TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR SHOLDEN FOOTPATH

Kent County Council is planning to close footpath EE388 at Sholden while works are carried out to convert it to a cycle route. The path between Sholden New Road and The Street will be closed for up to six months from Tuesday 7 January. The KCC's Public Rights of Way staff expect that the works could take less time. For more details, call Colin Finch on 03000 417171.    (December 21, 2013)

FREE OFF-STREET PARKING 25 DECEMBER - 1 JANUARY

There's free car parking in all Dover District Council's off-street car parks throughout the district from 25 December to 1 January 2014. Drivers need to note that parking charges will still apply at on-street bays and in the car parks at Sainsbury’s and the Co-op in West Street, Deal.    (December 15, 2013)

FIFTH NATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS STRIKE

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has warned the public that firefighters who are members of the Fire Brigades Union will be striking between 6pm and 10pm on both Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December. Their website has details and offers advice on how householders and businesses can avoid problems.
See: www.kent.fire-uk.org.   (December 12, 2013)

CUT PRICE PRE-CHRISTMAS TRAVEL ON SOUTHEASTERN

Southeastern Rail is currently offering 25% off the price of many standard off-peak journeys until Tuesday 24 December. Railcard users can cut the fare prices even more. There are also a number of special offers like 2FOR1 London and 2FOR1 Kent which give rail users cheaper entry to top attractions, restaurants, theatres and exhibitions. The special discounts are only available on-line and cannot be bought at station booking offices. For details and to book tickets, see: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/destinations/
exclusive-25-discount.  (December 8, 2013)

MYFERRYLINK TO SAIL ON

A ruling by the UK's Competition Commission in June that gave cross-channel ferry operator My Ferry Link six months to stop its Dover to Calais service has been overturned. The company operates three former SeaFrance ferries, leased to them by Eurotunnel who bought the ships when SeaFrance ran into financial difficulties. The Competition Commission's ruling that Eurotunnel owned too large a share of the cross-Channel market failed to convince a Competition Appeal Tribunal on Wednesday (4 December).

Although Eurotunnel is pleased at the appeal decision, the matter has been referred back to the Competition Commission for further consideration. A question hangs over whether the Commission is legally permitted to rule on the Eurolink/My Ferry Link operation and it is reported that rival ferry companies at Dover remain fearful of a prospect of unfair competition.  (December 5, 2013)

SEARCH IS ON FOR WALMER'S BEST FESTIVE LIGHTS

Walmer Parish Council is inviting Walmer residents to help illuminate the dark winter nights by entering its annual Christmas Lights Competition. The event is in its eleventh year and judges will be touring the parish in the week beginning Monday 9 December to spot the most eye-catching and colourful displays. The winning residential property receives a cup and there are certificates for the two runners up.

Parish Council chairman Councillor Pat Heath said: “Walmer residents always make a considerable effort in brightening up the parish, during the festive season, with a rich diversity of illuminated displays”. Individual winners will be notified as soon as possible after the judging, and the results will be announced just before Christmas. To nominate your own or a neighbour’s house or local business, contact Sarah Plews at the Parish Council Office on 01304 362363.  (December 4, 2013)

HIGH STREET SHORTLISTED IN NATIONAL CONTEST

Deal High Street is on the shortlist for a national newspaper's competition to recognise the country's best town centre shopping areas. As part of a year-long campaign to support local high streets, the Daily Telegraph says that, in coming weeks, it will be judging the High Street of the Year from among hundreds nominated by its readers. Ten have made the shortlist - with Deal up against Bridport, Dorset; Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk; Leek, Staffs; Malmesbury, Wiltshire; Mill Road, Cambridge; Ramsbottom, Lancs; Sherborne, Dorset; Teddington, Middlesex; and Yarm, Teesside. As well as choosing a winning high street, the newspaper will also announce its High Street Champion of the Year, hand-picked by retailing expert Mary Portas. For more, see the Telegraph website.    (November 28, 2013)

DON'T PAY FOR COUNCIL TAX RECLASSIFICATION - IT'S FREE!

The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that letters sent to Kent residents offering to reduce their council tax band, are misleading. Two important facts had been left out. For details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (November 19, 2013)

ROADWORKS ALERT - UPDATED

Kent Highways say the following works are scheduled on local roads:

• The Marina, Deal - Waiting and parking will be prohibited on both sides of The Marina between Godwyn Road and no 69 The Marina on Mondays-Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm, for up to 3 months starting on Monday 2 December. The restrictions are to ensure public safety during the removal and transport of beach materials.
•  Middle Deal Road, Deal. Part of this road - between its junctions with Matthews Close and Southwall Road - will be closed to westbound traffic to enable gas main replacement works for up to seven weeks from Monday 14 October. As a result the road will become one-way eastbound.
•  Cherry Lane, Great Mongeham - will be closed to through traffic to enable gas main replacement works from Monday 7 October for up to 11 weeks. The work will be carried out in phases starting from the Mongeham Road junction and finishing at the Northbourne Road junction. Access for residents will be provided either side of where works are in progress.  

Local diversions will be signposted. Scheduled dates for the works may be affected by adverse weather. For more information call Kent Highways on 0300 333 5539 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    ( updated November 19, 2013)

"GREEN" FUTURE FOR BETTESHANGER SITE

A £40m plan to create a green technologies park on the site of the former Betteshanger Colliery has been unveiled. The development by Hadlow College features a centre for green technology commerce and business, an education and research complex and a national centre for sustainable energy and mining heritage. It is expected to produce up to 1,000 jobs and boost tourism in the area, potentially attracting 100,000 visitors a year to learn about sustainable energy and mining heritage. The project has taken four years of planning and preparation and work on the site is due to start in Spring 2014.

