technical Theatre; and Community Arts Administration.

"We are hugely excited by this project but, inevitably, we need to find additional funding. Currently we have secured just over half of what we need and are actively looking to raise the balance. Any size donation will be gratefully received and we can offer local businesses a great promotional package to include advertising space on our website, live ads on the radio station and a general warm, fuzzy feeling of doing something constructive for our community!"

James Tillitt said he would very much like to hear from businesses and individuals who might be able to help. People might also like to offer their ideas on what they would like to hear on the Astor radio station. To contact James see the Astor Theatre's contact page.   (February 17, 2013)

COLDBLOW WOODS: NO COMMON GROUND YET

An attempt to find common ground between the owners of Coldblow Woods at Ripple and campaigners opposed to changes on the site appears to have failed. It is reported that little progress was made at a packed public meeting held at Ringwould Village Hall on Friday 8 February and hosted by local MP Charlie Elphicke. However he remains hopeful that there is still "room for negotiation and discussion". Landowner Mr Nicholas Fielding is behind a project to provide an enclosed sports ground on the site. But this has met with strong opposition from people who have used the area for various activities such as dog walking following its closure as a military sports field and private sale of the land. They consider it could now qualify for designation as a "village green". A planning application for fencing and gates on the site is currently with Dover District Council planners and can be seen on the council's website. The protesters' views can be seen at www.savecoldblowwoods.co.uk. Mr Fielding can be contacted    (February 14, 2013)

EASTER COMPLETION FORECAST FOR SEA DEFENCE WORKS

The Environment Agency team handling the £10-million sea defence scheme at Deal are blaming recent bad weather for delays in completion. They had hoped to be finished by the end of January but a combination of poor weather and some technical problems mean it is now likely to be late March and Easter. For background information on the Deal sea defence project, go to: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/.../135503.aspx.    (February 14, 2013)

ROADWORKS FOR GRANVILLE ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD, WALMER

Kent Highways has announced plans to carry out various roadworks on Granville Road and Salisbury Road, Walmer later this month (February) and in March. Work to modify the junctions on the two roads will mean that Granville Road will be closed to traffic at its junction with the A258 Dover Road for one day on Monday 18 February and the full length of Salisbury Road will be closed to through traffic for up to four days starting on Tuesday 19 February. Access for residents will be maintained as far as possible and local diversions signposted.

Salisbury Road will again be closed to through traffic for two days on Monday 11 March, between 9.30am and 3pm on both days - this time for re-surfacing works. It is expected that a further one-day closure will be needed during the following two weeks. For more information call 0845 824 7800.     (February 9, 2013)

KINGSDOWN'S ZETLAND ARMS RE-OPENS

Beachside pub the Zetland Arms at Kingsdown has re-opened following a £90,000 refurbishment by Faversham brewer Shepherd Neame. The pub closed for refurbishment on 1 December, when former licensee of 35 years Tim Cobbett retired. New licensees, husband and wife team Kerensa and Tom Miller from Sandwich, re-opened its doors on Sunday 27 January. Says Kerensa: “Tom and I are looking forward to offering a warm welcome to the local community. We are planning to hold music events, themed nights and quizzes to brighten up winter nights but before we confirm details we want to ask the locals what they enjoy. We’re also going to serve tea, coffee and breakfasts to tempt the local walkers.” For more details, see: www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/deal/zetland-arms.    (February 5, 2013)

PLAN FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC BAN IN PART OF KINGSDOWN

Kent County Council is planning to introduce a ban on heavy traffic using Ringwould Road, The Rise, Chalk Hill Road, Upper Street and St Monica's Road at Kingsdown. A proposed weight restriction order would prohibit vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, although the right for all vehicles needing legitimate access to and from properties in the roads would be maintained. Details of the proposed traffic order can be seen at County Hall in Maidstone or at Ashford Highway Depot, Henwood Industrial Estate, Ashford. Support for or objections to the scheme can be submitted by e-mail to tro@kent.gov.uk by Sunday 24 February.    (February 2, 2013)

ROADWORKS FOR PART OF TELEGRAPH ROAD, DEAL

Work to patch the road and repair kerbs mean that a section of Telegraph Road, Deal will be closed to through traffic and is expected to start on Monday 18 February. The works by Kent Highways will be between the junctions of Freemans Way and Hamilton Road with Telegraph Road and take up to a week. The alternative route for drivers is via Freemans Way, Mill Hill, Mill Road and Hamilton Road. For more information call 0845 824 7800.     (February 2, 2013)

WEATHERSPOON AGREES TO "SIR NORMAN" NAME

Pub chain Wetherspoon has responded to local opinion and changed its plans for naming its new outlet in Queen Street, Deal. Due to open on Tuesday 5 March, it will now be called "The Sir Norman Wisdom" - rather than Wetherspoon's earlier suggestion of "The Five Bells". Demand for the pub to be linked to the memory of entertainer Norman Wisdom and his close association with the town led to a vocal campaign attracting numerous letters, e-mails and Facebook messages.

