Eastry Village News
Latest Trading Standards Alerts
Two Warnings from Kent Trading Standards
1.
Kent Trading Standards has received reports that texts have been
sent to consumers' mobiles purporting to be from national banks
and/or credit card companies.
The texts confirm that the application for a credit card has
been accepted and that a credit card and pin will be sent out.
The text tells the caller to contact the number provided to
confirm receipt of the text. We have been informed that no
applications for credit cards have been made by the individuals
who have been contacted.
Kent Trading Standards are warning consumers not to contact the
number provided in the text, even if they have recently applied
for a credit card. Consumers should find an official number for
the bank/credit card company and contact them direct to
establish if they have sent the text.
2.
A consumer in Pluckley has reported having an unexpected caller
at his front door from a man who said that he was offering free
insulation. The man told him that all he would need to do would
be to pay for the insulation and then claim the money back from
his own energy supplier.
If you receive such a call at your door please be wary.
Do not believe everything you are told by apparent traders, it
is always best to make your own enquiries if you wish to
purchase goods or services. Do not take up such offers at the
door.
Please report such callers to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06
who will be able to offer suitable advice about what to do in
these situations and can also recommend a variety of traders
from our good trader scheme "Buy With Confidence".
These traders have been thoroughly vetted and audited by Trading
Standards officers and are only approved if they meet our strict
criteria for membership.
Phoney Local Authority Call Warning
A lady has reported to Dover District Council that she has
received a phone call from what sounded like a call centre
(possibly Asian based) who told her that they worked for the
local authority. They said that her community charge band had
been reassessed and even quoted the Local Government Finance Act
to her.
They apologised that it had been wrongly assessed and wanted to
give her a refund going back to 1990. They said they would send
the paperwork in a few days but need bank details now for refund
to be released to her. They went on to quote the name and
address of the customer and asked for the bank account details.
The customer told her that she would wait for the paperwork to
come (as this has been the 3rd time this has happened to her in
the past - last time was a couple of months ago). The person on
the end of the phone started getting difficult and tried
assuring her that they are working for the local authority and
that everything was accurate, above board and that she would get
paperwork. They even told her that she should not be worried to
give out her bank details!
This incident has been reported to Trading Standards.
Help protect the vulnerable in our society - pass it on!
Parish Council Vacancy
A vacancy has arisen on the Parish Council. Please read the notice here...
Eastry Fete,
2010
The Eastry Fete, held in The Aumbry gardens, was a massive success this year with hundreds of villagers and visitors in attendance.
As ever the book stall was hugely popular second only to the tea and cakes! Thanks to everyone who attended to make the event such a resounding success and to all those who gave their time freely.
Below is a selection of photos of the day. Individual high-resolution files are available at £5 each, with £2 going towards church funds. Contact: webmaster@eastrypc.co.uk. A full CD set of all (33) photographs is available for £20.
KCC's Countryside Access Service Annual Report
This year's Annual Report from the Countryside Access Service is available here:
http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/countryside_access/annual_report.aspx
Many of you will have made contributions towards the research phase of the Countryside Access Improvement Plan so it is hoped that you will take this opportunity to have a read through and check the progress to date. The CAS is dedicated to customer led frontline service delivery and it is hoped you will agree real progress is being made to improve accessibility and connectivity of you local Rights Of Way Network.
Some of the sizable projects delivered this year are:
Further details of projects being worked on can be found here.
Two current projects to draw your attention to are:
and
Handbag Theft Warning
Police
are advising women in the Dover area to keep their handbags
secure following three thefts on Thursday afternoon - 1st July
2010.
A handbag was stolen from the Duke of York pub/restaurant at around 12:30 - 12:45pm. An 80 year-old woman had hers stolen near Lloyds TSB in Biggin Street, Dover at around 1:10pm and another elderly lady had her handbag taken after left it unattended on a table in a cafe in Biggin Street at around 2:10pm.
Two middle-aged white English men were seen acting suspiciously and it is thought that they may be responsible for all three thefts.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Ashley Price on 01304 218110. If you have any information but wish to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Keep your handbag secure. Use the zip fastener to close it and keep it close to you at all times. In a cafe try to keep it on your lap if possible. Use handbag clips in public places, use secure lockers to store your handbag when at the gym or swimming pool. Only carry what you need, never leave your handbag unattended. Don't carry personal documents around in your bag as this makes identity fraud easier if your bag is stolen.
Bogus Neighbourhood Watch Caller
A man claiming to represent 'Neighbourhood Watch Support' telephoned to say that a Neighbourhood Watch Brochure was going out to all local residents, encouraging businesses to advertise in the brochure.
The resident agreed to place an advertisement and received a further telephone call from a company calling itself 'Business Community Support Multimedia'. The caller took details over the 'phone. Shortly after the resident received a letter with a 'proof' of the advertisement. Apart from the name of the business and the contact number every detail was incorrect. The accompanying letter said that unless any amendments were received within 5 days (by phone, email or fax) they would assume that the details were correct and place the advert.
