Over the next six months officers across a variety of council services will be working closely together to tackle some of the most persistent environmental issues in the district and we want local people to get involved.

We need your help to identify and then monitor areas you see where there are regular and continuing problems of litter, dumped rubbish, dog-fouling and nuisance parking. This is in addition to the council’s regular service delivery and channels for reporting and tackling environmental issues.

The aim is to explore whether taking a new approach to how we tackle this could help to make a long lasting improvement to the area. The wish is to find ways that prevent problems occurring in the first place through effective action by environmental services combined with education and enforcement.

We are initially focussing on Margate Central and Westbrook wards.

How to take part

To take part, we are asking local people to complete a short online nomination form to identify any repeat or continuous environmental issues they see or experience within Margate Central and Westbrook.

For your nomination to be considered the issue must be within the two identified wards, it must be a repeat or continuous problem and must be one of the environmental issues listed below:
• Litter
• Mismanagement of household waste containment (e.g. bins left out for collection on the wrong day or not stored correctly)
• Mismanagement of commercial or business waste containment
• Fly-tipping: dumped household/domestic waste
• Fly-tipping: dumped commercial waste
• Fly-posting: placing advertising posters or flyers without consent
• Dog-fouling
• Nuisance parking: this could include obstructive parking, abandoned vehicles etc.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Tuesday 7 May 2013.

Our role

Following this date, we will select a range of nominations to take forward based on the volume of nominations received and the variety of issues and locations covered.

Your role

If your nominated area is selected, you will be asked to monitor and provide feedback on whether there are any improvements over the next six months. Although you don’t have to live within the ward or area you nominate, we suggest you select an area that you visit, pass through or access on a regular basis. We will ask you to let us know electronically approximately once a month whether the area has improved.

For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit: http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/consultation/nominate_your_area.aspx

I would be grateful if you could circulate details of this work to members within your organisation.

We hope that by working together we can help to make a difference.

Mark Seed
Director of Operational Services

Amanda Buckingham
Business Support Officer
Business Services
DDI: 01843 577801
Email: amanda.buckingham@thanet.gov.uk

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 8TH APRIL 2013 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT
Tom King councillor and chairman, thirty six members, guests Kerry Boyd (Ch of Garlinge RA), KCC Cllr Robert Burgess, and Cllr Simon Moores.

The chairman welcomed all attending.

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Tony and Pat Snow, Margaret Williams, Cllr Jodie Hibbert. Also from Jacquie Agnew, Tony Buck, Debi Day, David Greely, Lorraine Hambidge, Allison Moores, and Jennifer Sawney, who had sent in their resignation following disagreements with the chairman. There was a reply from the chairman, and a discussion on the points made in the resignation letter.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (11th March 2013), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by Don Eacott sec by James Brazier, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING
Tennis Courts, St Mildred’s Bay. Cllr Simon Moores reported that repairs had been made to the netting.
Arbitration Meeting. This meeting had not taken place as the chairman was not willing to take part.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
KCC Cllr Robert Burgess:
Tesco Westbrook. The additional bollards had been placed, which had had some good effect, but drivers are still trying to park on the pavement.
Youth Club Westgate. This was now one year old and had nineteen to twenty regular members, other clubs opening include Lymington Road (Mondays), Garlinge (Wednesdays), and Birchington.
Hartsdown School Road Crossing. A puffin crossing had been put in, and a tree replacement will be carried out.
Pot Holes. The roads have been much improved with the work.

Comments from the floor included concern about street lighting reductions, at this stage Cllr Burgess told the meeting that only fuses had been removed for a trial period. Also it was observed that there was no pedestrian crossing along the entire route of St Mildred’s Road to the end of Westbrook Avenue.

Cllr Simon Moores:
Tesco Westgate Application. There had been a good turnout of residents at the site meeting on Friday 5th April. The decision is due to be made by the planning committee on 17th April. Two thousand more signatures against the application had been handed in.
Tennis Courts at St Mildred’s Bay. Already referred to in matters arising.
Benefit Changes. These had caused increased workloads for all councillors.