To be called the Betteshanger Sustainable Energy and Mining Heritage Park, the scheme has gained support from both local and national government and is backed by £11m public sector investment and £29m of private sector funds. For more details, see www.betteshangerparks.co.uk.    (November 11, 2013)

RAIL WORKS IN NOVEMBER

Engineering works on parts of Southeastern train routes from London to Deal and Walmer are planned for later this month (November). As a result trains between between Faversham, Folkestone Central, Dover Priory and Ramsgate will be replaced by buses as follows:

• all day on on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November
• after 11.30pm each night from Monday 25 to Thursday 28 November.

For more information and updates see Network Rail's future engineering webpage.   (September 11, 2013 - updated on November 9, 2013)

LOCAL GAS EXPLORATION PLANS ARE WITHDRAWN

Coastal Oil and Gas Limited has withdrawn its three planning applications for exploratory boreholes at Shepherdswell, Tilmanstone and Guston. The company has told Kent County Council, which had asked for more details in mid-October, that it intends to collate additional information and then re-submit the applications. KCC planners say that no further action will be taken on the three withdrawn applications and any new applications will be subject to the necessary consultations and publicity.    (November 8, 2013)

SEAFRONT QUARTERDECK GOING - AT LAST!

Work has started on demolishing the former Quarterdeck building on Deal seafront to make way for a new development comprising a restaurant on the ground floor and 14 flats above. The new building project is by Canterbury-based company Rogate who say they expect to start construction work in the new year. The Quarterdeck social and entertainment centre was created in 1973 by the old Deal Borough Council and taken over by Dover District Council following local government reorganisation in 1974. The building closed in 2007 and was sold to the developers Rogate Holdings in 2012. For details of Rogate's plans for the site, see www.rogate.co.uk/.    (November 8, 2013)

PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY

Ringwould with Kingsdown Parish Council is seeking a new member following the resignation of Cllr Harry Paice. An election will be held to fill the vacancy if 10 electors living in the parishes call for it before Wednesday 13 November. The request for an election has to be made in writing to the Returning Officer at Council Offices, White Cliffs Business Park, Dover, Kent CT16 3PJ. Any election would then be held by 21 January 2014. If there is no valid request for an election, the vacancy will be filled by co-option. For more information, contact the parish clerk Mrs Katie Amaouche on 01304 729081.    (October 31, 2013)

FIREWORKS AND THE LAW

As bonfire night approaches, here's a quick guide on how to stay within the law.

It's against the law to buy or use ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18. Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks; they don’t include things like sparklers and party poppers.

It’s also against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on: Bonfire Night, when the cut off is 12midnight; New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.

It's against the law to set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

People can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates: 15 October to 10 November; 26 to 31 December; and three days before Diwali (on Sunday 3 November in 2013) and Chinese New Year (on Friday 31 January in 2014). At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

Penalties for not keeping within the law include: fines up to £5,000 and/or imprisonment for 3 months for buying or using fireworks illegally. And on-the-spot fines of £80.

For advice on firework safety, see: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents at www.saferfireworks.com and the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk/explosives/fireworks.    (October 29, 2013)

FREE OFF-STREET PARKING ON 7 DECEMBER

Dover District Council will be offering free car parking in all its off-street car parks throughout the district on Saturday 7 December. It's in support of the UK’s first ever "Small Business Saturday", based on an American Express scheme in the USA and designed to raise the profile of small businesses. The UK initiative is being backed by central government and the district council is hoping the move will encourage more people to recognise the value, quality and choice that local, independent traders provide. Car parking will also be free in all the council's off-street car parks from 25 December to 1 January 2014. Drivers need to note that parking charges will still apply at on-street bays and in the car parks at Sainsbury’s and the Co-op in West Street, Deal.    (October 28, 2013)

BEWARE OF STORM DAMAGE "COWBOYS"

KCC Trading Standards has issued a warning for any resident affected by the recent storms and needing repair work to avoid being caught by rogue traders. Past experience shows that these "cowboys" may cold call to take advantage of the situation. The public can also help by checking if elderly neighbours need assistance or advice - possibly in contacting their insurance company and, if necessary, arranging an essential repair.

The Trading Standards watchdog advises the public to always choose tradesmen carefully. Play safe by getting three quotes for the work, asking for recommendations from family and friends or choosing an approved trader from the KCC Trading Standards "Buy with Confidence" scheme on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or by calling 0845 404 0506. Any incidents of cold calling can be reported to the same 0845 404 0506 number.    (October 28, 2013)

MOBILE PHONE SCAM

Receiving a mobile phone he hadn't ordered together with a contract in his name puzzled one Kent resident. He contacted the phone company to sort things out and agreed how to return it to them. However he then got a call from someone saying they'd call round to collect it. Fortunately the resident was canny enough to refuse this. It was a scam - designed to gain a free phone and leave him to pick up the bill. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (October 21, 2013)

ROADWORKS ALERT - UPDATED

Kent Highways say the following works are scheduled on local roads:

•  Oak Street, Deal will be closed to through traffic for its entire length for up to 5 days from Monday 21 October. This is to allow works for a new electricity supply.
•  Allenby Avenue, Deal will be closed to through traffic for its entire length on weekdays for up to 8 weeks from Monday 2 September. This is to allow repairs to the road and pavements and road resurfacing. The works do not allow re-opening outside of the weekday working hours - but the road will be re-opened at weekends.
•  Middle Deal Road, Deal. Part of this road - between its junctions with Matthews Close and Southwall Road - will be closed to westbound traffic to enable gas main replacement works for up to seven weeks from Monday 14 October. As a result the road will become one-way eastbound.
•  Cherry Lane, Great Mongeham - will be closed to through traffic to enable gas main replacement works from Monday 7 October for up to 11 weeks. The work will be carried out in phases starting from the Mongeham Road junction and finishing at the Northbourne Road junction. Access for residents will be provided either side of where works are in progress.  
•  Northwall Road, Deal - parts of the road between the Golf Road and Friends Close junctions will be closed to through traffic to allow exploratory checking of road composition and services (in anticipation of future road reconstruction) on Tuesday 29 October from 7am to 5pm. As far as possible access will be maintained.

Local diversions will be signposted. Scheduled dates for the works may be affected by adverse weather. For more information call Kent Highways on 0300 333 5539 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.    (September 21, 2013 - updated September 28, 2013 - updated October 19, 2013)

The public is being asked to take extra care over personal fire safety when firefighters hold their next strike on Saturday 19 October between 6.30pm and 11.30pm. It's part of a national dispute between the Government and the Fire Brigades Union and Kent Fire and Rescue Service will be affected. The county's fire service says it will be taking 999 calls as usual, but the service will not be at the normal level. Priority will be given to serious incidents and it may not be possible to attend non-emergency calls. For more details and advice on keeping safe, see www.kent.fire-uk.org/.    (October 16, 2013)

ANTI-FRACKING CAMPAIGN HOTS UP

Opposition to plans by Coastal Oil and Gas Limited for test drilling at Guston, Shepherdswell and Tilmanstone has been stepped up. The oil company's planning applications are expected to be considered by Kent County Council later this year, following a public consultation process which ends on Friday 15 November.

But Kent Green Party says there is a serious conflict of interest. It claims the KCC's pensions fund has shares worth £153million in companies involved in fracking and this should prevent the authority from considering or granting them licences. However the KCC has denied the claims saying that the pension fund is run separately to the authority and has no power to influence licencing decisions. For more, see www.dover-express.co.uk/...

Meanwhile Greenpeace has weighed in with introduction of its wrongmove.org website. This, it says, is to raise awareness of the areas in Britain which could be affected by hydraulic fracturing and draw attention to the legal rights of property owners. Greenpeace says it is unlawful for fracking companies to drill under people's homes without their permission. Through wrongmove.org, residents can register their refusal to grant permission to frack under their homes. See www.wrongmove.org.

The East Kent Against Fracking campaigning group is urging people concerned by the local planning applications to see what is being proposed and make their views known to the county council's planners. They also highlight a petition on the 38degrees.org website. For more details, see http://eastkentagainstfracking.
blogspot.co.uk/    (October 16, 2013)

SKY INSURANCE RENEWAL SCAM

A cold call by a company claiming a Kent householder's Sky Protect insurance needed renewing has turned out to be a fraud. The duped resident paid £145 over the phone and then had a further £300 debited from their account to a company not connected to Sky. ‘Sky Protect’ is the only insurance endorsed by Sky and is provided by Domestic & General Insurance. For more details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (October 16, 2013)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SPOT "HERITAGE AT RISK"

English Heritage has unveiled a plan to survey all of England's Grade II listed buildings for the first time. And it wants to enlist an "army" of volunteers to help in assessing which of the country's 345,000 buildings could be at risk from neglect. Over 700 properties were considered to need attention during an early trial for the scheme. The new much bigger exercise is expected to start next year and take several years to complete. For more details and how would-be volunteers can be involved can be found at: www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/news/eh-mobilise-volunteer-heritage-army/.      (October 10, 2013)

YELLOW LINES FOR SHOLDEN

Kent County Council has confirmed its plans for a number of parking restrictions on various sections of roads at Sholden. Most are around junctions on London Road, Sandwich Road, Sholden New Road, Paddock Close, the access to Cottington Lakes and the Sandwich Road access to the major new housing development.

The County Council is also to change the current 50mph speed limit on part of the Sandwich Road to 30mph. The new reduced speed limit will be for 304 metres towards the Fowlmead roundabout from a point 95 metres northwest of the Sholden New Road junction. Details of the changes at Sholden can be seen at Dover District Council's offices at Whitfield and also the Kent Highways offices in Ashford and Maidstone. Alternatively, call Kent Highways on 0300 333 5539 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.     (October 5, 2013)

MP ELPHICKE AGAINST LOCAL GAS DRILLING PLANS

The campaign by local environmental groups against exploratory drilling for coal bed methane gas has gained an unexpected supporter. Today's East Kent Mercury (Thursday 3 October) reports that local MP Charlie Elphicke says he is opposed to current applications for exploratory drilling in East Kent. Although he considers shale gas could lead to reduced energy bills, he says this has to be balanced against safety. Locally, he believes "the risk to the water acquifer and our drinking water is too great".

Kent County Council has received three applications from Coastal Oil and Gas Limited for test drilling at Guston, Shepherdswell and Tilmanstone. They can be seen online at:
   Guston: http://host1.atriumsoft.com/ePlanningOPSkent/loadFullDetails.do?aplId=53907
   Tilmanstone: http://host1.atriumsoft.com/ePlanningOPSkent/loadFullDetails.do?aplId=53927
   Shepherdswell: http://host1.atriumsoft.com/ePlanningOPSkent/loadFullDetails.do?aplId=53947
As part of public consultation, comments need to be submitted to the KCC by Friday 15 November. How to comment is detailed on the web pages.

