Eastry Village News
Kent International Airport, Manston - Survey
Kent International Airport is undertaking a major public survey to measure the demand for the airport near Ramsgate. The site, which is currently able to handle 800,000 passengers a year, is already home to one of the UK's longest runways capable of handling all commercial aircraft types.
The survey is being run in conjunction with KOS Media's www.kentnews.co.uk <http://www.kentnews.co.uk> and all those that complete it are in with a chance of winning a free holiday in Majorca. Kent Escapes is offering flights, transfers and half-board accommodation for two adults.
Matt Clarke, chief executive of Kent International Airport, said he is confident the results of the survey will back up their own research showing increased demand for flights from the Manston site.
He said: 'This is an opportunity for the Kent public to let us know how they would like to use the airport in the future and in particular the places they would want to fly to, the frequency of their air travel and how much they currently spend on travel.'
The survey coincides with reports that BAA's ownership of seven UK airports, 'may not be serving well the interests of either airlines or passengers', according to the findings of the Competition Commission. The final report, due to be published in August, could force BAA to sell one or more of its airports.
It was given ownership of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted more than two decades ago to make sure there would be enough airport capacity in the South East. According to the commission, there is still a shortage of capacity.
Mr Clarke agreed and argued that Manston was ready-made to offer the extra space needed.
He added: 'The lack of runway capacity in the South East is often raised as a potential restriction to the economic growth of the region. At Kent International Airport we already have a runway that is well placed to serve passenger and freight airlines Kent's Airport is ready to go right now and already hosting daily 747 flights.
'We are currently undertaking a master planning exercise to work with the community to map out the future of our Airport. It is becoming very clear that Kent International Airport will play a significant part in the South East's future network of airports which will directly benefit the district and county's economies creating thousands of new jobs.'
To take part in the survey, please visit http://kentinternationalairport-manston.com/new_site/demo/ <http://kentinternationalairport-manston.com/new_site/demo/>
To visit the new Kent International Airport website, please visit www.kia-m.com <http://www.kia-m.com>
National CCTV Database
The Association of Chief Police Officers working group on CCTV and video is exploring the feasibility of storing CCTV images of crime and matching them against databases of offenders, similar to the store and search systems currently in use with DNA and fingerprints collected at crime scenes.
It is proposed that the new initiative is to be titled the Facial Images National Database (FIND).
The working group recognise that it is vital that CCTV standards are improved. The Metropolitan Police Service recently reported that their success rate in using CCTV for criminal prosecution is as low as 3%
The British Standards Institute, the Department of Justice and the Information Commissioner's Office are working together to develop standards for anyone who wants to produce CCTV images that the police could use in prosecutions.
The majority of the estimated 4.2 million CCTV systems installed in the UK are owned by local authorities and the private sector. Currently few systems produce images that would be usable by police to secure convictions without corroborating evidence.
Workplace Regulations Update
Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide
The 2007 Act has now come into force. The legislation makes it easier to prosecute organisations when their gross negligence causes death. The prescribed fine is between 2.5 and 10% of the annual turnover and their is also the introduction of publicity and/or remedial orders.
Noise at Work
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into effect on 6th April 2008 for those establishments using live or recorded music. Employers have the responsibility to protect their employees hearing and should conduct noise risk assessments. They should also ensure that the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.
Consultation of Employees
The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004 have now been extended to cover establishments with more than 50 employees. Employees have the right to be informed of the establishment's economic situation, be informed about employment prospects and be consulted about decisions likely to lead to substantial changes in work organisation.
Sex Discrimination
From April 2008 the Sex Discrimination Act 1974 has been amended.
The definition of sexual harassment has been extended to include situations where a person's dignity has been violated. There is also increased liability on employers for third party harassment of employees.
National Glaucoma Awareness Week: 9 - 15th June 2008
How big is your blind spot?
Download: Awareness week poster
Download: "My Sight is Fine"
Up to 95% of the sensory input used in driving comes from vision, yet there is a condition that can rob you of nearly half of your vision before you know anything about it. How can that be? Surely, if a person was, literally, nearly half blind, they would know all about it – wouldn’t they?
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the UK today.
It is often caused by raised pressure in the eye, which then damages the nerve taking images to the brain. People more at risk of developing glaucoma, are those:
* over the age of 40
* who have a close relative with glaucoma
* of African Caribbean origin
* who are short sighted
* with diabetes
The effects of glaucoma are not reversible but the condition is treatable. Regular eye tests are essential to ensure early diagnosis and help protect sight.