Comments from the floor: Buildings on the proposed Tesco site could have been bombed during the war in which case it could be a “brown field site”. Also Cllr Moores is trying to find out more information about the possibility of fresh water wells on the site. Members attending the site meeting thought that the Highways officer had shown a lack of knowledge, and a dustcart and bus had showed the road problems even without the proposed Tesco. Canopies could be damaged.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Suggested Margate Town Council. The council’s solicitor and monitoring officer Mr Harvey Patterson was willing to come and explain the pros and cons of having a town Council and will be coming to the June general meeting.
War Memorial. It has been local opinion that the name of Mark Lawrence should be added to the memorial either by a free standing stone or a plaque. The British Legion was not anxious to become involved. Tom would be following this up.
Allotment. In answer to queries Tom explained that there had been spare plots, and had put in an application for the W&WRA, which would provide for activity for a good number of members, the rental was £25 per year, which has increased to £39 per year. At the moment only four people were using it, but it has the potential (like the one in Garlinge) to benefit the community in an intergenerational way. Don Eacott could supply more garden tools if required.
Railway Footbridge Lights. These are not working and TDC is coming this week to check the situation.
Old Putting Green, St Mildred’s Bay. No progress has been made and there is no special funding, but there may be someone interested in the concession of the green and the hut.

CORRESPONDENCE
Westgate College for the Deaf (Westcliff House). There has been a clearing out of old furniture etc for refurbishment of staff quarters, the site is now being cleared of rubbish.

PLANNING
Tesco Westgate. Application comes before the planning committee on 17th April.
59, Victoria Avenue. Application for erection of single storey extension following demolition of existing extension.
41, Quex Road. Application for change of use of garage to dwelling.
St Gabriels, 44, Elm Grove. This establishment helps people with learning difficulty.
74, St Mildred’s Road. Application to install UPVC windows to replace existing windows.

TREASURER’S REPORT
None.

EDITOR’S REPORT
None

SUNSHINE REPORT
The daughter of Gladys Tebbutt, (Beryl), had expressed grateful thanks for the support from the W&WRA members during her recent bereavement.

MEMBERSHIP
Tom King informed the meeting that he and Kath Bonner were looking after the magazines, for some roads that were not completed he asked road stewards to bring in the lists and subscriptions to hand in at the counter.

CIVIC
James Brazier reminded the meeting that the monthly meetings of the Civic Society are usually on the first Thursday of the month, but the May meeting is to be on the 9th during which the Town Pride awards will be made.

SOCIAL
Members had enjoyed the outing to Folkestone the previous week.
St George’ Day Social. Due to a clash of dates with bookings this may have to be rearranged. Details will be on the notice board.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Westgate Community Centre News. Abigail told the meeting that the Easter Egg Extravaganza on 30th March had raised £450 for the building and repair fund for the Community Centre. Two hundred and fifty children came and the Easter eggs almost ran out. More helpers are required and any volunteers would be very welcome. The Centre AGM will be held on Tuesday 30th April at 7.00pm. Help will also be needed for the family fun day.
Tea/Coffee Morning Staff. Chris Smith recorded thanks to new helper Mavis Vaughan for her work and support.
AGM Committee Nominations List. The chairman reminded members that this list is posted on the Bake House notice board.

NEXT MEETING Monday 13th May, (AGM and a short general meeting), at the Bake House.

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BAKE HOUSE ON MONDAY 11TH MARCH 2013 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT
Tom King councillor and chairman, thirty four members, guests Kerry Boyd (Ch of Garlinge RA), KCC Cllr Robert Burgess, and Cllr Neil Hornus.

The chairman welcomed all attending.

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Catherine Whitehead, Cllrs Jodie Hibbert, Simon Moores and Mick Tomlinson, and PCSO Adrian Butterworth.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Railway Footbridge. Tom reported there had been replies to his email to Network Rail referring to a meeting on 20th February, a Mr Brown had been waiting for a reply from “Structures Dept”, but no work as yet had taken place. Tom had sent another email on 5th March, and the reply detailed a meeting on 8th March, during which the bridge was structurally inspected. Network Rail were seeking staff volunteers for a community day to paint the bridge. Tom said this had not been painted for about thirteen years. The reference number for correspondence/complaints is 3322766.
Putting Green, St Mildred’s Bay. There was no play space for young children, and both Tom and Cllr Simon Moores were trying to see what could be done. If a business person could turn it into a suitable space it could be a win/win situation rather than leaving it neglected.
Under Occupancy (Bed Room) Tax. Some residents had had problems with this. It is not generally known that housing officers at the Gateway are available for help and advice.
Margate Town Council. The Charter Trustees are to ask TDC to carry out a Community Governance Review. Tom said he could try to arrange for the TDC solicitor, Mr Patterson to address a W&WRA general meeting, and members indicated their approval for this.
St Saviours Church. The licensing of Rev Barbara Way as priest had taken place on Tuesday and was well attended.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (11th February 2013), which had been circulated, were adopted on a prop by James Brazier sec by Jacquie Agnew, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Simon Moores: (Updates for information of residents received and read out at the meeting).
Tesco Metro Station Road Westgate. The proposed development comes before the planning committee at 7.00pm on 20th March. The public can attend, it takes place in the council Chamber in Cecil Square. As asked by traders and objectors Cllr Moores will give a three minute speech opposing the development, there may still be time to see if any speaking slots remain if anyone wishes to speak for the application.
St Mildred’s Bay Tennis Courts. These were relined last week. Council officers had said that the fences will soon be in need of repair and the estimate is £10,000, a large amount of money for these days, but Cllr Moores is making enquiries.
Putting Green St Mildred’s Bay. Cllr Moores has written to Cllr Alan Poole asking if he can revisit the proposal to turn the former putting green hut into an amenity which could be leased out to an interested party to service the small public area. Cllr Poole had promised to look into it again.
Beano’s Café. Cllr Moores has been told of the proprietor’s plan to close the present café and open a new one on the site of Justin’s fruit market. No plans or applications are yet in place, so there is no reason to move beyond an interest in their plans.