The East Kent Against Fracking group sets out its concerns about fracking and the planning applications at http://eastkentagainstfracking.blogspot.co.uk. The group is holding a public meeting on Wednesday 16 October in the Connaught Hall, Dover Town Hall, Biggin Street, Dover between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. There is also an online petition calling on Kent County Council to reject the plans at: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-oppose-exploratory-drilling-for-coal-bed-methane-in-east-kent-1.    (October 3, 2013)

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) would like to recruit volunteers to help in promoting fire safety and accident prevention across the county. The volunteers will not carry out any operational fire safety duties, but will assist in engaging with the community to encourage safety awareness and say how the Fire Service can help.

To explain what will be involved, the Fire Service is holding two half-day information sessions - at Canterbury Fire Station on Saturday 12 October and at Maidstone Fire Station on Saturday 26 October. Both sessions are from 9.30am to 12.30pm. People who wish to attend are asked to contact volunteer coordinator Karen Garrett to book a place. Then, those who decide they would like to become a volunteer need to submit their application by Thursday 31 October. Applicants will be invited to interviews in Canterbury on Tuesday19 and Wednesday 20 November and in Maidstone on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 November. Successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced CRB check.   (September 27, 2013)

CALLS TO SUPPORT PETITIONS ON FRACKING AND TRAIN SERVICES

Local residents are being urged to support two petitions on topics that could have a considerable impact on living in East Kent.

Following a well-attended public meeting in Deal on Thursday 19 September, the Trains4deal action group wants people to take a look at its proposals for maintaining and, possibly, improving the current high-speed train service to Deal and Sandwich. There are fears that today's limited commuter service could be lost when a subsidy by Kent County Council runs out in March 2014. Campaign supporter Nick Stevens from the Platform 1 cafe at Deal Rail Station says: "We don't just want things to stay as they are. We are actively campaigning with Trains4deal for weekday off-peak and weekend services too. Make no mistake, the economic vitality of Deal is at stake." To read about the Trains4deal concerns and proposals and have a say by voting on the need for local high-speed rail services, go to: www.trains4deal.com/index.html.

News that Coastal Oil and Gas Ltd have submitted three planning applications for test bores at sites near the villages of Guston, Shepherdswell and Tilmanstone is being challenged in a petition by the East Kent Against Fracking group on the 38degrees website. It urges Kent County Council to reject the plans on the basis that even exploratory drilling poses risks to groundwater, people's health and wildlife and could create land subsidence. Other environmental concerns include heavy lorry traffic, noise pollution, the processing of toxic water pumped out of the coal seams and the potential for the industralisation of the local countryside. To read and consider supporting the petition, go to: http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/we-oppose-exploratory-drilling-for-coal-bed-methane-in-east-kent-1.   (September 25, 2013)

WASTE AND RECYCLING WONDER DAY

For householders who may have wondered what happens to the stuff they put out on bin day, the waste collection company Veolia and Dover and Shepway District Councils are holding a special event in Folkestone on Saturday (28 September). Their "Waste and Recycling Wonder Day" is at the Ross Depot in Military Road, Folkestone from 10am to 4pm. As well as showing how all the newspapers, cans, plastic bottles, cardboard and garden waste are used, there will be a number of family events including Birds of Prey, prize competitions and refreshments. For more information, call 01304 240237.   (September 24, 2013)

The public is being asked to take extra care to avoid problems during the Fire Brigades Union's planned strike action between 12noon and 4pm on Wednesday 25 September. The national dispute between the union and the Government is over pension arrangements. Kent Fire and Rescue Service are not involved in those negotiations and say that they will continue to answer and deal with 999 calls and have contingency plans in place to provide an emergency service for Kent and Medway. They are encouraging the public to avoid making unnecessary calls during the strike period and take extra precautions to keep themselves safe. Simple steps to help avoid problems include:

• checking smoke alarms;
• not leaving any cooking unattended;
• unplugging any unused electrical items if leaving the house on Wednesday;
• not lighting a bonfire on Wednesday;
• avoiding using candles and certainly not leaving them burning unattended;
• driving carefully and wearing a seatbelt; and
• sticking to safe areas and avoiding water and deep mud if out hiking or walking the dog.

For more information, see www.kent.fire-uk.org.   (September 21, 2013)

Kent Trading Standards have issued warnings about bogus telephone calls from people claiming to be from South East Water and Southern Electric. Both are designed to trick people into believing they are dealing with the genuine company and revealing financial information like credit card details. For details and advice, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (September 21, 2013)

CALL TO SAVE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN SERVICE

Local rail campaigners, concerned at the possible loss of Deal's high-speed rail service, are holding a public meeting on Thursday 19 September at 8pm in The Bohemian (upstairs), Beach Street, Deal. They hope to rally support in the face of growing concerns that neither Kent County Council, the Department for Transport nor Southeastern has yet committed to funding the local HS services when the KCC's subsidy ends in March 2014.

Nick Stevens of Deal’s Platform 1 station café said that users had come to rely on the services and needed them to be maintained. The service was also a vital economic growth stimulant for Deal, Sandwich and South East Kent. Ian Killbery of campaign group Trains4Deal said that "vague promises" about a future all-day HS service were not good enough. He wanted to see "achievable and affordable improvements for the 2014-18 timetables that build on the success of the present commuter trains".