We would like to ask you to join us in raising awareness of glaucoma, the silent stealer of sight, during National Glaucoma Awareness Week.
Don’t become a statistic! PLEASE TEST YOUR EYES REGULARLY!
For any further information about glaucoma and the International Glaucoma Association please do not hesitate to contact us.
Based locally in Ashford, the International Glaucoma Association is the charity for people with glaucoma, with the mission to raise awareness of glaucoma, promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment and to provide support to patients and all those who care for them.
International Glaucoma Association
Woodcote House, 15 Highpoint Business Village, Henwood, Ashford, KENT TN24 8DH
Tel: 01233 64 81 64 Fax: 01233 64 81 79
Sightline: 01233 64 81 70 (Mon-Fri, 9.30/5.00) Email: info@iga.org.uk
Website: www.glaucoma-association.com
Sarah Zerbib
Awareness Project Co-ordinator
Hospital travel information
Kent County Council have recently issued leaflets on travel to local hospitals and are available as a download by clicking on the appropriate link below:
William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Margate
Kent and Canterbury, Canterbury
Don't be a Victim of "Garden Crime"!
"...I have today been made aware of a TV item this morning (7th May...Ed.) talking about Garden/Shed crime.
"To put things into perspective 'yes' there is a general increase in this type of crime at this time of year, with the usual outlet for stolen property being local boot fairs.
"A few simple steps could help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.
- If you buy any packaged garden implement do not leave the box out to be disposed of with your normal rubbish collection. It advertises the fact that you have a new product usually in your shed or outbuilding.
- Make sure you have a good quality lock on your shed or outbuilding door.
- A real favourite is the theft of hanging baskets, these are easily disposed of, to prevent this, consider securing the hanging basket to the wall bracket with a small chain and padlock, this should not be visible when your flowers are in bloom. It most certainly stops the opportunist thief.
I hope this helps you have a crime free garden this summer. Many thanks."
PC Mick Wright - Force Watch Liaison Officer, Kent Police.
Kent Police launch major offensive on heavy machinery thieves
Kent Police is working with the construction, farming, insurance, security and transport industries, as well as the public, to reduce the theft of heavy machinery.
It is part of a major drive to stop specialist gangs stealing the valuable equipment from building sites, farms and lay-bys.
Officers are giving crime prevention help and advice to major local authorities and the industries such as encouraging them to security mark their machinery. They also want people to be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious, like mechanical diggers being moved in the middle of the night. People should call the police on 999 if a crime is in progress or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 in all other cases.
Heavy machinery includes excavators, forklift trucks, grass cutters, tractors, generators, cement mixers and road breakers. A single piece of equipment can cost as much as £300,000 which is why theft is increasing nationally as gangs target what they see as a lucrative source of cash.
As well as loss and disruption to the industry, the theft of heavy machinery can have a significant impact on the lives of the wider community.
Inspector Roscoe Walford said: ‘Roadworks last longer when machinery is stolen causing traffic delays and diversions. This affects people taking their children to school, shoppers, commuters and people generally going about their daily lives.
‘People find it harder to get builders and other tradesmen to do work for them because insurance companies demand high premiums or won’t insure businesses because of the increasing number of claims they make.
‘If businesses cannot get insurance, people can lose their jobs.’
Kent Police officers, and their national colleagues, are about to begin a series of concerted crime prevention and enforcement activity to disrupt the gangs that steal heavy machinery including:
- Visiting building sites and farms to offer crime prevention advice. For instance, the obvious removal of stickers can indicate attempts to conceal identity and origin of stolen machinery
- Providing crime prevention messages about machinery security via the Kent Community Messaging system such as marking machinery with U/V pens
- Advice to make machinery distinctive with paint and lots of livery stickers as a disincentive to steal
- Using security devices such as datatag, a transponder fitted to the vehicle with a unique reference number relating to that item of machinery. Alternatively, satellite tracker technology can be used to find the stolen machine
- Using an ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) approved marking scheme called CESAR (Construction Equipment Security and Registration). Details are available on the Construction Equipment Association website www.coneq.org.uk
- Late night cargo checks of all large vehicles along targeted sections of road and at strategic locations
- Additional police checks at the Channel Tunnel
It is believed that stolen machinery is being shipped to Europe where equipment is in short supply and will be used on large building projects within the UK in the lead up to the Olympics.
