Shepway District Council

shepwaytodaySpring/Summer 2013WIN two ticketsto the War andPeace Revival!See page 11Your favouriterestaurantSee pages 6-7Sara’s cyclechallengeSee page 9ApprenticeshipsuccessSee pages 11-13Hythe VenetianFeteSee pages 16-17

Shepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013 In this edition 354 67

Shepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013 Love Local – Love Shepway 7I love Beano’s in Tontine Street thefood is fantastic, tasty and imaginative.It’s great to have a vegetarian placein Folkestone. The owners are reallyfriendly and chatty, and it has a livelybuzz about it when it gets packed, andattracts a variety of people, families,pensioners, office workers and ladiesmeeting for lunch and a catch up.Rachel TottmanRocksalt at the harbour, Folkestoneoffers a good atmosphere, great foodand a wonderful view out to sea.Service is always friendly, menus arealways being updated with new dishesto try and the restaurant is a shiningbeacon to the changes taking place inFolkestone. A real asset to the townand hopefully a sign of things to come.Louise WynnPaul’s Restaurant in Folkestone getsmy nomination. Everything is good.Wonderful starters, beautiful roastsand a wonderful sweet trolley. Staffare always friendly and welcoming.Mrs. M AllenWe would like to nominate GurkhaPalace in Enbrook Valley. Food,service and cleanliness, all perfect.Without a doubt the best in Shepway.Bob and Pat YarnellWe’re now looking for your favourite public house.It could be a true local with its own darts team, quiznights or skittles team. Or perhaps it’s the best forreal ale. Or maybe it gets your vote for pub grub.See page 22 on how to nominate yourfavourite pub

8News from around the districtShepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013Children’sCentresChildren’s Centres offer one-stop support fromthe time a family knows a baby is on the way tothe day they wave their child off for their firstday at school.They provide a variety of information andsupport services for parents, carers and children;offer access to wide range of professionals andpartners – and present great opportunities forvolunteering.Contact your local children’s centre to find outmore and to register.CaterpillarsChart Road, Cheriton, Folkestone, CT19 4PN01303 271838DymchurchCountry’s Field, Dymchurch, Romney MarshTN29 0NQ01303 873837Folkestone Early YearsDover Road, Folkestone, CT20 1QF01303 212720Hawkinge111 Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, CT18 7BS01303 890735Hythe BayHythe Bay CE Primary SchoolCinque Ports Avenue, Hythe, CT21 6HS01303 267802LyddLydd CP SchoolSkinner Road, Lydd, Romney Marsh, TN29 9HW01797 329256New RomneyCraythorne Lane, New Romney, TN28 8BL01797 369270The Village Sure StartDenmark Street, Folkestone, CT19 6EQ01303 856200Mooving back in!Work has started on a trial grazingscheme that will see cattle return toThe Warren after nearly 100 years.Shepway District Council and NaturalEngland are working together with theWhite Cliffs Countryside Partnershipto re-introduce grazing to maintainand enhance The Warren for bothwildlife and people through theEnvironmental Stewardship scheme.Once an open landscape of chalkgrassland, grazing stopped in 1924,when The Warren was transferredby Lord Radnor to the Corporation ofFolkestone. In the absence of grazing,a process known as natural successionThe council is planning to build thefirst new council owned homes in thedistrict for more than 20 years.Funding is available for up to 30 newaffordable council owned homes eachyear, with building due to start inspring 2014.Cabinet Member for Housing,Councillor Keren Belcourt said that‘this is an exciting opportunity for theCouncil to make a real difference forpeople on our housing list’.Work is underway to find suitablelocations for the new homes. Earlyindications suggest that the councilowns enough land to deliver at leastthe first three years of the programme.leads to the chalk grassland beinginvaded by shrubs and trees whichshade out rare wildlife.Work started in March to clear scrubready for fencing and Highland Cattlefrom Great Shuttlesfield Farm inAcrise are due to start grazing later inthe summer.The grazing area can be seenon the WCCP web site (www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk) whichhas lots more information about TheWarren and ways to get involved inhelping protect and improve this veryspecial place.New council homes on the wayThe new build programme is nowpossible because of changes in theway that council housing is financedby central Government.The council is now able to retain allof the rental income that it receivesfrom the homes that it owns and hascommitted to using the resources toboth fund the building new homes andto carry improve its existing homesand estates.The council will also continue to workwith local housing associations todeliver further affordable homes forrent and shared ownership. During2012/13, over 50 new affordablehomes have been provided inFolkestone and Hawkinge.