The current timetable offers four weekday peak time HS services up to London leaving Deal between 5.56am and 7.26am, with four back in late afternoon and evening. The campaigners and a number of local business leaders believe that an improved service is vital to the development of Discovery Park in Sandwich and that local shops and tourism could be boosted by introducing a weekend service. All this, they suggest, could be achieved by better use of existing HS rolling stock.

"So far these local hopes and concerns are being ignored, and we urge people to speak up, come to the meeting and get this put on the agenda before it's too late," said Nick Stevens. For more details, see www.trains4deal.com.   (September 16, 2013)

TRAIN TIMES CHANGE FOR "LEAVES ON THE LINE"

As part of its plans to reduce the autumn problem of "leaves on the line" Southeastern is to operate a revised train timetable from Sunday 29 September until Saturday 7 December. For local Walmer and Deal commuters some early morning services will leave a few minutes earlier than usual. Although often treated as a joke, autumn leaf fall is regarded by the train company as a very real problem. It says that fallen leaves compressed by passing trains can create greasy track conditions and drivers need to take extra care when braking and accelerating. The leaf mulch can also block the power supply in the third rail, preventing trains drawing enough power to move at normal speeds. Despite using a variety of methods and equipment to clear the rails, wet, cold and frosty weather conditions can still cause problems.

By adding a few more minutes into the timetable on early morning services Southeastern hope to help minimise any disruption. For details of the local revised times go to: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/leaf-fall#f and download the "Mainline 4 (Kent Mainline via Ashford International)" timetable.   (September 12, 2013)

SEA DEFENCES SHINGLE TO BE TOPPED UP

The Environment Agency's Deal sea defence team say that, in the next few weeks, their contractor will start works to add fresh shingle to the beach. Some of the dredged shingle used for work on the defences last year contained more fine sandy material than required. The sea defence team say this, along with strong sea conditions, has led to a greater loss of shingle than expected and some "cliffing" along the beach. The new works will involve using two sieving machines to remove the excess sand from the existing beach material,. These will move along the beach, starting by central Deal and continue to Sandown Castle. A small dredger will then deliver shingle by "rainbowing" it on to the beach - expected to be a spectacular sight!

Local residents are being invited to learn more about what's happening at a public drop-in session on Deal promenade, between the Pier and the Royal Hotel, on Saturday 28 September from 10am to 3pm. There's also more in a newsletter available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/deal.   (September 11, 2013)

DEADLINE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS EXTENDED

The closing date for applications from community groups for grants of up to £2,500 from the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums has been extended by one week to Friday 20 September. Details can be seen in the WalmerWeb local news archives (see item for 24 June 2013) and on the Dover District Council website. Application forms for the awards are available from KCC community engagement officer Shuna Body on 01622 694943 or  They can also be downloaded from the Dover DC website.   (September 11, 2013)

PARKING BAN FOR BEVAN CLOSE/TELEGRAPH ROAD JUNCTION

Kent County Council is proposing to introduce a ban on waiting and parking around the junction of Bevan Close and Telegraph Road in Deal. Details can be seen at the county council's offices in Javelin Way, Ashford or at Dover District Council's offices, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield. Comments supporting or objecting to the proposed traffic order need to be submitted to the county council by 12noon on Monday 30 September. For more information call Kent Highways on 0300 333 5539 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (September 7, 2013)

NEW DISCO VENTURE FOR MAPS GROUP

Mark Spurgeon, organiser of the MAPS activity sessions held every Tuesday at the Telegraph Pub in Deal, has announced his group's first disco. It's on Saturday 23 November at Whitfield Village Hall from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. MAPS is a service for people with learning disabilities, providing social facilities and activities at several venues in Kent. For more details, contact Mark on 07770 912437 or   (September 6, 2013)

FAKE HIGHWAYS, CAB AND PARCEL FORCE SCAMS

Consumer watchdog Kent Trading Standards have issued warnings about three scams. They involve:

• offers of driveway works by fake "Highways Agency" workmen;
• telephone calls about a "car accident" from someone pretending to represent the Citizens Advice Bureau; and
• phone calls requesting payment for excess postage on an impending "Parcel Force" package.

All are scams to try to cheat or defraud unwary consumers. For details and advice, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (September 5, 2013)

LOCAL WRITERS HOPING FOR NATIONAL AWARD

Members of the local Deal Writers creative writing group could be heading for a prestigious national award. Their 2013 anthology "Tidelines" has been shortlisted in the National Association of Writer's Groups annual competition to find the UK's best anthology. Each year Deal Writers publish a collection of members' poetry and prose with carefully selected pieces combining a local flavour with a wide range of styles. The Deal group is no stranger to success having won the award for best anthology in 2007.

The Deal Writers chairman Amy Reynolds said: "A lot of work goes into selecting the pieces and preparing them for publication. It was a great honour to win in 2007 and it would be fantastic if we were to win again. I am looking forward to the results which will be announced in the Autumn." Deal Writers meet on the first and third Thursday of every month at 7.15pm (for a 7.30pm start) at Dealability, 43 Victoria Road, Deal. For more information, or see www.dealwriters.co.uk.   (August 30, 2013)

A joint project by Action with Communities in Rural Kent and British Gas has just been improved. As well as free loft and cavity wall insulation for eligible residents, replacement boilers have now been included in the scheme. People in receipt of certain benefits - including pension credit, tax credits, ESA and income support - may be entitled to a free replacement boiler along with insulation to make their home more snug and help cut fuel costs.