Inspector Walford said: ‘The messages are simple. We want the industries concerned and the public to work with us to prevent crime and we will provide the expertise and resources where necessary.
‘In addition, if you belong to a gang that steals heavy machinery we are watching you and will do everything possible to bring you before the courts.
‘At the very least we can disrupt criminal activity and at best we can bring people to justice.’
Heavy machinery owners, contractors and hirers can obtain advice about security measures by contacting Julie Argent, Crime Reduction Project Manager on 01622 653205 or their local police station and ask to speak to their Crime Reduction Officer.
Demolition Work Starts at Eastry Hospital
Runnymede Investments has begun demolition work on part of the old Eastry Hospital site as from April 21st 2008.
Mr Martin Brown of Runnymede has informed us that this work will only include buildings at the rear of the site as previously consented. Other works to the remaining buildings are the subject of a planning application to be discussed at the council's Annual Meeting in May.
Kent Police Launch Weapon Surrender
Kent Police are launching a weapons surrender as part of this year's seasonal campaigns, "Safer Spring".
Anyone can hand in any type of weapon, from bladed instruments to firearms, real or imitation, to police. Weapons can be handed in at local police stations but, in addition, Neighbourhood officers can be contacted to arrange to visit people's homes to take the weapons from them safely. This can also be used as an opportunity for people to raise any issues or concerns they have within their communities with their neighbourhood officers.
The scheme will run from 25 March until 20 April and follows a similar initiative by the Metropolitan police launched in January of this year.
Superintendent Peter Wedlake of the Force's Partnership and Crime Reduction department said: "It is important to note that crime involving weapons in Kent is very low. However, we want to take as many weapons as possible off the streets of Kent. Any weapon handed to police is one that cannot be used in crime.
"This is also an opportunity for anyone who has a weapon they think may be illegal or do not want to keep in their possession any longer to hand it to police, thereby ensuring its safe disposal. We would urge people to ring or visit their local police station to make an appointment for an officer to visit their address at their convenience to remove that weapon safely. Alternatively, please call at your local police station to hand over your unwanted weapons."
The scheme follows a successful knife amnesty run by Kent Police in 2006, where people responded very positively to the disposal of knives. Just under 4000 bladed instruments were handed in to local police stations throughout the campaign.
During the campaign, Kent police will be working closely with Kent and Medway Trading Standards, and visiting retailers to educate them on selling knives and ball bearing guns.
It is illegal to manufacture, import or sell realistic imitation guns. Action will be taken against anyone selling knives or imitation firearms illegally.
Officers will also be working with the Local Education Authorities, distributing leaflets and posters to secondary schools to educate students on this weapons surrender. Officers will continue to push key education messages around the county, which will include clear messages about what can happen if you are caught carrying a weapon.
Carrying a knife can result in a prison sentence of six months and/or a £5,000 fine. Carrying an imitation firearm can result in a prison sentence of 12 months - this applies to BB guns, blank firing pistols, cap guns, collectibles, ‘airsoft’ guns, airguns and other items that resemble a gun.
Superintendent Wedlake continued: ‘Anyone carrying a weapon illegally will be dealt with by police and the courts. Carrying a weapon will not be tolerated. Imitation guns can look very realistic and can create fear and distress in the community. It is illegal to carry any weapon in public, whether it is a realistic imitation or not, and armed police could be called to respond.
‘Research shows that if you carry a weapon you are in danger of becoming a victim yourself, or being arrested by police and facing a prison sentence. We want to make Kent a safer place in which to live and this campaign is a chance for anyone to hand in any weapon they are in possession of.’
Anyone wanting details on how to surrender weapons should contact their local police station.
Anyone wishing to report the misuse of weapons or who has any information on illegal weapons or crime can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free and you could be eligible for a cash reward.
Operation "Cubit" catches Road Tax Evaders
Almost 150 vehicles have been removed from the streets of South Kent in the latest multi-agency operation to target untaxed and abandoned vehicles.
Operation Cubit is run by Kent Police in partnership with Kent County Council and the DVLA and is also funded by Kent Fire & Rescue Service, Ashford Borough Council and the District Councils in Dover and Shepway.
Operation Cubit is now in its seventh year in South Kent and in that time, has been responsible for ridding more than 3000 untaxed vehicles from the area's streets.