10News from around the districtShepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013Good sportsStretch your legs, brush up your backhand, andtest your hand-to-eye co-ordination - ShepwayDistrict Council’s sports facilities at East Cliffare open!The eight grass tennis courts, six-rink bowlinggreen, 18-hole putting green and 18-holepitch-and-putt course re-opened at Easter andare open seven days a week until the end ofSeptember.The centre is open from 9.30am with lastbookings taken at 7pm You’ll find the sportfacilities at Wear Bay Road, Folkestone.Benefit changesFrom 1 April this year the government abolishedCouncil Tax Benefit and like other councilsShepway replaced it with its own local schemecalled Council Tax Reduction.Council Tax Reduction, like Council Tax Benefit,is calculated on individual household income andcapital. Although pensioners are not affected,working age people who previously receivedCouncil Tax Benefit, now get less support.Many who would not have paid a Council Tax billin the past, have been asked to pay a proportionof their bill for 2013/14.If you have been affected by this change and arestruggling to pay your instalments we may beable to help by changing your payment datesor extending your instalments to the end of thefinancial year.If you have already fallen behind on yourpayments please contact us. We don’t promiseto be able to help but it is far better to talk to usas soon as you start to experience difficulties,rather than waiting until we have issued asummons and you have incurred costs. Wecan check to see if there are other benefits,discounts or exemptions you may be entitled tothat could help.If you would like to discuss or change yourinstalment plan, discuss your Council TaxReduction or simply ask for advice please ringour Customer Contact Team on 01303 853555.Money for high streetsEleven local organisations haveso far been invited to put forwardtheir ideas to help boost district’shigh streets.Shepway District Council has beengiven £100,000 from the government’sHigh Street Innovation Fund whichaims to revitalise high streets.A pot of £20,000 has been set asideto give selected empty properties afacelift and now local organisationsare being invited to bid for theremaining £80,000.The council has sent guidance notesand application forms to FolkestoneTown Centre Management, FolkestoneTown Team, Folkestone Town Council,Sandgate Parish Council, Hythe TownCouncil, Hythe Chamber of Commerceand Tourism, Hythe Civic Society, NewRomney Town Council, Romney MarshPartnership, Lydd Town Council andShepway Business Forum.The money could be given for projectsthat include:••Using empty shop fronts for upto six months (meanwhile use).The funding could cover rents,insurance, utility bills and ratesResidents in Lympne are being invitedto open their gardens to visitors on 15June – and be in with the chance ofwinning a silver trophy last awardedmore than 80 years ago.The trophy has been returned to thevillage by Allan Jones, grandson ofHarry Croucher, the village grocer whowon it for his garden at Berwick Lodgein 1928.Shortly after the cup was presented,the local gardening club folded, thecup was never engraved with Harry’sname and it was never put up forcompetition again.Allan, who never knew his grandfather,arranged to have the trophy engravedand then returned to the village.The gardening competition willbe judged the Shepway Council’sfor community uses, small cooperatives,social enterprises andmicro-businesses looking to testout their services or products.••General street improvementsincluding signs, lighting and streetfurniture like benches••Events that attract more people tothe town centre••Improvements to local streetmarkets••Improvements to wi-fi networks oronline high streets••Free parking at Christmas or EasterCllr Alan Clifton-Holt, CabinetMember for Economic Development,said he hoped local organisationswould respond to the invitation.“Although the council has beenallocated the money, we want to makesure that it is spent in line with whatlocal people think is important to theirhigh street.“It is not a free-for-all – and proposalsmust be linked to improving theperformance of high streets.”Cup returned to village gardenersGreen fingers: Harry Croucher with the trophyHorticultural Manager, Jana Getliffe.For more details phone Sonia Munday,Secretary of the Lympne Village HallCommittee on 01303 262183.

Shepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013 What’s on this summer 11WIN two tickets to the War and Peace Revival!Folkestone Racecourse is the new venue for the exciting new War and Peace Revival and event organisers are offeringtwo free tickets to the event for Shepway Today readers. All you need to do is subscribe to The Westenhanger Chroniclefortnightly email updates. Simply go to www.thewarandpeacerevival.co.uk and select Subscribe to Mailing List then enterthe Shepway Today special booking code: War and PeaceST13. The winner will be drawn on Monday 10 June. Winners willbe published on the War and Peace Revival website website. Good luck!Find out more about the War and Peace Revival and other great events in Shepway on the following pages….

12What’s on this summerShepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013What’s On in ShepwayShepway can always pack a punch when it comes to the summer activities. Here are just a few of the events takingplace. But there are plenty more being planned so for a comprehensive diary planner visit www.discoverfolkestone.co.ukJUNESaturday 1Mermaid FestivalThe first Mermaid Festival of itskind in the UK celebrates the literaryhistory and mythology of mermaidsfrom Folkestone and beyond. Therewill be a series of workshops leadingup to the festival and a wonderfulmermaid exhibition with work fromlocal artists.www.folkestonefestival.orgFolkestone Town CentreManagement: 01303 850522Friday 28/Saturday 29Folkestone Green FairThis free two-day event promotesawareness of environmentally friendlycauses, showcasing local businessesand groups with the best eco-friendlyproducts and advice to sustain agreener lifestyle.www.folkestonefestival.orgFolkestone Town CentreManagement: 01303 850522Saturday 29Armed Forces DayThe Leas, FolkestoneAn event that marks the contributionmade by those who serve and haveserved in Her Majesty’s ArmedForces and an opportunity for thetown to show support for the menand women who make up the ArmedForces community. It’s supportedby local forces and cadet units withentertainment and static displaysthroughout the day.Folkestone Town Council 01303257946JULYFriday 7 - Sunday 9Folkestone AirshowThe Leas and seafrontReach for the skies with the secondFolkestone Airshow organised byFolkestone Town Centre Management.As well as air displays - including theRed Arrows - there will be plenty ofactivities on the ground. The airshowheralds the start of the FolkestoneFestival. Flying displays are onSaturday.www.folkestoneairshow.comSaturday 29Folkestone Classical PromsThe Leas, FolkestoneThe Folkestone Proms are held onthe beautiful Leas in front of theimpressive Edwardian buildings of theGrand and Metropole overlooking theEnglish Channel. Starting at 7.30pmthe Proms will be filled with all thefavourites to round off the FolkestoneFestival.www.folkestoneproms.com01303 850522Sunday 7Street AthleticsThe Leas, FolkestoneGet running with Street Athleticsoffering any youngster under 20 thechance to run in 60-metre sprints andearn their place in the Street Athleticsfinals in September.Wilbert Greaves, Sports DevelopmentOfficer, Shepway District Council01303 853251

18News from the Creative FoundationShepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013Folkestone ArtworksA gallerywithout wallsFolkestone Artworks is the newname for the collection of worksoriginally commissioned by theCreative Foundation for the FolkestoneTriennial in 2008 and 2011. Thecollection now consists of 16 highcalibre, diverse, contemporary artworks situated in various locations inFolkestone, is available to anyone ofany age, fun to explore and open 365days of the year.It is envisaged that FolkestoneArtworks will continue to grow aftereach new Triennial, helping to furtherdevelop Folkestone’s reputation as aunique destination in the UK for thosewho enjoy contemporary art.Alastair Upton, Chief Executive of theCreative Foundation, says, “Folkestonehas long been a place artists havelived and visited, enjoying the settingand the scene and leaving behind arich artistic legacy of paintings andprints. Folkestone Artworks add tothese collections but differs from themtoo. Folkestone Artworks are the resultof an inspired vision to bring artists ofthe very highest international standingto the town and have them create artthat is open to all to see, all day andevery day.Folkestone has long welcomed visitorsto this little gem of a town by the sea.It can now invite people to come againto see this new attraction. FolkestoneArtworks are all of the very highestcalibre, available for visitors to seefree whenever they like. We hope thatpeople will be enchanted, amazed,amused, confounded at times butalways enriched.”Experiencing this new way of lookingat art, outside the confines of a galleryor institutional setting encouragescreative questioning, different waysof seeing, learning and thinking aboutcontemporary art.The Creative Foundation are strivingtowards making Folkestone Artworkspart of Folkestone’s identity; whenpeople think of the town they think ofthe collection.If they are from the town the collectionwill make them proud and if from out

Shepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013 News from the Creative Foundation 19of town it will make them want to visitFolkestone.The collection stretches from the eastto the west of Folkestone. It can beenjoyed as part of a leisurely stroll ora brisk walk, depending on the timeavailable, and it makes for a greatcycle ride or even a cultural dog walk!It even includes a dog’s play park, PaeWhite’s Barking Rocks, situated justoff The Leas in Pleydell Gardens.Folkestone Artworks includes worksby artists as celebrated as TurnerPrize nominee Tracey Emin, whoseseven-part sculpture Baby Things is atender, subtle yet poignant responseto her perception of the prevalenceof teenage pregnancies in the town.2007 Turner Prize winner MarkWallinger’s Folk Stones has a profoundunderpinning, with its 19,240numbered stones, the exact numberof soldiers killed on the first day of theBattle of the Somme in 1916, and canbe found close to the Leas Cliff Hall.Cornelia Parker’s Folkestone Mermaid,has now also been confirmed asa permanent work for FolkestoneArtworks. Originally commissionedfor the 2011 Triennial, Parker createda Folkestone version of one of themost popular tourist attractionsin the world, Copenhagen’s ‘LittleMermaid’. Women in Folkestone wereinvited to put themselves forward forthe role of model for the mermaidcasting. Through a process of opensubmission, Parker chose GeorginaBaker, mother of two and Folkestoneborn and bred. Unlike the idealisedCopenhagen version, this is a life-size,life-cast sculpture, celebrating thelocal and the everyday.This work has now been purchasedfor permanent display as part ofFolkestone Artworks, with a donationfrom the Art Fund.Folkestone Artworks has beenofficially launched this May, with anexciting new website, learning packsfor schools and colleges, a programmeof talks and tours and audio guide.Stay tuned!For more information on thecollection and how to explore it, goto www.folkestoneartworks.org.uk