The resident tried several times to contact the company by email and 'phone but to no avail, finding the emails unanswered and his phone calls cut off. Luckily he had not yet paid any money for the advertisement.
We would like to make it clear that no such 'Neighbourhood Watch Support' organisation exists and the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network does not produce any such local brochures nor contract Business Community Support Multimedia to do so.
If you have any concerns or queries relating to this, please contact us on enquiries@nationalnhw.org or 0116 229 3118 and do not agree to anything over the telephone or on your doorstep.
Users Report "Fault" with New iPhone 4
A
number of users are reporting problems with their iPhone 4. The
issue relates to the mobile phone signal, with users reporting a
drop in signal strength when the phone is held.
The casing of the phone, made of stainless steel, also serves as its integral antenna. The antenna is located on the bottom left of the phone, meaning that held in your left hand the signal fades until there is no signal.
When the new phone was introduced at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference the internal antenna was described by Apple as "really cool engineering".
Prime Ministerial Debates on TV
The first historic Prime Ministerial debate, hosted by ITV drew 9.5m viewers.
The second debate, hosted by BSkyB attracted 4m viewers whilst the final debate, hosted by the BBC, reported a total of 4.5m viewers.
Government to Axe "Unnecessary" Websites
The
Government is to conduct a review of all 820 of its websites,
Cabinet Minister Francis Maude has announced.
A report by the Central Office of Information has revealed that the Government spent £94m on website development and running costs and £32m on web staff in 2009-10. The UK Trade and Investment site, for example, averaged only 28,000 users per month, but cost over £4m to build.
Each visitor costs the Government £11.78, according to the figures. 16% of Government Departments did not know how their own websites were being used by tax payers and almost 25% were unaware of the operating costs.
The most cost efficient website was that of the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which cost 2p per visit; HM Revenue and Customs 11p and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport 5p per visit. The NHS website averaged over 6m users per month and reported non-staff costs of over £21m, not including £5m spent on "marketing and customer relations" in 2009.
Kent Miners' Festival 2010
As
the second Kent Miners Festival in August draws ever closer,
organisers are appealing for help of all kinds to make the
second festival a roaring success.
Sponsors, vendors, entertainers, volunteers on the day and even people to join the committee are asked to get in touch to see how they can get involved.
Festival committee chairman, Gary Cox, said: "Last year's festival was supposed to be a one off, but thanks to over 10,000 people rolling through the gates of Fowlmead Country Park and constant requests to make this an annual event, this year's festival has doubled in size."
Now being held over two days, Sunday, August 29 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 30, a fun-filled programme of events has been devised including boxing, live bands, dance acts, brass bands, vintage buses and a miners reunion.
"The idea behind the festival is to emulate the traditional miners Galas that were held in the pit towns and villages.
"Community was an important part of being a miner, and we hope the festival helps instil community values in people, at the same time as remembering our mining heritage and having a fantastic free day out."
Fun fair rides, sporting events, a beer tent and a variety of foods will be available, making the festival family friendly.
Vintage buses, courtesy of the Friends of The East Kent Buses will ferry festival goers from Deal and Dover as well as pit villages in Kent.....................to cut down on emissions, deter from drink driving and add to the festival spirit.
As well as finding a main sponsor, the organisers seek good quality goods for the prize draw.
Entertainers are asked to get in touch to find out about booking a slot on stage and there is a business opportunity available for food and beverage vendors booking a pitch.
A programme will be on sale shortly at a price of £3.00. Entrance is free; but we need to cover costs. We hope that, if you travel by bus, car, cycle or walk to this Community Event, then you will help us to continue organising this Festival, if one family buys one programme.
To find out more about joining the Kent Miners Festival, telephone Gary Cox on 07800 545135 or email: kentminersfestial@sky.com
Computer Virus Found with Battery Charger
The
American Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) recently
found that the Energizer Duo USB battery charger had the option
to add a Windows application made available on the Energizer
website and the downloaded software contained a Malware Trojan.
The website offered similar software for the Mac OS-X Operating System; however only the Windows version was found to be infected.
Both US-CERT and Energizer recommend that users remove Arucer.dll, which can be found in the Windows system32 directory.
This emphasises the need for reliable and up-to-date Anti-Virus software to be installed on your computer; particularly as only 9 out of the top 42 Anti-Virus products detected the virus. Microsoft, Sunbelt, Symantec, F-secure, Fortinet, McAfee and Sophos all detected it.
Kent Police Community Message
More
than 100 motorists have been dealt with for a variety of
offences during a week-long operation in the Dover district.
From Monday 14th to Sunday 20th June, a number of Kent Police
units joined forces with Dover District Council, KCC Trading
Standards and the UK Border Agency to tackle concerns raised by
local residents such as the anti-social and illegal use of motor
vehicles.