Any vehicles found, or reported to be untaxed or abandoned during the operation are checked with the DVLA, then clamped and removed to be stored in a local holding area.
Any vehicle that is not claimed within 14 days is destroyed in a crusher into the shape of a cube, hence the name of the operation "cube - it".
The results for the South Kent Area are as follows:
Ashford
TOTAL number of vehicles removed: 49
Reclaimed by owner: 30
Crushed/scrapped: 19
Dover district
TOTAL number of vehicles removed: 43
Reclaimed by owner: 23
Crushed/scrapped: 20
Shepway District
TOTAL number of vehicles removed: 53
Reclaimed by owner: 22
Crushed/scrapped: 31
The DVLA state that nationally, road tax evaders cost the Exchequer millions of pounds each year.
Friends of Kent Churches Annual Sponsored Bike Ride and Walk
This event has been running for over 20 years and this year promises to be a really successful day. The event takes place on Saturday 13 September 2008 from 10am to 6pm.
Over 700 churches across Kent will be involved, welcoming riders and walkers, often with refreshments. Money is raised through sponsorship and is shared between your nominated church and the Friends of Kent Churches, who give grants for church repairs. Last year more than £140,000 was raised.
Plan your own route, long or short, flat or hilly, challenging or relaxed, whatever suits you.
This is a lovely day out for all the family.
Visit the website – www.friendsofkentchurches.co.uk for more information, sponsor forms, tee-shirts and more.
Contact – Carolyn Millen on 01622 843383, carolynmillen1@btinternet.com
Age Restricted Products - Kent Police and Trading Standards
"Officers from Kent Trading Standards visit businesses to advise them of the law regarding age restricted products. They also conduct test purchase operations to test whether businesses will sell these products to under-age volunteers.
Do you know someone who sells alcohol or cigarettes to children? The sale of alcohol and tobacco to people under the age of 18 is illegal and could cause long-term damage to their health.
Additionally young people who consume alcohol have the potential to become involved with antisocial behaviour.
If you know of premises that sell alcohol or cigarettes to under-18s please let Trading Standards know via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or by email, following the "contact us" links on http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
You are not obliged to tell us your name."
Kent Police underage drinking Success - an article from Kent Police
Kent Police has confiscated 90 bottles and cans of alcohol from 90 young people during the first weekend of an operation to target underage drinking in the Dover district.
Police carried out high visibility patrols in areas where young people are known to congregate and drink alcohol and arrested one teenager at Walmer paddling pool for public order.
On Friday night (8th Feb - Ed.) officers intervened when children turned up at a 16th birthday party in Dover with booze and dealt with a number of older youths who were buying alcohol for the underage ones. This was the enforcement phase of a multi-agency campaign launched last week to raise awareness of health issues and community safety impact of underage drinking.
Kent Police, the East Kent Coastal Primary Care Trust and Dover District Council are running the operation with funding from the Respect Youth Taskforce, EKCPCT and the Home Office. It is being coordinated by the new Community Safety Unit to highlight the potential consequences of underage drinking such as health problems, vulnerable situations where they are not in control and getting involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Sgt Guy Thompson said: "I am not surprised that so many young people were in possession of alcohol this weekend. We know it is a problem, it causes concern in the community and that is why this campaign has been launched."
"Officers will continue to intervene and get among young people to deal with those that are drinking alcohol. We will also be clamping down on those who supply alcohol to underage people." He added.
Dover District Council launch underage drinking campaign
The Community Safety Unit at Dover District Council are running a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking, aimed at both young people and their parents.
Operation Elusive is running concurrently with a similar Home Office campaign starting on February 4th.
If you are a local business, club or institution please download the full-size copy of the poster for printing (by clicking on the picture, left) and display it wherever you can to highlight the dangers our young people face.
Thank you.
Police Warn of "Beggars"
The Police have received a number of reports this week concerning Polish picture sellers and beggars.
There is one group that is going around the rural villages trying to sell pictures. To be able to do this legally they require a Pedlars certificate and none of them hold them.
Those that are begging are saying that they have throat cancer or liver cancer or that they are a student and need money. Again, begging is a crime.
Please do not aid these sellers and beggars.
The Police ask that should they call at your property you inform them on 01304 240055.
Please remember when you go to the door to only open it if you have the chain in place.
Some elderly and vulnerable people have been quite unnerved by these visits this week. Please do look out for these neighbours and don't forget about the Nominated Neighbour scheme.
