04/03/2019

the Core Strategy Review Submission Draft and the Folkestone & Hythe District Heritage Strategy have been published for public consultation. The consultation period for both documents will run for six weeks from 25th January until 5pm on 11th March 2019.

Core Strategy Review: Submission Draft

The Core Strategy Review has been published for consultation under Regulation 19 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and follows the previous public consultation on the ‘Preferred Options’ stage in March 2018.

The purpose of Core Strategy Review is to allocate sufficient land to meet the identified development needs of the Folkestone & Hythe district up to 2037. After this final stage of consultation, the Core Strategy Review will be submitted to the Government’s planning representative, a Planning Inspector, who will carry out a public examination.

The Inspector will consider if the Core Strategy Review:

• Complies with the legal requirements;

• Meets the tests of soundness; and

• Complies with the duty to co-operate

A “sound” plan is one that is:

• Positively prepared – based on a strategy which seeks to meet objectively assessed development and infrastructure requirements, including unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities where it is reasonable to do so and consistent with achieving sustainable development

• Justified – the most appropriate strategy, when considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate evidence

• Effective – be deliverable and based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities

• Consistent with national policy – enable the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework

Your response to the consultation should state whether you support or object to the plan, based on whether or not you agree that it complies with the legal requirements, complies with the duty to co-operate and is sound, as outlined above.

Although some policies in the Core Strategy Review have not changed substantially from those in the adopted Core Strategy (2013), you can make comments against any part of the Core Strategy Review. Comments can also be made against the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment.

If you don’t think the Core Strategy Review meets a requirement you should explain why. It will also be helpful if you say how the plan should be changed to meet the relevant requirement.

We will collate and summarise your comments and pass them on to the Planning Inspector.

The Core Strategy Review, Sustainability Appraisal, Habitats Regulations Assessment and other evidence base documents are available to view on our website at https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/planning-consultations.

Folkestone & Hythe District Heritage Strategy

The Folkestone & Hythe District Heritage Strategy is an evidence document for the Places and Policies Local Plan and Core Strategy Review and it will also provide information for planning applications and funding bids.

It sets out positive objectives and priorities to ensure the district’s heritage assets shape the character of new developments, guide regeneration and contribute to recreation, tourism, health and education initiatives.

The views of a large and enthusiastic group of stakeholders, individuals and groups were gathered during the initial stages the strategy’s production. We have now published the strategy for interested groups and individuals, businesses, landowners, developers and the wider public, to make comments and help shape the final version.

How to comment

Copies of the Core Strategy Review and the Heritage Strategy are available to view at all local libraries within the district and at the council offices in Folkestone.

You can comment on both the Core Strategy Review and Heritage Strategy:

• Directly through our consultation portal, which allows you to decide which document, policy or paragraph you want to comment on and summarise your main points in your own words. You can view the portal by following this link: http://consult.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/portal

• Alternatively, if you would rather submit your comments on a printed form, you can download the relevant form from our website and send it by email to:

planning.policy@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

or by post to:

The Planning Policy Team,

Folkestone & Hythe District Council,

Civic Centre,

Castle Hill Avenue,

Folkestone,

Kent

CT20 2QY.

Forms for both documents are also available at our offices and the district’s libraries. We have produced two different forms for making comments, one for the Core Strategy Review and one for the Heritage Strategy, so that we can match up your comments to the relevant document.

11/02/2019

Kent teenagers launch podcast for ‘Time To Talk’ Day

Teenagers in Gravesend are launching a new podcast this week for ‘Time To Talk’ Day – the national campaign encouraging conversation around mental health.

Called ‘Thrive’, the podcast will be available to listen to online from the morning of Thursday 7 February and hopes to show others that they are not alone and that support is on hand with conversations that are energetic, insightful, poignant and funny.

Four young people, aged 15 to 19-years-old, host and feature in the show, talking about everything from what it is to be a young person in 2019, including the daily pressures they face, school and careers, social media, bullying, friendships and stress. The podcast aims to break down barriers and discuss subjects they might never talk about openly.

Mason aged 16, Princess aged 18 and 15-year-olds Emma and Jamal, who are all from Gravesham, have now recorded three episodes of the show together, with the aim to release one a month. Mason said: “We regularly discuss a range of different issues that affect young people when we meet at The Grand, so it seemed a natural fit to put it online as a podcast. We cover some difficult topics but we laugh a lot too. We want to normalise those awkward and embarrassing conversations which many of us may feel shy to approach, and hopefully help to break down the stigma surrounding these issues.”

The Grand Healthy Living Centre in Gravesend has assisted the young podcasters to produce the show, working with locally based media professionals who will teach the group the technical skills needed to record and edit the discussions. The long-term goal is that the group will run every element of the production.