The South Kent motorcycle unit engaged with motor bikers who regularly congregate at cafes and ride a circuit which includes the A2, A256, A258, Sandwich, Ash, Hacklinge and Wingham. The focus was on promoting biker safety and also to respond to large numbers of complaints from the public about anti-social riding on Wednesday evenings and Sundays.
Acting Inspector Guy Thompson of Dover Neighbourhood Team said,
"This week has seen Officers targeting those issues that have
been raised by the community. We have together identified those
issues with our partners and taken action. In addition, reducing
those killed or seriously injured on the roads in Kent is a
priority and this will be a reminder to people to reduce speed,
wear a seat belt and not to use a mobile telephone while
driving."
Speed enforcement action was taken in Alkham, River, Temple
Ewell, Deal, Walmer, Hacklinge, Wingham, Eastry, Densole, and
Dover.
Also during the week officers from Kent Police Bike Unit, Roads
Policing Unit, the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)
team and local officers:
Seized 14 Vehicles for no insurance and other offences.
6 people given £200 fixed penalty tickets and 3 points on their
license for no insurance.
Arrested 1 man at 12:22 (lunchtime) on 17th June in Bowling
Green Lane Deal for drink driving: 36-year-old Leo Boseman of
Freemans Way Deal was charged with driving with excess alcohol
and having no insurance. He was bailed to appear at Folkestone
Magistrates on 2/7/2010.
A motorcycle rider was dealt with for pulling a wheelie along
the A258 having been seen by the Kent Police Bike Unit
stationary nearby.
7 people were given a £60 Fixed penalty ticket for not wearing a
seatbelt.
4 people were given a £60 Fixed Penalty and 3 points on their
license for using a mobile phone
A foreign registered lorry was given a £200 graduated Fixed
Penalty for overtaking up the hill on the A20 from Aycliffe to
Capel-Le Ferne.
Port of Dover Police prohibited a vehicle for being overweight.
A Folkestone Taxi (Hackney Carriage) was prohibited from moving
due to having defective tyres.
4 people were given £60 fines and 3 points for excess speed and
26 were advised of their speed.
The driver of a Porsche was given a £60 fixed penalty ticket for
incorrectly displaying a number plate.
Partners who were also working with Kent Police were:
· Environmental Health officers from Dover District Council targeting those carrying rubbish or waste illegally.
· Licensing Officer from Dover District Council checking on Taxi's and private hire vehicles in the District.
·
Kent County Council Trading Standards Officers look at rogue
traders
UK Border Agency Staff checking for illegal workers being
transported around the district.
Also during the week Neighbourhood Officers carried out a
large-scale community engagement where they conducted 432
questionnaires with local residents to find out what their
concerns were. Out of 432, 212 (49%) had no issues. 53 (12%)
stated anti-social behaviour (nuisance) was an issue and 74
(17%) raised anti-social use of a vehicle including speeding,
parking and noise.
Public Rights of Way (PROW)
What Are Public Rights of Way? Public rights of way are
mainly paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. They allow
people to explore and enjoy the countryside at a leisurely pace
- or they can be used for short journeys such as to school, to
church, to work or even to the pub!
Kent has over 4,200 miles (6,700km) of public footpaths, bridleways and byways providing free access to the county's much loved countryside and coast. These are all managed by KCC Countryside Access Service. This includes signing and cutting of vegetation to keep the paths clear.
Like a public road, a public right of way is a highway which anybody may use at any time. Public Rights of Way are recorded on a legal record of Public Rights of Way. Each path is classified according to who is allowed to use it and the public's rights along it. If you would like to identify a path near you, KCC have an interactive map service on their website:
http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/countryside_access.aspx
Funding for Local Community Projects
Community
groups in Dover District looking for help with projects that can
show benefit to the area are invited to apply for grants of up
to £2,500 from the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums.
Dover District Council and Kent County Council have again allocated funding to the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums to give out capital grants to local projects. Successful projects last year included new equipment, small building works, replacement railings, display boards, fencing, and many others.
KCC is administering this Small Community Capital Projects fund and application packs are available from Anne Charman, KCC Community Engagement Manager, or they can be downloaded from: www.dover.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums/funding.asp
This year the Neighbourhood Forums are piloting Participatory Budgeting. This means residents, community groups and representatives of all parts of the community discuss and vote on grant applications, and make decisions on how grant money is spent on projects in their area. (All recommendations are subject to approval by KCC and DDC).
Local groups will be asked to attend special “You Decide” community events and to give a 3 minute presentation on their project. More details of the event for their area will be sent to groups well in advance, after they have applied.
Councils are keen to encourage applications from local voluntary and community groups that have not applied to the Neighbourhood Forums before. The application process is straightforward and advice and assistance is available from KCC.
The closing date for applications is 27 August 2010. For more information, please contact: Anne Charman, KCC Community Engagement Manager on 01622 696389.