Cash Machine Thefts - Four Convicted
Hizekiah Roberts, 30, an unemployed builder from Dickens Avenue in Canterbury, was sentenced to 12 years in prison John Panhandle-Smith, 30 and unemployed, from Snowdown Caravan Site, Aylesham Road, Dover, was sentenced to eight years five months in prison Anthony Cornelius Lee, 32, a builder from Greenbridge Park Caravan Site, Vauxhall Road, Canterbury, was sentenced to seven years 10 months in prison Darren Scott Lee, 31, a labourer from The Meadows, New Romney, was also sentenced to seven years 10 months in prison.
In January 2007, officers from Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit investigated a number of cash machine thefts in the east of Kent.
Following a lengthy police operation, four men, later identified as Roberts, Lee, Lee and Panhandle-Smith, were seen attacking a cash machine in New Romney in the early hours of 28 February.
When police arrived, two of the men attempted a violent escape in a vehicle at the scene and in doing so, ran over two police officers. One of the officers suffered a broken leg, and the other a broken ankle. The other two suspects made off on foot.
Eventually, all four suspects were arrested, three suspects at the scene in New Romney and the fourth some days later. All were charged with conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to commit criminal damage, relating to cash machines in the Beltinge, Sandwich, Hawkinge and Littlebourne areas.
They were additionally charged with the burglary and criminal damage at New Romney and Roberts was also charged with dangerous driving and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm to the two police officers.
Roberts, Lee, Lee and Panhandle-Smith subsequently pleaded guilty to all counts.
All the men were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 7 January 2008.
Kent Police seek views on "Youth Gatherings"
Kent Police are currently seeking your views on "Youth Gatherings" and cordially invite you to participate in a survey on the subject. If you would like to participate could I please ask you to go to the Kent Police website http://www.kent.police.uk and click on the survey link?
Could I also ask if you could encourage as many young people as possible to participate as their views are equally as important.
Very many thanks for your assistance,
PC Mick Wright
Kent Police
County Watch Liaison Officer
Kent & Medway Safety Camera Partnership
As winter arrives, bringing with it bad weather and darker evenings, speed related crashes on our roads increase. To combat this problem the Safety Camera Partnership will be undertaking more enforcement at existing safety camera sites across the county.
To help further reduce death and injury the Partnership's mobile safety camera vans will be out at their current sites for longer evenings when statistics show that crashes are more likely to happen especially at this time of year. Live fixed camera units will also be moved across the county more regularly - currently one in four fixed cameras are live.
Nearly a quarter of all crashes at safety camera sites happen in November and December with most occurring between 2pm and midnight.
Rachel Wall Communications Manager for the Kent & Medway Safety Camera Partnership said: "Since July 2002 there has been a 58.3% reduction in deaths and serious injuries at camera sites, which is excellent news. However, more crashes occur during the winter months and we are therefore urging motorists to adjust their driving to suit such demanding conditions. The Partnership is also making sure that its enforcement continues throughout the darker evenings and during poor weather when collisions are more frequent.
"Our mobile camera vans are working extra hours through December and will be enforcing through the night, at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
"We would like to make sure that all motorists are aware that we are stepping up our current enforcement so that they can slow down and avoid a speeding fine of £60 and three points on their licence."
As always all camera locations are listed on the Partnership website www.kmscp.org the cameras are highly visible, signed with black and white camera symbols and a tolerance level of 10% plus 2mph is in force before prosecution.
Buttsole Pond Management Plan
A Management Plan for Buttsole Pond has been prepared by the White Cliffs Countryside Project on behalf of the Parish Council.
The paper will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting and you are invited to read a copy, together with the Appendix:
Kent County Council - "Buy With Confidence"
Kent County Council's Trading Standards Service have launched a "Buy With Confidence" good trader scheme. A copy of the notice is available here.
The scheme provides customers with a list of reliable local businesses that have proved their commitment to trading fairly.
These businesses will have had to undergo and audit by Trading Standards Officers and passed a series of detailed checks before being approved under the scheme.
Full details are available from the website at www.buywithconfidence.info .