Youth workers at The Grand have conversations with young people every day about the challenges they are facing. The new podcast allows every young person in the borough to hear from their friends and their peers, to get advice, hear opinions and know that support is on hand from the youth team in the borough.

Jackie Coupar, Youth Work Manager at The Grand, said: “We want to reach any young person who feels isolated, is struggling with life or just wants to hear the views of their friends and peers. It deals with the real things kids are facing these days. It’s frank, it’s funny, it’s refreshing and importantly, it lets our young people know that there are services available locally to help them.

“We work face-to-face with hundreds of young people, but we know there are thousands more in Gravesham who don’t access the advice on offer. Having a podcast means that anyone can listen at any time of day - in the privacy of their own home or on the bus to school.”

The Grand’s youth service, called Gifted Young Generation, offers young people a peer-to-peer support group, a professional counselling service as well as a wide range of creative workshops, which see young people grow in confidence, learn new skills and make new friends. Thrive podcast is available to listen to online at: https://anchor.fm/thegrand

KCC Deputy Director for Public health, Allison Duggal said: “We know that talking and sharing feelings and thoughts help. It can also be the first step to accessing professional support if it is needed. At the same time, we know that talking and sharing is hard so we have provided lots of useful information, videos, access to training and information on services on the Kent Resilience Hub at www.headstartkent.org.uk

“These resources help young people, parents, carers and workers start that conversation by recognising all the strengths in a young person’s life which are contributing to their resilience, their wellbeing and are helping them to cope and thrive even when things are tough.”

KCC commissions community mental health support services for adults through Live Well Kent which is run by charities Porchlight and Shaw Trust. More information can be found at www.livewellkent.org.uk

It is also reminding residents of its ‘Release the Pressure’ helpline this Time to Talk day – call free on 0800 107 0160 where support is available from trained and experienced staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The campaign website www.releasethepressure.uk also includes case studies from people in Kent who have turned their lives around after attempting suicide.

11/02/2019

04/02/2019

KENT RESILIENCE AND EMERGENCY PLANNING

The following information is on the Kent Resilience Forum and have been put together to assist people to plan in advance for any emergencies.

FOR BUSINESSES

FOR HOME OWNERS

You can down load copies of these forms from www.kentprepared.org.uk or if you are a Lympne Parish resident please contact the clerk by clicking here and ask for a copy to be sent to you.

01/02/2019

Stolen caravans recovered by officers in Folkestone

Two more caravans and a trailer have been recovered in Folkestone as officers continue to investigate a spate of thefts.

The vehicles were seized by officers from the Community Policing Team outside a premises at the top of Hospital Hill, in Folkestone on Monday 28 January 2019. Two people were arrested at the scene.

One of the caravans had been reported stolen from Hawkinge the same day and the other was reported missing from Herne Bay on Sunday 27 January 2019.

The 16-year-old girl and 19-year-old man from Folkestone who were arrested on suspicion of theft are also being investigated in connection with two other stolen caravans and two trailers that have also been recovered by Kent Police.

• On Friday 25 January 2019 another trailer (pictured) and two caravans were seized. The trailer was reported stolen from Appledore Crescent in Folkestone that same day and the caravans were taken from an address in Southampton and from outside a property in Walmer, Deal. They had been reported stolen in 2018.

• On Sunday 20 January 2019 a trailer was also discovered at a premises in Shorncliffe, it had been reported stolen from Folkestone town centre between 12 and 18 January 2019.

The pair have been released pending further investigation.

Inspector Julien Lawton said: ‘We are pleased to have been able to reunite these victims with their property, however we would continue to urge caravan and trailer owners to remain vigilant and review their security arrangements given the spate of reports we have received.

‘Always keep trailers covered up and if possible store them in a garage out of sight and report anything suspicious to us straight away.’

01/02/2019

31/01/2019

Theft From Motor Vehicle in Otterpool Lane Lympne

A theft occurred from a motor vehicle in Otterpool Lane between 1750 and 1850hrs on the 24th January. The rear window of the vehicle was smashed to gain entry. During the incident a chainsaw was stolen. If you have any information about this crime please ring Kent Police on 101 and quote the crime number 46/16050/19.

Kent Police Offer the following advice.

More can be found on their website at www.kent.police.uk

In summary, when you leave your vehicle:

Always remove the ignition key and make sure the steering lock is on.

Close all the windows completely but never leave children or pets in an unventilated car.

Lock your car, even if you only leave it for a few minutes and check to make sure it's locked.

Remove all contents including shopping bags etc., or lock them in the boot.

Remove mountings for external satellite navigation systems.

Never leave vehicle documents in the car e.g. your driving licence or vehicle registration certificate.

Install an anti-theft device such as an alarm or immobiliser.

Etch your registration number on all your car windows.

At night park in well-lit areas.

31/01/2019

31/01/2019

KENT BUS PORTAL LAUNCHED

During last summer’s Big Conversation with residents, many people told us that they didn’t know who to give feedback to about bus services.