Police Motorcycle Team in Road Safety Drive
South
Kent's Police Motorcycle Team have been carrying out high
visibility patrols in the Dover district in response to concerns
identified by local people.
On Wednesday (12.5.10) the team made up of PCs Richard Lawton
and Giles Lamb spent time in Deal town centre where they issued
a number of tickets for speeding and dangerous driving and
carried out three drug searches.
They then moved to nuisance bike 'hot spots' including Monks
Way, Sandwich, the Adelaide Café in Deal, H's Café on the A2 and
surrounding roads as police get many calls from these areas on
Wednesday evenings.
On Thursday (13.5.10) they worked with PCSO Jacqui Brook in York
Street, Dover to conduct speed checks in response to concerns
about so-called 'boy racers'. Two drivers were given warnings
about speeding and several others were advised to slow down and
drive more safely.
The team then responded to a call about 15 cows who had escaped
from a field off the B2011 near Capel-le-Ferne and were posing a
risk to traffic. The cows were rounded up by the farmer and the
road was clear by 5.45 pm.
Speeding and road safety are often identified at PACT meetings
and police surgeries and when surveys are carried out to find
out what local people want the police and local council to work
on as a priority.
PC Richard Lawton said: 'We are specially trained to deal with
roads policing and high visibility operations like this are
designed to act as a deterrent as well as dealing with issues as
they arise.
'Residents and motorists in the Dover district will be seeing a
good deal of us as we use our police motorcycles to patrol local
roads and to boost road safety in the area.'
To find out how you can have get involved in setting the
priorities where you live, contact your neighbourhood police
office. You can get their details by visiting
www.kent.police.uk or phoning 01622 690690
Dover District Neighbourhood Forums
The Dover District Neighbourhood
Forums are a joint initiative, enabling a new form of
consultation and feedback from local communities. The aim is to
give local people a chance to voice their opinions and concerns
and to be able to influence decisions and to challenge the
delivery of services.
The Forums join the three tiers of local government, with equal
representation from DDC members, KCC members and Town and Parish
Councillors.
There are five forums in place across the district:
Deal and Walmer - covering: North Deal, Middle Deal, Mill Hill and Walmer.
Dover North - covering: Aylesham, Nonington, Eythorne, Tilmanstone, Northbourne, Great Mongeham, Sutton, Ripple, Langdon, Guston, St.Margaret's at Cliffe and Ringwould with Kingsdown.
Dover Town - covering: Buckland, St.Radigunds, Maxton Elms Vale and Priory, Town and Pier, Tower Hamlets and Castle.
Dover West - covering: Denton with Wootton, Shepherdswell with Coldred, Lydden, Temple Ewell, Alkham, River, Capel-Le-Ferne, Hougham Without and Whitfield.
Sandwich Area - covering: Stourmouth, Preston, Wingham, Ash, Goodnestone, Staple, Woodnesborough, Sandwich, Worth, Sholden and Eastry.
For more information about the Dover District Neighbourhood Forums please see: www.dover.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums or contact Anne Charman, KCC Community Engagement Manager on 01622 696389
The 2011 Census preparations are underway...
As part of the work towards the 2011 Census, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has employed a group of 240+ "address checkers" to carry out site visits to confirm whether or not an address should be sent a Census questionnaire. In short, they will be trying to produce a correct list of residential and communal properties for the areas they are covering.
In most cases the status of an address will be obvious from the outside, however sometimes the number of households within a building may not be clear from an inspection and it may be necessary to contact the householder for further clarification. The address checkers will all wear photo ID showing the purple Census logo and will information leaflet to hand out when necessary.
Although there will be limited contact with the public there is still the possibility that residents may contact the local authority if they are concerned or suspicious about strangers "inspecting" properties, hoaxers or slow moving vehicles in the area.
The ONS has therefore provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions [here] for help with any queries and this also gives the Census contact details if required.
This residential check will cover 3.6 million addresses across England and Wales (around 15% of the total list) and runs from now until 27th August 2010. Unfortunately the exact dates the checkers will be operating in the area are not known.
Eastry's Second "Music Extravaganza"
Dozens of you came along for an evening of musical excitement and surprises! The first Eastry Music Extravaganza, held in May 2009, was a melting-pot of musical genres which kept the audience guessing as to what may happen next! It showcased professional and amateur talent from all over Kent including several from Eastry. There was a selection of medieval, classical, jazz, choral and percussion music as well as Irish, English and French dance tunes. Each act was roughly 15 minutes or less. People gave their time freely as it helped raise money for the Eastry Village News and the church.
It was such a wonderful evening and a great success that we repeated it again this year on Saturday 5th June. As last time it was held in the church as the acoustics and atmosphere are so suited to the event; and there were many new acts.
It was hoped that both young and old experienced the large variety of styles and were inspired; and will perhaps "have a go"!
The Beating of the Bounds
The Beating of the Bounds will take place on Sunday 17th October 2010. Please make a note of the date. More details to follow in future issues of the Village News.