Cllr Neil Hornus:
Sea Bathing Hospital Development. There has been a new application to develop the work there. (Cllr Mick Tomlinson, when sending his apologies, had also mentioned this renewal of planning permission for the site had been lodged with the council and was similar to the original designs that had received approval).
Arlington Tesco. There had been a call for a Judicial Review of this application.
Charter Trustees / Margate Town Council proposal. This would be put to the TDC in April for further discussion.

KCC Cllr Robert Burgess:
Libraries. There are no plans to change or close any of the Thanet libraries.
Village Green Application. This application for land between the Ursuline and King Ethelbert schools will go to public enquiry.
Buses. New bus passes have been issued and sent out. If any have not been received contact KCC on 08458 247802. Issues with no 35 buses, a reply had been received, road works had caused many of the problems. Stage Coach had a special 50% discount for the unemployed who are job seeking, see Cllr Burgess for details.
Thanet Local Board Meeting. To be held at St Saviour’s School on Tuesday 12th March, speakers from Wantsum Savers Credit Union and Rebecca Roche speaks about family initiatives.
Joint Transportation Board Meeting. Thursday 14th March. Applications for double yellow lines, safe and sensible street lighting to save on electricity, (not in town centres).
Tesco Westbrook. The additional bollards are due to go in Monday or Tuesday.
Road Resurfacing. Linksfield Road and Dunstan Avenue, the resurfacing will be delayed as British Gas are due to dig up the roads first. Potholes are being reported and dealt with.

Questions/Comments:
Libraries – Chris Wyer reported letters had been sent out asking for more volunteers for libraries which had caused concern. Cllr Burgess agreed to check this out.
Don Eacott told the meeting libraries’ productivity is measured by footfall so by taking each book back separately this is increased.

CORRESPONDENCE
Travel Forum. To be held on Monday 18th March at the TDC Chamber 10.00am for 10.30am.
Westgate College for the Deaf (Westcliff House). There have been problems at the rear of this property with increasing amounts of rubbish, the site is now being cleaned.

PLANNING
Tesco Westgate. Application comes before the planning committee on 20th March.
18, Ryders Avenue. Application for two dormer windows with loft conversion.
St Gabriels, Elm Grove. Application for erection of roof over courtyard.
Parking Problems. St Crispin’s, Lymington, St Benet’s, St Jean’s, St Mildred’s Roads and Wellington Close have asked for more posts or 15M corner protection.
Forest House. Chris Wyer reported that only one chimney had been left, and part of the wall is to be taken down to allow off road parking.

SOCIAL
St George’s Day Social Wednesday 24th April.
Fashion Show in WUSC 11th April.

EDITOR’S REPORT
Editor David Greely hoped members liked the latest magazine, and invited any input and feedback for the next issue.

SUNSHINE REPORT
The deaths of several members were reported with regret namely Gladys Tebbutt, (funeral to be arranged), Ewan Cameron, and Derek Austen.
Sylvia Boyce and Gillian Whittingham have been poorly.
W&WRA cards have been sent out appropriately.