To make this clearer, we have launched a Bus Feedback Portal. It includes information about how to make a formal complaint or compliment about bus services and who to contact in the event that bus users experience problems.

It also includes a feedback form for residents to let us know about their experiences of using buses and the quality of service provided.

We will use the feedback that we get a greater understanding of what types of problems bus users experience and to spot trends about the areas or on which services they arise. We will use this information to inform the conversations that we have with bus operators through our Quality Bus Partnerships or more generally and help improve things for bus users.

KCC is encouraging people to use the form to let us know about their experience of using buses and the quality of service provided. A link to the portal if provided below.

www.kent.gov.uk/busfeedback

If you have any comments about the portal then please Email public.transport@kent.gov.uk

31/01/2019

Cold weather warning - Kent urged to keep warm and well.With cold and wintry weather predicted over the next few days, families across Kent are being urged to follow a few simple measures to keep their loved ones safe and healthy.A level two cold weather alert has been announced for Kent by the Met Office which triggers actions in the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations, to support vulnerable people who have health, housing or economic circumstances that increase their risk of harm.The alerts warn that there is a 70% probability of severe cold weather in Southeast England between today (Tuesday 29 January) and Friday morning (1 February). The forecast warns of cold conditions persisting throughout most of the week, with snow developing overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, and also potentially Thursday Evening. The Met Office has issued a yellow snow and ice warning to cover the potential for snow and/or ice which could lead to difficult driving conditions, disruption to transport including trains and air travel, increased risk of slips and falls and the potential for isolated power outages.Prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone although vulnerable people, including the elderly and children under five, are particularly at risk and common sense advice can help in severe weather, both at home or out and about Andrew Scott-Clark, KCC Director for Public Health, said: “We appreciate that most people will be able to look after themselves but some members of the community need help. Basic advice can help everyone prepare, such as being ready to stay indoors, making sure there is enough food and medicine at home and ordering repeat prescriptions in plenty of time. Having a family member, friend or neighbour who can help out can be vital in cold weather – helping with anything from putting the bin out to collecting a prescription or doing some grocery shopping. Please be a good neighbour and rally round, take time to care for yourself, your family and others.”Simple tips such as making regular hot drinks and wearing several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick one can help to keep your body warm.Andrew Scott-Clark added: “Exposure to the cold increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks - even a short time in the cold, outdoors or indoors, can have a lasting effect. People should wrap up warm to protect themselves and help those who may have difficulty following the basic advice.”

.

At home:

• Regular hot meals and drinks can help keep your body warm.

• Keep your home heated – set the heating to the right temperature (18-21C).

• If trying to save fuel, it is advisable to heat the living room during the day, the bathroom when needed and the bedroom, just before going to bed.

• Get the flu vaccine to protect yourself and others. This is free for anyone over 65, pregnant women, those with long term conditions, and children aged two to four. Details are available at GP surgeries or pharmacies and the vaccine is free for some people.

• Order repeat prescriptions in good time to make sure you have enough supply of any medicines you use.

• Have your heating and cooking appliances checked regularly and make sure the chimney has been swept recently.

If you need to go out:

• Wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles.

• Make sure you are not caught out by snow and ice; stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with food supplies.

• Get up-to-date traffic information at www.kenttraffic.info

• In periods of severe weather such as snow and ice, do not travel unless necessary.

More information is available about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold weather through www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth and www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Verycoldweather.aspx

People are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.

The free web app Health Help Now can be used to check symptoms or to find out when and where local services are open. It can also be downloaded to mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers from http://kent.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk/

23/01/2019

Click the following link to have an early read of February's news letter.

CLICK HERE

22/01/2019

15/02/2019

TV LICENCE SCAM E-MAIL EXAMPLE

I have been sent the below example of a scam email regarding a TV licence renewal request.I have removed the personal information and the live payment link , the vigilant NHW member noticed that his personal details were incorrect and also the spelling was wrong.This is a good example of how to ensure you check any such email requests.Please stay vigilant , never assume and always check.

14/01/2019

LYMPNE LITTER CAMPAIGN SCHOOLS PROJECT

Lympne resident Derek Cowell, who is Lympne's volunteer Litter Cordinator, suggested that Lympne School should be involved in encouraging our residents to keep our streets and pathway clean of litter. A poster campaign was proposed and Mr Cowell kindly offered a prize for the creator of the best poster.

In January Mr Cowell attended the School and looked at all of the entries and the decided on the best entry, with two runners up. The posters will be placed around the village to encourage residents to take their litter home or use the litter bins provided. Litter levels in Lympne continue to be low due to the efforts of our residents and also the band of volunteers who give up their time to collect rubbish.

We would just like to say well done to everyone who took part and well done to the winners and runners up. The posters look great!