Who We Are: - Despite the smallness of our country, its high population density and widespread, intense pressure for development, we still have, in England, large areas of incomparably beautiful countryside. CPRE exists to protect our natural landscapes from destruction and degradation.
Established in 1926, CPRE is a registered charity with about 60,000 members and supporters. The charity operates as a network with over 200 district groups, a branch in every county, a group in every region and a national office. Over 2,000 parish councils and 800 amenity societies belong to CPRE. This makes CPRE a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning
What We Do:- We campaign for the countryside to be protected and enhanced for the benefit of everyone. We work mainly at a local level, striving to influence opinion formers throughout the county and the South East region. We also work with CPRE nationally to influence national planning policy.
Our work focuses on
· land use planning
· transport
· natural resources
· the quality, character and diversity of the countryside
· rural economies, services and quality of life
Eastry Village Sign Presentations
Nick Kenton, Chairman of Eastry Parish Council (far right), presents Easter Egg prizes to Becky Baker (10), Laura Deveson (12) and Lucy Deveson (10) for their designs in the recent Eastry Village Sign Committee’s design competition. The girls were also congratulated by members of the EVS Committee: Sheila Smith, Terry James, Ann Fordham, Graham Baker and Jenny Stone. The winner of the design competition was Hazel Kendrick, who was on holiday at the time of the presentations.
National Counter-Terrorism Campaign
"No call is a waste of time..."
Could I please draw your attention to the above campaign and ask that you visit the following website:
http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/national_counter_terrorism/index.htm
Very many thanks
PC Mick Wright
Force Watch Liaison Officer
Parish War Memorial Update
The Parish Council has kindly offered to update the names on the War Memorial. Anyone who lost their life on active military service, or was in the fire or police service, since 1946 and who came from the Parish of Eastry, can have their name added to the memorial.
Please contact Mr Sam Shevde on 01304 611601, or write giving details to: 8 Mill Bank, Mill Lane, Eastry, SANDWICH, Kent, CT13 0EX.
Dangerous Cycling Issue
The issue of irresponsible and dangerous cycling is a subject
that is close to many of you I am sure, certainly if judged by
the number of letters and e-mails that I receive on this topic.
The vast majority of the recent correspondence asks for police
action, as many of you have witnessed dangerous and
inconsiderate cyclists acting in a reckless manner, and thereby
endangering pedestrians. However, this morning I received an
email from someone who felt that our current operation was
unfairly biased against cyclists, and that there should be some
leeway due to the potential dangers of cycling on the roads.
Both views on this subject have valid points, applicable in some
cases and not in others. My officers and I work within the
framework of the law and enforce the law on behalf of our local
communities. However, within this framework is quite rightly the
area of discretion. In some cases this allows my officers to
have regard to each set of circumstances and to take a lower
level of action against those committing wrong, whilst in other
areas of the law, there is quite rightly no discretion at all.
The difference of opinions expressed on this one topic have
served to highlight the need for all of you to have a say into
the setting of priorities for your local area, as we are all
different and do have different views. By respecting these views
we are all able to live alongside one another, with tolerance
and acceptance.
If you would like to contact me there is a direct email address:
doverdistrictcommander@kent.pnn.police.uk
Chief Inspector Ken Elmes - Dover District Commander, Kent Police
Trading Standards Information
Kent Trading Standards
wish to remind people that we always need to receive information
about poor trading practices. This information is vital as it
enables us to effectively target our campaign work. If you wish
to make a report to us, please call Consumer Direct on 08454 04
05 06. They will take the details and forward the information to
us. Examples of matters that you may wish to report are:
Sales of Cigarettes or Alcohol to under 18's
Sales of Fireworks to under 18's or outside the permitted dates
Doorstep sellers, e.g. fish sellers, carpet / rug sellers
Cold Callers who offer to do work on your property e.g. driveways, guttering, garden clearance, tree surgery
Sales of Counterfeit goods, dangerous goods and wrongly described goods
Roadside car dealers
Out of date food sales
Traders who purport to be private sellers
Any other trading practice that causes concern
Any business seeking advice about Trading Standards legislation are welcome to call 01732 525291 if they are based in West Kent or 01233 898825 if they are based in East Kent.
If you wish to find out more about your rights as a consumer please call 08454 04 05 06.
Creating Areas For Nature
Why not try creating a pond or tree planting, composting,
building raised beds, making boggy areas or building bird or bat
boxes?
Any piece of ground can be transformed into a haven for wildlife, whether it is at school, in a community space, in your back garden or even on a rooftop. No matter how much space you have available, you will find ideas here that can be adapted to suit your needs.
Across the county, Kent ’s Countryside Management Partnerships, supported by Kent County Council, the Kent Eco-Schools Project and the London Borough of Bexley, have collaborated to produce this pack on behalf of the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan.