People who don’t receive benefits but have hard-to-treat cavity walls, might also qualify for up to £1,000 off the cost of work. The scheme organisers recommend new applicants and anyone who has previously been turned down for cavity wall insulation to get in touch. All the offers are open to people who own their own homes or live in private rented housing.

To check eligibility, call British Gas free on 0800 980 9037. If you are eligible, they will arrange for a free survey at a convenient time. If this shows that the property is suitable, they will then agree when to do the work. It is emphasised that it's a government initiative to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. There is no catch and people don’t have to take out a contract, take up any British Gas products or services or even be a British Gas customer to take advantage. More details are also available from Action with Communities in Rural Kent; call Tessa on 01303 813790.   (August 28, 2013)

ROADWORKS ALERT

Kent Highways say they are planning the following works on local roads:

•  Allenby Avenue, Deal will be closed to through traffic for its entire length on weekdays for up to 8 weeks from Monday 2 September. This is to allow repairs to the road and pavements and road resurfacing. The works do not allow re-opening outside of the weekday working hours - but the road will be re-opened at weekends.
•  Liverpool Road, Walmer will be closed to through traffic between Alexandra Road and Archery Square on Wednesday 4 September for three days for road repairs.
•  Middle Deal Road, Deal. Part of this road - in the vicinity of nos: 276 to 282 - will be closed to through traffic for gas main works for up to two weeks from Monday 9 September.

Local diversions will be signposted. Scheduled dates for the works may be affected by adverse weather. For more information call Kent Highways on 0300 333 5539 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (August 25, 2013)

COUNCIL CRACK DOWN ON LITTER AND DOG MESS

Irresponsible dog owners and people who deliberately drop litter could face fines of up to £75 when Dover District Council’s new environmental enforcement officers start patrolling next week. The council has appointed three uniformed officers to issue fixed penalties of £75 for littering and £50 for dog fouling. They will normally patrol between 6am and 9pm, seven days a week - but will be ready to turn up at other times to tackle problem areas.

The council emphasises that the new officers are paid by salary and not for the number of penalty tickets issued. Their main aim is to work with the community to prevent offences. The crack down on litter and dog fouling is also expected to be helped by a number of other council officers, neighbourhood policing teams and county council wardens being asked to record offences whilst out and about in the district. Any evidence they gather will be followed up by the council's environmental team who will issue penalty notices where appropriate.   (August 23, 2013)

PUBLIC MEETING FOR NEW HOUSING IN WALMER

There's an opportunity for local residents to have a say in the preparation of plans for a major housing development off Station Road in Upper Walmer. Developers Taylor Wimpey say they will be holding a public exhibition of their proposals for 220 new homes on open farmland in Walmer Parish Hall, Dover Road, Walmer on Thursday 5 September between 4pm and 8pm.

The display will enable people to learn about the plans which include 30% "affordable housing", a recreation area and maintenance of the footpath route from Station Road to Coldblow. The developers say they will also wish to have residents' comments and suggestions for the scheme. They expect to submit a planning application for the scheme to Dover District Council later this year. If people have any queries before the 5 September meeting, Taylor Wimpey's development team can be contacted     (August 21, 2013)

LATEST CONS: GUTTER CLEARANCE AND LIFELINE PENDANTS

Kent Trading Standards have issued two warnings about cold callers offering dubious services. One involves con men offering to clear guttering or do roof repairs. The other is for high-pressure sales of "life-line" pendants. For details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (August 21, 2013)

Dover District Council is undertaking a survey to learn the public's views on Walmer Paddling Pool, the popular free amenity for youngsters at Walmer Green. The council says it would like to hear how people use the facilities, what they think of them and how they would like to see them developed. To make it easy to submit views on the pool, there's a survey form at www.dover.gov.uk/snapsurveys/paddlingpool/survey.htm. For more information contact Sarah Philpott (Community Engagement Officer) on 01304 872446 or     (August 18, 2013)

PRAISE FOR "WONDERFUL DISPLAYS"

Despite difficult weather conditions earlier this year, gardeners in Deal have won high praise from Mayor of Deal Cllr Marlene Burnham. Announcing the winners of the 2013 Deal in Bloom competition, she said she had been very impressed by the extremely high standard with "wonderful displays of flowers and plants". The town's "green fingered" winners are:

• North Deal ward: Nigel and Gill Walsh, Robert Street (winners); Lyn and Peter Buller, West Street (runners-up).
• Mill Hill ward: June Hobbs, Mill Hill (winner); Allan Pollard, Trinity Place (runner-up).
• Middle Deal ward: Jane Lowe, Delane Road (winner); Georgina and Albert Curling, Middle Deal Road (runners-up).

The winners are being invited to a presentation evening, hosted by the Mayor in Deal Town Hall, on Wednesday 11 September.   (August 16, 2013)

PRODUCT RECALL: DEBENHAMS ELECTRIC BLANKET

Debenhams is recalling two models of its "Sleeping Beauty" electric blankets due to an electrical fault. For details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (August 16, 2013)

CANCELLED: ORIENT EXPRESS TRIP TO DEAL

Plans for the Orient Express train to come to Deal on Saturday (10 August) for a ‘Discover Deal’ excursion have been cancelled. Nick Stevens at Deal station’s Platform 1 café contacted DealWeb and WalmerWeb to say he had just been informed on Wednesday morning that the Orient Express visit for Saturday and the one planned for October had both been called off. The news will come as a big disappointment to local traders and attractions. The brief trips by the Orient Express' passengers to explore the town and seafront were seen as a means of persuading them to return for a longer stay.   (August 7, 2013)