The change will almost certainly be welcomed by the owners of "The Five Bells" at nearby Ringwould. They will be holding an Open Day to show off their recently refurbished bar, restaurant and guest accommodation on Wednesday 6 February between 4pm and 7pm. For details, see their website: www.fivebellsringwould.co.uk. (February 1, 2013)

PLANNERS ASKED TO CONSIDER COLDBLOW FENCING PROJECT

Dover District Council planners have received an application from the owner of the former MOD playing field at Coldblow in Ripple to reinstate and repair an existing boundary fence and gates. These, it is explained, have been vandalised over the years and the plan is to install a 1.5-metre high pvc coated chain link fence round the perimeter of the 6.07-hectare site with 2-metre high gates on the Coldblow Lane entrance. The application (reference DOV/13/00039) can be seen on the district council's website at: http://planning.dover.gov.uk/.../applicationDetails...DCAPR_220909. (February 1, 2013)

IT'S "ALL CHANGE" ON DOG FOULING AND LITTER SCHEME

Plans by Dover District Council to use an outside contractor for a crackdown on litter and dog fouling have been scrapped. The council says the scheme, due to start today (Friday, 1 February), will now be run by "using the council's own resources and those of partner organisations". No reason for not signing up contractors XFOR Local Authority Services Ltd has been given by the council but it is thought it might reflect concerns by other local authorities about the company's financial status. Dover Council stressed that no payments had been made to XFOR. (February 1, 2013)

NEW DATE FOR PAVEMENT WORKS AT LORD WARDEN AVENUE

Kent Highways have revised the dates for improvement works to the pavements along the full length of Lord Warden Avenue, Walmer. The works are now due to start on Monday 4 February and will be carried out in stages over a period of around eight weeks. The existing surface will be replaced with a new bituminous layer. Working hours will be from 7am to 5pm. Residents who require more information should call 0845 824 7800.     (January 12, 2013 - updated February 1, 2013)

CONSUMER WATCHDOG WARNS OF LATEST SCAMS

Kent Trading Standards say people need to be on their guard about latest attempts by crooks to swindle them.

• A "serving soldier" advertises his second-hand car but wants payment before the car is “delivered by Army logistics” for examination.
• A telephone call claiming to be from the Office of Fair Trading tells people they owe £100,000 and asks for personal details such as bank details.
• Adverts for a kitten - usually online and often with a sad or emotional reason for having to sell the animal - used to defraud and gain personal information.
• E-mails claiming to be from the Post Office and offering a tax rebate if the recipient fills in an attached form.

They are all bogus. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (January 26, 2013 - updated February 1, 2013)

ROAD SCHEMES FOR A258 AT SHOLDEN AND NORTHCOTE ROAD, DEAL

Kent Highways have announced two road schemes that could affect drivers in the Deal area. A temporary 30mph speed limit is to be introduced on the A258 London Road/Sandwich Road at Sholden to help ensure public safety while nearby construction works take place. It affects the section of road between the existing 30mph limit and the Fowlmead Country Park roundabout and is expected to come into effect on Monday 4 February and last for up to six months.

The second scheme involves the introduction of waiting restrictions on a short section of the northern end of Northcote Road, Deal. It is expected the parking ban will come into effect on Monday 11 March. For more information, contact KCC Highways on 0845 824 7800 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (January 20, 2013)

There's an opportunity for Walmer and Deal residents to find out about local services and have their say when Dover District Council holds its next Neighbourhood Forum for the area on Wednesday 13 March. To be staged between 6pm and 8.30pm at Walmer Science College, Salisbury Road, Walmer, the event combines displays, a chance to speak to representatives on a one-to-one basis and also to enjoy some light refreshments.

Among the topics and services being covered are: funding advice, community safety, energy saving and switching advice, health and well being, recycling and environmental health. For further details contact: Lynn Brisley, DDC Community Development Officer on 01304 872164 or  There's also more on the council's website.    (January 17, 2013)

CRACK DOWN ON LITTER AND DOG FOULING

Dover District Council is launching a major campaign to clamp down on littering and dog fouling. In public surveys and neighbourhood meetings both showed up as leading concerns for residents. From Friday 1 February, a team of enforcement officers from a private contractor, XFOR Local Authority Services Ltd will be patrolling the district as part of a six-month trial. They will have the legal power to issue fixed penalties of £75 on the district council’s behalf to people who drop litter and £50 to irresponsible dog owners.