The guide is the first of its kind in Kent and takes the form of an online series of PDF information sheets that provide a step-by-step guide to creating wildlife habitats in your garden or grounds. As well as a helping with the practical side of creating nature areas, it also includes information on the kinds of wildlife you can expect to attract, planning tips and lots of useful links for further reading and information. Health and safety information is also included.
The pack is available now at www.kentbap.org.uk/creatingareasfornature
Email cmp@kent.gov.uk with your ideas on how you could improve your garden or grounds for wildlife and you will receive a packet of free poppy seeds!
For further details, please email cmp@kent.gov.uk or contact Isabel Sturdy at the North West Kent Countryside Partnership, 01322 294727.
Gas Contractor Issue
Kent Trading Standards are investigating the activities of a
builder/plumber by the name of Ivan Taylor who comes from
the Canterbury area and uses telephone numbers which begin 01227
4***** and 07834 9*****. Ivan Taylor is prohibited by the Health
and Safety Executive from carrying out work on gas supplies and
appliances and we would like to speak to anybody who has had any
plumbing or general building work completed by him where this
work has involved any work to or modifications to gas supplies
or appliances. If you haven't had work done yourself but your
neighbours or friends have, Trading Standards would also like to
speak to them. If you have any information about this individual
please contact Kent Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on
08454 04 05 06.
New Road Safety Campaign
Kent Police, KCC and Dover District Council are launching a joint road safety operation today to reduce child casualties in the Dover district.
Statistics show an increase in Child Casualties every October and November. For slight injury accidents, Dover is second in the county for the most casualties involving Children. There is a marked increase at the age of eight onwards which shows those walking home, perhaps without an adult, are more likely to be involved in a road collision. The peak time for accidents is between 3pm to 5pm. Kent County Council Community Wardens have also been giving talks in some Primary schools in the district about road safety.
Over the next five weeks Police Community Support Officers, Dover District Neighbourhood Task Team Officers and Civil Enforcement Officers from Dover District Council will be working together in the areas outside schools and surrounding roads. They will be looking at parking issues, illegal use of Mobile Telephones while driving, the wearing of Seatbelts and checking that the number of children is correct for the number of seats in a car. They will also be offering advice and working with Junior Road Safety Officers in Schools to promote road safety going to and from schools.
Sgt Guy Thompson of Dover District Community Safety Unit said: "This campaign is aimed at reducing the injuries to young children and young adults at this time of year. The evenings are getting darker and we have received concerns from schools and residents about parking around schools."
Dianne Hopper from Dover District Parking Services said: "We are pleased to work with our partners on the important issue of child safety. We receive many complaints about illegal parking around schools on a daily basis during term time, and we hope that this initiative will make drivers aware of the dangers that they can cause by parking illegally."
INVOKE - Help Guides for Those Over 50...
The INVOKE website, www.kent.gov.uk/invoke, gives details of the project funded by the Department of Health and managed through Kent County Council and is aimed at those aged 50+ to promote healthy, active ageing, independence, a sense of wellbeing and the ability to participate fully in the community.
The Dover Directory, first published in 2008, is now a widely used resource for local individuals and practitioners and is available for download here...
Each of the directories is a valuable source of information.
Pre-Planning Application Advice Charges
Dover
District Council have introduced new charges in respect of
Pre-Planning Application advice with effect from 29th July.
To clarify the new charges, and what can be provided, Dover District Council have prepared a document for information. A copy of the document is available here...
All About Kent trading Standards...
The
role of Trading Standards is to provide advice and guidance to
consumers and businesses. Amongst other tasks we try to disrupt
the activities of doorstep criminals. If necessary we can
prosecute the worst offences provided we have sufficient
evidence. Please take the time to report doorstep criminals to
us via Consumer Direct on 0845 404 05 06. The information we
receive is valued. Consumer Direct can also give you information
on your rights as a consumer. Visit our website at
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent to find out more about what
we do.
We have recently published a booklet "The Smart Guide to Scams -
How to deal with doorstep criminals, scam mail and unwanted
phone calls" to get a copy email
tsadvice@kent.gov.uk
or view it on line at
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/kent/documents/AE%20factsheets/The%20smart%20guide%20to%20scams.pdf
Doorstep Callers
Doorstep Callers offering most goods or services valued at
over £35.00 should provide you with a 7 day cancellation period
in writing. A recent change to the law means that you will be
able to cancel any contract made while in your home; this
applies to both cold callers and businesses you invite to call.
Always carefully consider any offer that is made to you at your
door. If you are told work needs to be done on your property
take extra care. There are very few jobs around the house that
need to be done immediately. Do not be pressurised into making
an instant decision.
Call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk for further advice or to report
any details that have been taken e.g. descriptions of the
caller(s) vehicle details/registrations, phone numbers.
Check out the Buy with Confidence Scheme for details of approved
traders you can trust at
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or by ringing Trading Standards
on 01233 652385
Scam Mail
Scam mail could be mail order catalogues, letters asking for
your assistance in transferring money, letters telling you that
you have won a prize in a draw or offering to tell you your
future. Never respond as it could increase the amount of scam
mail that you will get. Dispose of it in your recycling bag
remembering to remove any personal information.