NEW MEMBER FOR WALMER PARISH COUNCIL

Walmer Parish Council has a new member. Following the resignation of former councillor Mrs Celia Harris, the resulting "casual vacancy" has been filled by co-opting Mr David Thompson of 108 Gladstone Road, Walmer. He will represent the Lower Walmer Wellington Ward of the parish. Councillor Thompson can be contacted on 01304 380275.   (August 5, 2013)

NEW LOCATION FOR PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE

Walmer Parish Council office has moved from Victoria Road in Deal to a new home at 8 The Strand, Walmer CT14 7DY. It has been a long-standing ambition for parish councillors to locate their office actually in the parish. There's a new phone number to contact parish clerk Kirsty Holroyd and assistant clerk Sarah Plews: 01304 362363. Their e-mail remains the same - - as does the parish council's website at www.walmercouncil.co.uk.  The new office is on the section of The Strand close to the junction with Canada Road and open Tuesdays to Fridays 9am-3pm.   (July 22, 2013)

TIDES POOL RE-OPENS

Tides swimming pool in Deal is back in action following a closure forced by problems with water filtration units which failed on Saturday 13 July. The pool reopened at 10.30am on Tuesday 30 July. More details are on the "Your Leisure" website at http://yourleisure.uk.com/news/tides-pool-closure.   (July 21, 2013 - updated 1 August 2013)

AMERICAN CARS ON SHOW AT PICNIC

Old car enthusiasts will have plenty to see when the Left Hookers American Car Club makes a return visit to Walmer Parish Council's Picnic on the Green on Saturday 10 August. It is just one of the attractions at the free event on Walmer Green and among the cars the club is hoping to bring along are a Dodge Ram SRT 10 8.3 V10, a Ford pickup, a Buick and a Cadillac Montego. Other attractions at the Picnic include live music from the Kingsdown Band, displays by local clubs and community groups, a small children’s fairground for which small charges will apply and sports for children provided by PACE. The Picnic is from 1pm until 5pm.   (July 24, 2013)

Walmer Parish Council is funding a new event for children over the school holidays. Together with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership which specialises in fun activities for children under the "Green Gang" banner, the council is inviting families to bring a picnic and go hunting for mini monsters and pretty flowers at Hawkshill Freedown in Walmer. The Freedown, also known as The Glen locally, is owned by Walmer Parish Council. Chairman Pat Heath explained: “The area is popular with dog walkers and ramblers, but we are keen to bring this local beauty spot to the attention of younger people too. Hopefully parents will bring their children to enjoy this free event and see for themselves the stunning views across the channel, and the wide variety of wild flowers, butterflies and birds the Freedown supports”.

The event will be run by WCCP worker Steve Walker on Wednesday 7 August at 12.30pm. Steve says: “We are really excited to be able to offer a Green Gang event in Walmer. The rare chalk grassland of Hawkshill Freedown is home to lots of weird and wonderful creatures with whom we hope to get up close and personal! Meet us in the car park at the junction of Liverpool Road and Grams Road and bring sun hats, sunscreen and sturdy footwear”. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. For more details contact the Parish Office on 01304 362363 or the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership on 01304 241806.   (July 24, 2013)

CONSUMER ALERT: BOGUS "REWARD" OFFERS

Kent Trading Standards are warning the public about a dodgy e-mail purporting to be from Tesco Rewards Department and offering a £500 Tesco voucher reward. It is very probably a phishing e-mail where consumers are conned into providing their bank or credit card details. For details, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (July 23, 2013)

LOCAL WALKING FESTIVAL HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Now in its fifth year, Deal Walking Festival takes place between Thursday 22 and Wednesday 28 August. With 23 walks, ranging in length from two to 18 miles, the organisers believe there will be something for both keen walkers and those seeking a leisurely stroll. The programme includes health walks, historical and special interest walks, a "Smugglers of Deal" themed walk, a treasure trail for families, exploration of wildlife around Deal and an evening walk to Dover topped off by a fish and chips supper. The full walks programme can be found in a free leaflet available locally and also on the festival’s website at www.dealwalkingfestival.org.uk.    (July 21, 2013)

COLDBLOW WOODS FENCING AGREED

Dover District Council planning committee has approved plans by the owner of the former MOD playing field at Coldblow in Ripple to reinstate and repair a boundary fence and gates. It was claimed that these had been vandalised over the years and would be replaced with a 1.5-metre high pvc coated chain link fence on the perimeter of the 6.07-hectare site with 2-metre high gates on the Coldblow Lane entrance. An application by a local action group for the site to be designated as a village green is currently under consideration by Kent County Council.   (July 20, 2013)

Parents, former students and the local community are being invited to join in a celebration of Walmer Science College and its achievements over the years when it closes on Friday (19 July). A programme of activities and displays is being organised by students and staff - starting at 1.30pm and finishing at 3.30pm. Included are exhibitions depicting ‘Walmer through the Decades’, a performance of ‘Dancing through the Decades’ in the main hall at 2pm and an art exhibition in the sports hall.