MEMBERSHIP
Tom King informed the meeting that the membership secretary has had health problems, and he is at the moment looking after membership items, and has prepared the magazines for issue by the road stewards.
CIVIC & PRESS No reports.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Allison reminded the meeting that the financial year ends on 31st March and that the accounts had been prepared for the auditor.
The books balance and tally with the bank statements, and the balance today stands at £5,426.60.
There is a surplus of £200 in the membership account which the treasurer cannot account for without further information from the membership secretary, so far this has not been forthcoming. Therefore a members’ payment list from November 2012 has been used to complete the accounts, and calculated as follows:
87 people listed “treat as paid” equates to £240. 451 single members £1,353. 372 members (186 couples) £930. Donations £35.
Total membership 823. Total income £2,318.
Actual money banked is £2,518 which gives an unaccounted surplus of £200.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Garlinge Residents’ Association Quiz Night. Kerry Boyd informed the meeting this is to take place on Saturday 23rd March, all welcome.
Westgate Community Centre Easter Egg Extravaganza. This will include an egg hunt, crafts, colouring etc, and takes place on Saturday 30th March, all welcome.
Tree on Canterbury Road near junction with The Grove. Chris Wyer pointed out this appeared to be dangerous. It grows on private land, and it was agreed to contact the owner.
Committee. A statement was read out concerning a number of committee members who felt that they had not been supported by the chairman following unwarranted criticism from a member. Following the chairman’s reply a discussion took place. Several members from the floor expressed their opinion that all officers and committee members have worked extremely hard for the W&WRA and the community, and they would not wish to lose any one of them. It was proposed by Chris Wyer sec. by Darren Ellis that Don Eacott should act as arbitrator and take the chair at the next committee meeting to help resolve the matter.

NEXT MEETING Monday 8th April at the Westbrook Bowls Club.

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB ON MONDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2013 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT
Tom King councillor and chairman, twenty seven members, guests Kerry Boyd (Ch of Garlinge RA), KCC Cllr Robert Burgess, Cllr Neil Hornus, Cllr Simon Moores, Cllr Mick Tomlinson and Sarah Martin (TDC financial Services Manager).

The chairman welcomed all attending on such a cold wet evening.

APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Eileen Cunnew, Diane Groombridge, Stephanie Sutton, and Cllr Jodie Hibbert.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Council Tax Financial Changes. Tom introduced Sarah Martin from the TDC, who explained to the meeting that from 1st April the new council tax discount scheme will be introduced by local authorities, and that there would be reduced government funding. It had been agreed that second homes and empty properties (unless under major renovation) would receive no discount, but charges to pensioners would not be altered. A number of households will have a 5.5% increase, the largest impact being £100 per year, officers will be available to offer advice and a twelve monthly instalment system will be available. With the discount scheme the total number of properties is less, but each will pay slightly more towards the total council tax required. There is a grant to be paid to District Councils (Margate will receive £28,000) to help lessen the effect. The discounts will take the place of previous benefits. There will also be changes to the non domestic rating system.
Mountfield Way No 35 Bus Problems. This service formerly provided by Eastonways is now run by Carol Peters. There have been complaints about the first bus which is scheduled for 9.00am, sometimes it does not arrive, and on occasions is dirty and cold. Letters and phone calls have remained unanswered. Cllr Robert Burgess agreed to chase this up.
St Mildred’s Bay Old Putting Green. The sea side of the fence had been taken down, and it was hoped to place picnic benches etc on the green so that it could be used by families as there are very few play areas for young children. Tom King will be following this up.
Margate Town Council. There is to be a meeting in the Old Town Hall about this important subject.
Richborough Amenity Tip Closure Proposal. This proposal could cause considerable traffic build up at the Margate and Deal facilities, and Tom will be monitoring this.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting, (14th January 2013), which had been circulated, were amended and adopted on a prop by Don Eacott sec by Barbara Whitlock, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.

COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
Cllr Mick Tomlinson:
Sea Bathing Hospital. Things may be moving at last, there are plans for the nurses’ home and the chapel. On the Westbrook Gardens side there is no money for building at present, but the site will be tidied up.
St Mildred’s Bay Old Putting Green. It is uncertain whether it would be best to remove the road side fence or not.
Tesco Westbrook Parking Problems. In the agreement unloading was not supposed to take place in the day time. This is being checked. A question from the floor asked if taking photos would be helpful, the answer being yes.

Cllr Neil Hornus:
Richborough Amenity Tip Proposed Closure. Cllr Hornus told the association that there is to be a special meeting concerning this.

Cllr Simon Moores:
Christmas Lights Grant Application. Cllr Moores thanked Graham Clark for his assistance with a bid for £2,500 made to the community fund charity grants available from Aviva. There may however be a problem as these applications are supposed to be from registered charities.
Westgate Cricket Club. Sections of the new club house building are arriving on site. Planning permission will be required as it is a new building, but this should be only a formality.
Tesco Westgate. No further news as yet.
Justin’s Fruit Shop Closure. Sadly jobs had been lost, and there may be plans for a second restaurant, residents views were invited.
Putting Green Blue Hut. A possible concession opportunity, but there is no sewerage connection available.