Unwanted Mail
By registering with the Mail Preference Service it is
possible to reduce the amount that is received. It is a free
service. It is unlikely that this will stop any mailings from
abroad.
Mailing Preference Service
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS
Tel 0845 703 4599
www.mpsonline.org.uk
Unwanted Telephone Calls
Register with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce the
number of unwanted calls. It is unlikely to stop calls coming
from outside the UK.
Telephone Preference Service
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS
Tel 0845 070 0707
www.tpsonline.org.uk
Roadworks Information on "the Web"
For many months now, this website has been advocating you use the "Electronic Local Government Information Network", or eLGIN.
The eLGIN website provides an up-to-date interactive map of both current and planned works on the road for a large area of the UK.
You can read more about the service by reading the poster here, or by viewing their website at: http://kent.elgin.gov.uk or www.elgin.gov.uk .
Kent Police Youth Panel
The Kent Police Youth Panel is made up of young people, aged 11 and over, who live in Kent, who tell Kent Police what they think about a number of crime and policing issues. The panel helps Kent Police understand the views and needs of young people across Kent and the information helps shape the service provided by Kent Police.
How
it works: During a year panel members will be invited to take
part in up to four surveys or discussion groups. Opinions are
sought by email, telephone or pot or at informal discussion
group meetings.
Get involved! If you are aged 11 years and older, or know a person who is, live in Kent and would like more information about becoming a Youth Panel member please email the Youth Panel or call 01622 652667.
You can also visit their website at www.kent.police.uk/youthpanel .
Sandwich Area Neighbourhood Forum
Have your say: Make a Difference: What do you want to discuss? Tell us about the issues affecting your community and what matters to you.
The Neighbourhood Forums discuss a wide-range of local and district wide issues, not just those involving Dover District Council or Kent County Council. We will invite speakers to come to the meetings to talk and answer questions about specific topics chosen by local people - these can be councillors, council officers, police, health and others.
Past topics include planning, community safety, active older people, climate change and youth services.
Let us know what matters to you so we can arrange meetings relevant, and of interest, to you. Please forward your suggestions to neighbourhoodforums@dover.gov.uk
Funding for local community projects: Small Community Capital Projects fund:
Grants of up to £5000 are available to local voluntary and community groups for capital projects of benefit to the community. Successful projects last year included new equipment, small building works, stage and security lighting, among others.
KCC is administering the Small Community Capital Projects fund – please contact KCC Community Liaison Manager, Anne Charman for an application pack (Tel: 01622 696389; Email: anne.charman@kent.gov.uk); You can also download the application pack from Dover District Council’s website: www.dover.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums/funding.asp
We are keen to encourage applications from voluntary and community groups that have not applied to the Neighbourhood Forums before. Please let local groups know about this grant fund - the application is straightforward, with advice and help available from Anne Charman.
For this meeting to be a success we need as many members of the public as possible to come along to the meeting and have a say – your help in spreading the word is appreciated.
Kent Highways Survey of Speed and Traffic in Lower Street
During January and February this year Kent Highways conducted a traffic volume and speed survey in Lower Street, Eastry.
As requested at the Annual Parish Meeting a copy of the report has now been made available for download here.
Please be aware that the document is very large and will take some time to download.
Clean Kent teams up with Crimestoppers over Flytipping
In the fight against flytipping in Kent, the Clean Kent Campaign has joined forces with the national crime fighting charity Crimestoppers.
Anyone with information about flytipping or those involved can
telephone anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers
will be safe in the knowledge that their privacy is assured and
that calls will not be recorded. Information received is then
passed onto the Police and the Clean Kent Enforcement Team for
investigation.
Flytipping is unsightly and illegal and can lead to increases in
other more serious criminal offences. Flytipping is serious
criminal activity and offenders can face prison sentences of up
to five years or a maximum fine of £50,000.
Steve Mellers, County Manager of Kent Crimestoppers said, "We
are delighted to be working in partnership with the Clean Kent
Campaign. Kent Crimestoppers are committed to working with our
partners in Kent to tackle and eradicate this serious
environmental crime."
Mike Austerberry, Executive Director, Environment, Highways &
Waste said, "Flytipping is a damaging and illegal activity and
through the Clean Kent Campaign, local authorities will not
hesitate to bring offenders to justice, seeking criminal
convictions and financial redress. Kent as a county is to be
valued and protected from those engaging in this crime."
If you have any information about those who commit fly tipping
offences, please help Clean Kent catch and prosecute them by
calling 0845 345 0210, visit www.
cleankent.com or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555
111
Eastry Music Extravaganza 2009
A report and photographs of the event are now available on our sister website:
St. George's Day Cream Tea 2009
This year the government actively encouraged English Parish and Town Councils to celebrate what some would call the forgotten Saints Day, Saint Georges Day.