Kent Association of Parish Councils fight Post Office Closures
The following letter has been sent to all member Parish Councils from the County Secretary, Rod Williamson, in a bid to get councillors and parishioners to petition to save their local Post Offices which are threatened with closure:
"All KAPC member Councils 19 September 2007
Post Office Campaign
Kent is one of the first areas in the country to undergo a government led review of the post office network aimed at finding savings through closures. Kent County Council is very concerned about the impact these closures will have and has launched a campaign to support Kent’s post office network. A consultation is due to be published on 2nd October which at present allows only a six week period for response. The Councils’ concerns are outlined on their website, which also includes an online petition, a downloadable petition for use in your local community and an online questionnaire.
If you wish to become involved and play a part in this very important issue then visit www.kent.gov.uk/postoffice
Rodney Williamson - County Secretary"
Bishop of Dover visits Eastry
The Bishop of Dover
was in Eastry on
Thursday 12th July 2007 at 3:00pm to consecrate additional grave
spaces in Eastry cemetery covering a small area which has
remained un-consecrated since 1952.
There was a short and moving service which was attended by members of the public as well as Revd and Mrs Kent, Cllr David Carr - Chairman of Eastry Parish Council, Cllr Sandra Hooper - Chairman of the Allotments and Leisure Fields Committee, Mrs Iris Mollart and Mr Jack Bones.
photo: Rt. Rev. Stephen Venner, Bishop of Dover
The parcel of land which was consecrated by the bishop will enable burials in Eastry cemetery to continue only for the next 5 or 6 years. The Parish Council have, over the course of the last several years, attempted to purchase a small area of land adjacent to the cemetery which is currently owned by the Church Commissioners. This would have enabled burials to continue for many years to come; however, the Church Commissioners have refused to sell the plot, preferring that we re-use plots over 100-years old. In our village there are many families whose history spans several centuries and whose family members are interred in our churchyard and cemetery.
We see this as putting "Profit before Parishioners"; particularly as the Church Commissioners are awaiting the publication of the LDF by Dover District Council which could, potentially, allow the land to be sold for development at a huge profit whilst the dead would have to be cremated or be buried outside the Parish.
If you feel as strongly about this as we do, please write to the Church Estates Commissioners and the Bishop of Dover at the following address and express your concern:
Church Estates Commissioners, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ
Eastry Parish Council Adopt New Code of Conduct
At
the Parish Council meeting of 2nd July 2007 it was unanimously
agreed to adopt the new Code of Conduct for Town and Parish
Councils in the Dover District.
The new Code of Conduct contains the Ten General Principles for Public Life, as laid out in the Relevant Authorities (General Principles) Order 2001.
A copy is available for you to read: please click here. Remember: this document is large and may take some time to download.
Election Success for Conservatives in Eastry
The
Conservatives in the Eastry Ward have achieved another landslide
victory in the District Council elections.
Nick Kenton and Steve Manion polled 28% and 26% of the total votes respectively with their nearest rivals trailing some 12.5% behind.
The full result of the poll of 3rd May can be found here.
photos: Nick Kenton & Steve Manion
What is a Parish Council?
There are over 8,700 parish and town councils representing around 16 million people across England. They form the most local level of government and cover many rural areas.
What services do they provide?
Eastry Parish Council provides the following services:
| Allotments | Dog waste bins | “poop scoopers” | Public lavatory |
| Street cleaning | Burial ground | Open spaces | Bus shelters |
| Play Equipment | Litter bins | Picnic site | Buttsole pond |
| Coffee Break |
They also work with Dover District Council, and Kent County Council to get other services for the parish. Eastry Parish Council meets 11 times a year on the first Monday of the month (except January and May, when it’s the 2nd Monday).
The booklets “All About Parish and Town Councils” and “The Good Councillors Guide” can be found on the parish council web-site http://www.eastrypc.co.uk.
DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES ORDER
A Designated Public Places Order, which will control the consumption of alcohol in public places in specified areas, will be introduced by Dover District Council with effect from 1st February 2007. The order is commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as an alcohol exclusion zone.
The effect of the order is that a Police Constable may require a person to stop drinking alcohol in a public place within the designated area. Any person so required, but who refuses to stop, commits an offence which could result in them being arrested. Drinking alcohol in a designated area is not in itself an offence. The offence is created if any person refuses to stop drinking once required to do so by a Police Constable. Any enforcement of this law is carried out entirely at the discretion of the police.
This order has been made following analysis of relevant crimes and extensive consultation with the public. The relevant work was undertaken by Dover District Council's Community Safety Unit.