The private contractors will be backed up by a number of council officers, neighbourhood policing teams and Kent County Council community wardens. They will be asked to spot and record offences so the new enforcement team can issue fixed penalty notices. In the run up to the six-month trial, the council will be displaying signs and posters, visiting schools and neighbourhood forums and providing a detailed web page. Local shoppers will be able to find out more at a display in Deal High Street from 10am to 3pm on Thursday 24 January.    (January 17, 2013)

LATEST CONSUMER ALERTS

Kent Trading Standards have issued new warning for consumers on:

• Additional food recalls for batches of Koon Yick Wah Kee Rose Bean Curd (Tofu) and Chilli Bean Curd (Tofu);
• Pop-up windows that can fool Internet users to unwittingly switch their Internet Service Provider; and
• Annoying unsolicited text messages (SMS) relating to accident claims, debts or mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)

For more on these, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (January 17, 2013)

ENCOURAGING START FOR LOCAL FOODBANK PROJECT

Organisers of the Deal Area Foodbank say the scheme has got off to a good start with an encouraging level of support by the public. During December, its first month of operation, they were able to help 19 individuals and families in severe financial difficulties and needing emergency supplies of food. Access to the scheme is carefully controlled through the issue of vouchers to only those in need by a number of local agencies. The supplies of food depend largely on the generosity of the public and a number of local churches, businesses and food outlets. A main collection point for the public's donations of goods is the Town Hall in Deal High Street.

The foodbank voucher distributors are: Salvation Army ( 01304 375398); St Leonard's Church ( 01304 374076); St George's Church ( 01304 372587); CXK Limited ( 01304 226796); Home Start ( 01304 242214); Citizens Advice Bureau ( 01304 374333); Blossom Children's Centre ( 01304 362136); Primrose Children's Centre ( 01304 372834); KCC family liaison officers ( 01304 375056); and KCC early intervention ( 01304 861616).    (January 6, 2013)

NEW GROUP FOR THOSE WITH BREATHING PROBLEMS

A support group in Dover for people living with a lung condition is keen to attract members from neighbouring areas including Deal and Walmer. Joanne Rowlands, who works with the British Lung Foundation's "Breathe Easy" scheme, says a Breathe Easy group launched in Dover in September and has been meeting on a monthly basis. It brings together people affected by lung disease - plus their families, friends and carers - to offer information, hope and support when it is most needed.  Joanne explained: "The group has recently had talks from a respiratory physio', dietician and local oxygen providers. Each meeting is also attended by staff from the British Lung Foundation charity to give updates ... and there is always social time and refreshments. The group has fantastic support from the local respiratory team and receives regular visits allowing group members to ask questions."

Breathe Easy Dover meets at Triangles Community Centre, Poulton Close, Dover on the third Friday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Meetings are free and new members are warmly welcomed. As well as those who have a lung condition or suffer from breathlessness, their family, friends and carers are also invited and many find the friendly and informative meetings a great help in offering support. For more information, contact Joanne on 0207 688 5575 or The British Lung Foundation's website is at www.blf.org.uk.   (January 4, 2013)

SCAMS: "DEBT" DEMAND AND "SOCIAL SERVICES" CALLER

Kent Trading Standards say that two incidents over the holiday period show that the con men are still active despite the "season of goodwill". One householder was telephoned on Christmas Eve by a man claiming to be from UK Debt Force and saying she owed £4,600 to a business directory. She was threatened with an "instant" visit from bailiffs and scared into paying up by bank transfer. In a second incident - on New Year's Eve - an elderly resident in Eastry, near Sandwich, had an unexpected visit by someone claiming to be from Social Services. He offered no identification and said he was looking for a man named Tyler who he believed lived at the home owner's address. He was very persistent but the householder refused entry. After the cold caller left, the resident checked with Social Services - who knew nothing about the call. For more on the two incidents, see the Kent Trading Standards information page on WalmerWeb.   (January 4, 2013)

LOCAL NEW YEAR'S HONOUR

Lady Julia Pender of North Court, Tilmanstone, has been recognised in the New Year's Honours by award of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the community in Kent. A Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Pender has a long record of serving on public bodies in the county. She was an elected member on Kent County Council from 1981 to 1997, and involved in its Adoption Panel and Social Services as well as the Kent Police Authority and Kent Probation Board and East Kent Health Authority. She served on East Kent Coastal PCT from 1997 to 2006. Other roles in the Kent community include: former chairman of Sandwich Technology College; governor of Sir Roger Manwood’s Grammar School; patron for Home Start Maidstone; Kent Ambassador; chairman of the trustees of Kent Fund for Children; trustee of Kent European Youth Association; and president of the Kent Association for Disabled People, Fairbridge in Kent, KCA and East Kent National Trust.    (January 4, 2013)