20News from around the districtShepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013Money advicefrom your CABWe have lived in our council house for 20years and this is where we brought up ourfamily. I heard something on the newsabout people living in places that are toobig for them. Now I’m really worried asour daughter has just left home.If you rent your home from the council or ahousing association, you are not a pensionerand you claim Housing Benefit to help you payyour rent, your Housing Benefit may be cut ifyour home is considered too large for you. Thischange to the rules took effect from 1 April 2013.This could be the case if you have a sparebedroom, for example because your childrenhave grown up and left home.If you were affected from 1 April you shouldhave already heard from your council if you’relikely to lose some of your housing benefitbecause of these new rules. If your daughterhas only just moved out you must tell thecouncil’s benefit department within onemonth of the change and they will make theadjustments to your benefit entitlement. Thecouncil will then let you know how much rentyou need to pay.If there is a shortfall in your rent, you may needto think about trying to make up the shortfallfrom other benefits or savings, or through tryingto increase your earnings by working extrahours. Check you’re not missing out on anyextra help you may be entitled to, ask any adultfamily members living with you to contributemore, or think about taking in a lodger.Your council may be able to help through itsdiscretionary housing payment scheme, forexample if you or a member of your householdhas a disability and your home has beenadapted to suit their needs. The council mayalso be able to help if you are thinking aboutmoving to a smaller home.Time for reflectionThe Romney Marsh CountrysidePartnership (RMCP) has organisedits fifth open day at the world famoussound mirrors on Romney Marsh.Also known as concrete dishes orlistening ears, they were built in 1920sand 1930s to detect enemy aircraft aspart of the early warning system forBritain. Situated in Greatstone on anisland in a privately-owned gravel pit,these unique structures draw visitorsfrom all over the UK and Europe.The open day is on Sunday 14 July andruns from 10am until 5pm.As well as organising open days, theRMCP has been leading guided toursto the Sound Mirrors for more than 15years with assistance from Dr RichardScarth.The next tour is on Sunday 11 August.Meet at Lade car park at 2pm. Theopen day and tour are free but theRMCP relies on donations to covercosts.For more information contact OwenLeyshon, Romney Marsh CountrysidePartnership on 01797 367934 or visitwww.rmcp.co.ukHappy birthday FHODS!Folkestone and Hythe Operatic andDramatic Society celebrates its 100thanniversary this year – markinga century of wooing and wowingaudiences with a mix of music anddrama.In 2001, following an offer via a sealedbid, FHODS, became the proud ownerof the largest garrison church in theUnited Kingdom at Shorncliffe and setabout transforming it into a 300-seattheatre.For more information about the changes andyour options go to the Citizens Advice websitewww.adviceguide.org.ukYou can ask for advice online at shepwaycab.co.uk/pages/adviceOr you can visit us at: 20 Church St, Folkestone,CT20 1SEIt can trace its roots back to theFolkestone Dramatic and MusicClub which was formed in 1902 andFolkestone Operatic Society whichstarted a few years later in 1913.It has had different homes during its100 years including ‘Ham Yard’ – partof the former Queen’s Hotel annexein Church Street, Folkestone, and aformer church building in Sandgatewhich it bought and transformed intothe Little Theatre - its home for morethan 40 years.In July 2006, following a nostalgicfarewell to the Little Theatre, TheTower Theatre was declared openby the Society’s President, SandraHoward, and ‘Showtime 2006’ wasperformed as a contribution to theHythe Festival.For more information aboutFHODs and to find out what’s onat the Tower Theatre go to: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk emailinfo@towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk orcall 01303 223925

Shepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013 Planning on making a complaint? 21Hundreds of people contact Shepway Council every year concerned because they think planningrules are being flouted or development work is being carried out without planning permission. Hereis a brief guide to how we respond.Rules andregulationsEvery year we receive around 500 complaintsabout alleged breaches of planning rules. This could bebecause someone believes building work has been carriedout without planning permission, a change of use hastaken place without permission, or conditions of planningpermission have been breached.We will identify and investigate breaches of planningcontrol as soon as possible. We can then either make surea planning application is submitted if required or – as a lastresort – take formal action. This can take the form of anenforcement notice, breach of condition notice or an untidysites notice.It is not illegal to carry out work without planningpermission unless it involves work to listed buildingsor protected trees - which is a criminal offence - or theunauthorised display of advertisements.Our planning enforcement powers are discretionary.When considering whether to use them we have to assesswhether planning permission would be likely to be grantedand whether or not the unauthorised work or use havebecome lawful. We must also ensure that any decisiontakes full account of relevant policy guidance, case law andany relevant appeal decisions.Dealing with complaintsOur planning enforcement team is small and cannot beout and about across the district all the time so we rely onthe public to make us aware about possible breaches ofplanning rules.If you wish us to follow up a complaint we will need yourname, address and a contact phone number, and theaddress of the site that the complaint is about. Anonymouscomplaints will not normally be investigated.We will acknowledge your complaint within two workingdays, either in writing, by letter or email and we will letyou know how we intend to deal with the matter within20 working days. We will let you know if we decide to takeenforcement action and will give you a reason if we do not.You can get in touch with us via email at planning@shepway.gov.ukor call 01303 853278 or 853527For more information about planning enforcement go toour Enforcement Protocol pages on our website: www.shepway.gov.ukMost decisions about whether or not to take enforcementaction are made by the development control committee,but in some cases the Head of Planning Services hasdelegated authority to issue the necessary notices.Ultimately our aim is to resolve breaches of planningcontrol without having to result to formal action - althoughwe will take this step when necessary.