The order will apply to all public places lying within the boundaries of Dover, encompassing Castle, Town and Pier, Maxton, Elms Vale and Priory, Tower Hamlets, St. Radigunds, Buckland and Whitfield wards; Deal, encompassing Walmer, Mill Hill, Middle Deal and Sholden and North Deal wards, Sandwich and the following parishes: Ash, Aylesham, Eastry, Eythorne, Guston, Ringwould / Kingsdown, River, St. Margaret's, Shepherdswell, Temple Ewell, Wingham. Signs are being placed across the district to indicate designated areas.
For more information, please log onto the Dover District Council website at www.dover.gov.uk/asb
Kent and Medway Structure Plan, 2006
In 1998 Kent County Council and Medway Council became jointly responsible for the Structure Plan and for producing the new Kent and Medway Structure Plan covering both areas. The structure plan is the strategic "arm" of the Statutory Development Plan for Kent and Medway setting out the broad strategy for the development and use of land for new homes, jobs, transport, shopping, recreation and services. The main documents is 272 pages in length and costs £50; however Eastry Parish Council have supplied the following links for you so that so it can be read in manageable "chunks" absolutely free!
Foreword, Contents, Introduction and Index of Policies
Chapter 1 – Our vision and guiding principles
Chapter 2 – The spatial strategy for Kent
Chapter 4 – Protecting and enhancing our natural environment
Chapter 5 – Promoting quality of life in town and country
Chapter 6 – Employment and prosperity
Chapter 7 – Housing provision and distribution
Chapter 9 – Managing our natural resources
Chapter 10 – Managing our waste and mineral resources
Chapter 11 – Implementing and monitoring
Alternative formats and languages
Also available for you are the various Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) documents. We have again linked these for your convenience: -
SPG 1: Landscape Character (July 2006) pre-print version
SPG 2: Biodiversity Conservation (July 2006) pre-print version
SPG 3: Archaeology in Historic Towns (July 2006) pre-print version
SPG 4: Kent Vehicle Parking Standards (July 2006) pre-print version
SPG 5: The Kent Design Guide, published December 2005 (adopted July 2006)
New Bus Timetables
Copies of the new Canterbury - Deal bus timetable is available now from the village retail outlets or from Coffee Break every Friday morning in the Village Hall.
Coffee Break
Just a reminder that Jigsaw puzzles are available to borrow on 2nd Friday of the month at Coffee Break. Also on the 2nd Friday Hi-Kent hearing-aid re-tubing clinic is available to assist you with your hearing-aid needs. Hearing Aids should be re-tubed every 3 months!
Play and Recreation Facilities
The Parish Council own and maintain a number of play areas and play equipment in the Parish. Play equipment is situated in Gun Park (off Wilmott Place) and at the Allotment play area behind Centenary Gardens and Mill Green. Three goal posts are in place at the bottom (Wilmott Place) end of Gun Park and two small goals are situated in the Allotments play area for general use. Also in Gun Park are a skate ramp and basket-ball hoop.
The Parish Council also maintain a Recreation Ground in Church Street opposite the Church. This area is well used by smaller children and their parents.
Minimum Wage Information
National Minimum Wage
The national minimum wage applies to nearly all workers and sets hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall.
It is an important cornerstone of Government strategy aimed at providing employees with decent minimum standards and fairness in the workplace. It helps business by ensuring companies will be able to compete on the basis of quality of the goods and services they provide and not on low prices based predominantly on low rates of pay.
The rates set are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission. The rates change on 1st October each year.
National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2007
Workers aged 22 and over - £5.52 per hour
Workers aged 18-21 - £4.60 per hour
Workers aged 16-17 - £3.40 per hour
Accommodation offset - £4.30 per day (£30.10 per week)
New National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2008
Workers aged 22 and over - £5.73 per hour
Workers aged 18-21 - £4.77 per hour
Workers aged 16-17 - £3.53 per hour
Accommodation offset - £4.46 per day (£31.22 per week)
To find out more:
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see the guide to the National Minimum Wage for workers or for employers or
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check www.direct.gov.uk/nmw or www.businesslink.gov.uk/employingpeople.
For free
confidential advice about the National Minimum Wage call the
National Minimum Wage Helpline on
Proposed changes to how the National Minimum Wage is enforced are being taken forward by the Employment Bill which is currently going through Parliament. Subject to parliamentary approval, the Government intends the NMW provisions to come into force on 6 April 2009
Casual staff, agency staff and short-term contract staff are all eligible for the NMW. More information is available on the Government's website here.