KCC Cllr Robert Burgess:
Grants. There was still some money available for community grant applications.
Road Crossings. The St James crossing on Canterbury Road is proving useful and a puffin crossing is being built by Hartsdown School, both from the highway funds.
No 35 Bus Complaints (see above page1, chairman’s report item 2). Cllr Burgess will be contacting Eastonways to investigate the problems.
Westbrook Tesco. Work should start very soon to install the additional bollards. A large lorry had been photographed on the pavement by a resident.
Salt Bins Regulations. Bins obtained through members highways funds are provided with three refills, but if purchased by residents the refills also must be provided by the residents.
Village Green Application (by Ursuline/King Ethelbert Schools). There is to be a site meeting on 26th February.
Richborough Waste Tip. Residents’ views should be sent to Cllr John Kirby, there is a good chance that this site may be reprieved.
Business Rates. From these are sourced local schemes grants, areas with fewer businesses will not do so well if the system is managed locally.
Westbury Road Traffic regulation Application. This had been withdrawn, Cllr King explained that TDC had incorrectly put this as a blanket ban.
Neighbourhood Engagement Meeting. To be held at Garlinge Primary School on 13th February at 6.30pm.

Cllr Jodie Hibbert (Read out by the chairman):
Time has flown quickly since election, and meeting with many residents and helping with issues has been good. In particular many residents have been worried about housing issues, and Cllr Jodie is available by email, and also reminded residents of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Thanet Gateway who can also offer help.
Highways and Drainage. There has been some success with these issues, but Westgate Bay Avenue has been more problematic. Thanks are due to Cllr Simon Moores and MP Sir Roger Gale for helpful advice.
Village Green Application for Land between Ursuline/King Ethelbert Schools. A hearing is to be held on 26th February at 1.30pm at Swalecliff Community Association, Herne Bay, and Graham Ricketts who is making the application needs a group representative from the Residents Association.
Jodie will complete her degree in May, and then have more time for local issues and meetings.
PLANNING
3, Beach Rise. Retrospective application for door and railings to first floor.
3, Lymington Road, (Micropub). Application to extend opening hours.
16, Cambourne Avenue. Application to erect hip gable to side, and a dormer window.
CORRESPONDENCE
Pancake Race. This had been cancelled due to health and safety because of the adverse weather forecast.
Neighbourhood Engagement Meeting. To be held on Wednesday 13th February at Garlinge primary School.
Computers 4 Africa. Their site at Westwood Retail Park will be pleased to receive old computers.
W&WRA Fashion Show. To be held on 18th April at the United Services Club, tickets £3 at Frock-a-licious.
Alfie Gough Trust. A dinner dance is to be held at the Winter Gardens on Saturday 13th April, tickets £35 available at Frock-a-licious, also raffle tickets.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Allison had the account book and petty cash book available for inspection by members.
The balance of the accounts is £5,925, and bills are paid up to date.

EDITOR’S REPORT
New Editor David Greely was introduced and warmly welcomed. He told the meeting that the magazine will have colour and better quality paper, which should attract more advertisements, and invited members to send in pictures and copy.
A very big thank you and appreciation was expressed to Brian Gilbert for his work as editor over the last seven years.
A question from the floor enquired if a local map covering Westgate and Westbrook could be included.

SUNSHINE & MEMBERSHIP No reports.

CIVIC REPORT
The next meeting is on Thursday 7th March, at the Walpole Bay Hotel.

SOCIAL
St George’s Day Social. This will be held on the Wednesday 24th April, no charge for food and drink, but a raffle will take place. A list for names will go up in the Bake House.
“Time for a Cuppa”. Dementia UK day on Friday 8th March, the tea money will be donated and there will be a sale of home made cakes.
Outings. The social committee is looking to combine with Birchington and Garlinge RAs for some outings, when larger comfortable coaches could be used.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Friends of Hartsdown Tea Dance. Kerry Boyd reminded members this is to take place on Saturday 23rd March tickets £4.
Westbrook Avenue Parking. There has been much parking round corners of junctions, obstructing the line of site of drivers, contrary to the highway code. Advice given was to phone the police no 101, or if the parking is on double yellow lines phone TDC.
Tea Room Staff. Vice Chair Lorraine has produced a contact list and said that more help would be very welcome. There will be a summer social in honour of the tea room staff.
W&WRA. Chairman Tom King reminded members that the association had run since 1958, and over the years volunteers had given their time and membership had grown and expressed hope that it will continue that way. Many items are council related and should be approached with open minds without getting into political opinions, so that we work together for the best for the area.

NEXT MEETING Monday 11th March at the Bake House.

Garlinge 26%
Westbrook 17%
Westgate-on-Sea 25%

read more at http://thanetrecord.co.uk/child-poverty-map-in-thanet-2013/