22Useful contact informationShepway Today - Spring/Summer 2013Everyone uses services provided by Shepway District Council and Kent County Council. Here aresome useful numbers for just some of the services you may use.Shepway District CouncilCall 01303 853 555 for:Council Tax Enquirers /PaymentsHousing BenefitCouncil Tax Benefit01303 858 660 for:Recycling and wastecollectionsStreet cleaningAnti-social behaviourAbandoned VehiclesBulky household wastecollectionsDog fouling and lost andfound dogsParking fines, permits andseason ticketsParks gardens and openspacesPest ControlCall 01303 853 300 for:Housing advice/optionsHousing waiting list01303 853 278 for:Planning01303 853 538 for:Building Control01303 853 526 for:Licensing01303 853 000 for:SwitchboardYou can visit us or write tous at:The Civic Centre, Castle HillAvenue, Folkestone CT20 2QYOur opening times are:Monday, Tuesday, Thursdayand Friday: 8.30am - 5.00pm.Wednesday: 9.30am - 5.00pm.You can also visit our One StopServices at: Magpies, ChurchApproach, New Romney,between 9.00am and 12.30pmon Tuesday and FridayOr go to shepway.gov.uk wherelots of services are available.Kent County CouncilCall 0845 8247 800 for:Street lightingPot holesRoad works and closuresManholes and drain coversPavements and footpathsRoad signsShepway TodayEditorial:Designed by:Printed by:Sarah SmithRoss GowerHeadley BrothersFor editorial and advertising enquiriescontact Sarah Smith on 01303 853461 oremail shepwaytoday@shepway.gov.ukRoad gritting08458 247 100 for:Blue Badges08458 247 247 for:Education and learningBest Pub08458 247 200 for:Libraries0845 3450 210 for:Household waste andrecycling sitesCompost BinsWe’re looking for your favourite pub. Whopulls the best pint? Whose barman is thetops?Email your nominations to shepwaytoday@shepway.gov.uk or write to Sarah Smith,Shepway Today, Civic Centre, Castle HillAvenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY.

Specialising in Wills,Trusts, Lasting Powersof Attorney & ProbateHave you considered who will manage youraffairs if you are no longer able to throughmental incapacity; physical incapacity; absencefrom the country?Do you have a Lasting Power of Attorney?After a will, a Lasting Power of Attorney is thenext most important document you can have.If it becomes necessary and you do not haveone, your bank accounts and pension can befrozen and the cost of sorting it out after theevent is much, much higher than getting onein place now.01303 773178info@estatelegacyservices.co.ukwww.estatelegacyservices.co.ukStretch your legs, brush up your backhand, and testyour hand-to-eye co-ordination at Shepway DistrictCouncil’s sports facilities at East Cliff.The eight grass tennis courts, six-rink bowling green,18-hole putting green and 18-hole pitch-and-putt courseare open seven days a week from Easter until the end ofSeptember.Tennis: £4.20 an hourPitch and Putt: £5.10 (adult) and £3.50 (junior)Putting green: £3 (adult) and £2.10 (junior)Bowling: £4.20The centre is open from 9.30am with last bookings takenat 7pm. You’ll find the sports facilities at Wear Bay Road,Folkestone.Have fun, get fitat Hythe PoolIT’S SO EASY WITHDIRECT DEBIT01303 269177

Shepway Disabled SuppliesOnline store now openwww.shepwaydisabledsupplies.comor call 01303 270045Our store offers hundreds of healthcare,disability aids and mobility productsavailable for you to purchase online,all designed to make your life easier!1 The Glenmore Centre,Pent Road,Shearway Business Park,Folkestone Kent CT19 4RJA Complete Building Serviceinfo@folkestonebuilders.comwww.folkestonebuilders.comMembers ofNHBC & FMB• General Building Works• Home Improvements• House Renovations• Repairs and Maintenance• Alterations• Extensions• Conversions• New Build Projects• Disabled adaptations