Age Discrimination Law
New regulations require employers to remove bias on the grounds of age. This includes policies and practices relating to the following areas: recruitment, selection, promotion, criteria for benefit entitlement, provision of in-service training, retirement, redundancy and occupational pensions.
From 1st October 2006 it is unlawful to directly discriminate on the grounds of age. This is where a person is not employed or promoted because of their age. It is also unlawful to indirectly discriminate on the grounds of age. This is where an employer has a requirement for a number of years previous experience, which younger people are unlikely to have.
The employer cannot allow any harassment, bullying or victimisation on the grounds of age, either by the business or by any employee.
The regulations on discrimination on grounds of age are in addition to the other forms of discrimination - sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation and religion or belief - which continue to remain in force.
Useful Contact Numbers
The Parish Council are receiving more and more phone calls reporting things that they do not have a direct responsibility for. In these instances the Clerk can only pass on the report to the correct department and does not always have enough information to do this efficiently and errors could be made. Parishioners are asked to contact the responsible authority directly, as below:
Dover District Council
White Cliffs Business Park
Dover
Kent
CT16 3PJ
Telephone: 01304 821199
E-mail:
customerservices@dover.gov.uk
Minicom: 01304 820115
All problems relating to refuse or recycle collections. Rubbish and Dog waste bin emptying Street cleaning, Street nameplates, and Council housing problems should be directed to DDC. A full list of services and direct dial numbers can be found in the phone book
Kent Highways Services –
Kent Highway Services
Kent County Council
Invicta House
County Hall
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XX
08458 247 800
kent.highwayservices@kent.gov.uk
All problems relating to street lights, roads or footways, road signs, pot holes, road works, overgrowth hedges, drains and ditches on the highway, vehicle crossings, dropped curbs or empty salt bin should be directed to Kent Highways services.
Public Rights of Way Office – 01304 216307
Problems with footpaths (Not tarmac) including Horses using public footpaths.Young Drivers
The Kent and Medway safety Partnership have a web site that contains a lot of information on the partnership and a section for young drivers. You can get free downloads and information on advance driving skills, please pay it a visit. www.kmscp.org/gusd.
Memorial Inspection
Following a recent inspection of all memorials in the Cemetery the Parish Council is trying to trace the owners of some of the memorial stones. If a member of your family is buried in Eastry Cemetery can you please contact the Clerk to the Parish Council on 01304 614320. For your information the Cemetery is the very bottom section of the Church Yard between the Beech hedge and the Holly hedge where the kissing gate is located.
Bogus Callers
The Parish Council would like to remind all Parishioners to take care who you let into your house. Do not invite in a “tradesman” unless you have specifically asked one to call. Legitimate plumbers, roofers and builders do not knock on doors asking for work. Make sure you ask meter readers for identification. If you are in doubt of anyone asking for entry into your home send them away. If you would prefer callers not to come to your door speak to the Neighbourhood Watch or the Community Warden about the designated neighbour scheme.
Householders' Responsibility For Waste
Following the introduction of new Government waste regulations, Dover District Council is reminding residents that householders now have a responsibility to check who is taking their rubbish away, or risk a fine of up to £5,000. Householders now have a 'Duty of Care' to ensure that their rubbish is only collected by a registered waste carrier.
Dover District Council is already working hard to reduce the
problem of fly tipping. The regulations have been introduced to
help Authorities tackle this serious issue. Last year Dover
District Council dealt with 487 incidents of fly tipping, at a
cost of around £50,000.
The new regulations mean that people who need to have household,
garden or construction waste removed from their home must check
the waste carrier registration of anyone they employ, or who
offers to remove the waste for them. All builders and allied
trades, landscape gardeners, tree fellers, house clearers,
retailers who remove domestic goods such as fridges and sofas
when delivering new ones, and scrap metal dealers should be
registered waste carriers. The carriers will issue householders
with a 'waste transfer note', which should be kept by the
householder as proof that they passed their waste on to an
authorised carrier. This legislation does not affect any waste
collection service provided by the Council, including your
normal weekly household waste collection.
Registered waste carriers can be checked by contacting the Environment Agency on (08708) 506506, or online at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregister. Householders can also contact Dover District Council on (01304) 872410 and for a small fee bulky items can be collected and disposed of in an authorised manner.