The closure of the Science College by Kent County Council and its amalgamation with Castle Community College in Deal has been the subject of considerable local controversy - with many condemning it as "shortsighted" and a "loss of choice" in local secondary education.    (July 17, 2013)

YOUNG FUNDRAISER SETTING SIGHTS ON BEAUTY CONTEST

Nine-year-old Stephanie Rees from Ringwould will be off to London and Paris in October to represent England in the final rounds of the international Face of the Globe beauty contest. Stephanie came first in the competition's south-east England junior section in May, with her enthusiastic fund raising for good causes an important factor. In April she raised £1,600 by holding a local fashion show and currently she is seeking money for the Kent Air Ambulance and the Rainbow Children's Foundation. Her latest fundraising event is an online photographic competiton on Facebook/Julia Meager and she is also looking for more sponsors when she runs in Sunday's Junior Fun Run on Deal and Walmer seafront. There's more on Stephanie's Face of the Globe success at: http://faceoftheglobe.com/#/stephanie-england/4576795573.    (July 17, 2013)

ROADWORKS ALERT

Kent Highways say they are planning the following works on local roads:

• The level crossing at Coldblow, Walmer will be closed to through traffic between 12.35am on Saturday 3 August and 4.50am on Sunday 4 August to allow maintenance work on the crossing.
• West Street, Deal will be closed to through traffic between Duke Street and Western Road on Wednesday 31 July for three days - for road repairs.
• Golf Road, Deal will be closed to through traffic between Ark Lane and Harold Road on Monday 5 August for two weeks - for road repairs.
• Western Road, Deal will be closed to through traffic between West Street and Ark Lane on Monday 19 August for four days - for road repairs.
• Liverpool Road, Walmer will be closed to through traffic between Alexandra Road and Archery Square on Wednesday 4 September for three days - also for road repairs.

Local diversions will be signposted. Scheduled dates for the works may be affected by adverse weather. For more information call Kent Highways on 0300 333 5539 or see www.kent.gov.uk/highways.   (July 15, 2013)

NEW "GASTRO DINING" AT RINGWOULD

The latest development at the Five Bells pub in Ringwould - a new gastro restaurant - will be officially launched by the Mayor of Deal, Cllr Mrs Marlene Burnham, on Friday 19 July. The inn's management team Tony Merrett and John Guy say their new venture will only use locally sourced produce and reflect all the best the local area has to offer. Creating the freshly prepared menu will be chef Julia Meager and junior chef Darren Wilcock.

The Five Bells, built in 1729 as a farm, was granted a license to sell ales and ciders in 1784, and has been selling beers, wines and spirits ever since. The building was renovated in early 2011 to create a modern venue whilst retaining the atmosphere of a traditional village pub. The owners also provide visitor accommodation with three double rooms, one twin room and two luxury one-bedroomed apartments. For more on the pub and the new gastro restaurant menu, see www.fivebellsringwould.co.uk.    (July 15, 2013)

WALMER POST OFFICE IS MOVING

The sub post office at Upper Walmer is on the move. The current branch at 329 Dover Road will close on Monday 15 July and re-open in the nearby Londis store at 313 Dover Road on Tuesday 16 July.   (July 13, 2013)

TIME TO JOIN IN WHITE CLIFFS 2013 ART PROJECT

Local artists, quilters and photographers - both experienced and newcomers - are being invited to get involved in the White Cliffs 2013 art project. A series of workshops, followed by public exhibitions of participants' work, are taking place from now and into the autumn. For details, see the BBC Things To Do website.   (July 12, 2013)

STRAWBERRY "RESCUE" ON MONDAY 15 JULY

Volunteers are needed for a one-day project to harvest crops of strawberries that could go to waste and redistribute them to food poverty charities. On Monday 15 July, supporters of the Gleaning Network will be heading for a farm near Faversham to help harvest the tasty fruits! New helpers are welcome to join in. The day will be roughly 10am-5pm and travel expenses can be met for people in Kent. To find out more about the Gleaning Network, the 15 July event and other gleaning days contact them   (July 9, 2013)

SPEED CHANGES PROPOSED FOR A258 AT SHOLDEN

Kent County Council has published plans to permanently change the speed limits on a section of the A258 Sandwich Road at Sholden. The road from close to the Sholden New Road junction towards Fowlmead roundabout could become 30mph for 304 metres. From there, the road would get a 50mph limit to the Bridge Hill junction (on the Sandwich side of the Fowlmead roundabout). The proposed changes can be inspected at Dover District Council's offices at Whitfield and are open to public comment. Views supporting or objecting to the proposal (quoting "Sandwich Road, Sholden") need to be submitted to The TRO Coordinator, 125-135 Brenchley House, Week Street, Maidstone ME14 1RF or before 12noon on Monday 29 July.   (July 6, 2013)

CRUMBLING FOOTPATH CLOSED AT KINGSDOWN

Kent County Council is closing a section of public footpath on the coast near Kingsdown. The move follows concerns for public safety following serious erosion of Footpath E10 which runs from Oldstairs Road southwards towards Hope Point. The closure is currently for up to six months. Details can be seen on the KCC's interative footpaths map at www.kent.gov.uk/explorekentgis/map.aspx. Alternatively contact Denise Roffey on 0845 345 0210.   (July 6, 2013)

"LEFT OVER TARMAC" SCAM - AGAIN!

Once again, there are reports of men cold calling residents, claiming they are from “Highways” or “The Council” and offering to carry out driveway repairs with "some tarmac left over from nearby works ". It's a scam and can lead to shoddy work and inflated charges. There's more on this on the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (July 4, 2013)

BETTER "RIGHTS" FOR EUROPEAN TRAVELLERS

For the first time, millions of holidaymakers travelling in the European Union this summer will be protected by comprehensive passenger rights - whether travelling by air or rail, and now also by ship, bus and coach. A "passenger rights" information campaign, launched by the European Commission, has details. For more on this, see the Kent Trading Standards page on WalmerWeb.   (July 4, 2013)