Eastry Parish Council decided to arrange a cream tea event in his honour. All villagers were welcome to attend and many did. It was a wonderful event and only made possible by the work of the parish council and in particular Margaret Pemble and Sandra Hooper, who made the cakes and manned the kitchen for the whole event. Thanks also must go to Andy & Ali Miller who organised and ran a children’s craft table, and to parish councillor Andrew Barwick for setting up and assisting with the washing up. Finally to Eastry Scouts who made the banners that adorned the railings advertising the event.
report from Shani Barwick
Are You Licensed to Drive?
Many people are unaware that a photocard driving licence is only valid for 10 years; after that it needs to be renewed with a new photo. Renewing it costs £17.50 currently.
Some of the oldest photocards are now 10 years old. Is yours about to expire?
The front of the licence carries two dates:
4a - the date the photo is valid from, and
4b - the date by which the licence needs to be updated. This is generally 10 years after the licence was initially issued but for drivers nearing or over the age of 70, is the date at which the entitlement to drive ends.
If you change address or name then you must tell the DVLA so that the driving licence details can be updated. In this case the licence is free as long as the '4b' date has not been passed. Having a licence which has not been updated will pose problems, particularly if you want to hire a car or if you have to prove your entitlement to drive to your employer. It could also lead to a fine of up to £1000.
More information is available from the AA here...
Repossession Advice Pack
A repossession advice pack, with practical advice for homeowners worried about meeting their mortgage repayments, has been created.
The pack gives step-by-step advice to households and advises on how they can avoid making their situation worse.
You can download and print your own copy by clicking here.
60-Year Light Bulb!
Cambridge University has announced the development of a light bulb which lasts up to 60 years and can cut electricity consumption by 75%.
The key ingredient of the white LED-based bulb is Gallium Nitride. Scientists have discovered a method of growing the man-made material on silicon, instead of costly sapphire. The new LED bulb burns for 100,000 hours and is 12 times more efficient than conventional tungsten filaments.
The new bulb is expected to be on sale within 2 years at a projected retail price of £2.
Support Our Small Shops
Small shops are at the heart of our small towns and villages. They offer diversity and choice and provide a personal service to the community. Yet in many small communities these independent retailers are under threat, facing a rising burden of regulation and tax, a daily battle against crime and violence as well as competition from the growth of large shopping centres. It is estimated that 2000 shops close every year.
Small Business Rate Relief
Rising business rates are hurting small shops - and yet many shops don't claim the rate relief they are entitled to because they either don't know about it or because it's too complicated. Rate relief could save some small businesses up to £1,100 a year, so it's vital we help owners claim the full amount they're owed.
With the help of Leaseholders United we have provided an online tool via the link below to find out what relief - if any - you're entitled to. If you run a small business and want to see if you're entitled to rate relief simply click here.
Get "ICED"!
We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory. If we were involved in an accident, or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call! yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored; but which one is the contact person in case of emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population all you need do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients; but they didn't know which number to call.
He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose. In an emergency situation Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored in 'ICE'. For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
PLEASE LET ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES KNOW - IT MAY SAVE A LIFE!
Crime Mapping
The new "Crime Mapping" section of the Kent Police website (http://www.kent.police.uk) means that everyone will be able to have immediate access to crime figures for various types of offences, down to Ward level. The data is updated monthly.
The website provides interactive maps and drop-down menus to ensure that accessing the information is simple and efficient. The information ties-in to extensive details, already on the website, about neighbourhood policing.
New Neighbourhood Watch Website
The website that supports the new organisation; Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (England and Wales) - (NHWN) - and represents Neighbourhood Watch nationally is:
Please try logging on to the new site and explore what is going on around the country with NHW. You'll find it very interesting!
"FreeView" Extra HD Channels
ITV, Channel Four and the BBC are to launch high-definition channels on FreeView in the Autumn of 2009. A fourth HD service, expected to be operated by Channel Five, will be available in 2010.
The Discovery Channel has also accepted a slot on FreeView. The slot will be a departure from its traditional pay-TV model. The channel will draw its content from Discovery's broad library of factual, entertainment and lifestyle programming.
Nearly 17 million UK households currently have access to FreeView.
Policing in Eastry
PCSO Annmarie Benson and our Community Warden continue their duties in Eastry.
Annmarie can be contacted on 07772 226155, or 01304 218000. If you need to report a crime please call 01304 240055, and in case of an emergency 999.
Buttsole Pond Restoration Plan
"Work has begun on the implementation of a management plan for Buttsole pond, located alongside Lower Street. The plan had been drawn up by the White Cliffs Countryside Project and approved by the Parish Council and will greatly improve the diversity of wildlife and general amenity value.
The area of surface water has reduced considerably in recent years due to the encroachment of plants like reed mace and suckering from the roadside willows. The first phase is to reduce the area of these plants in about half of the pond. Conscious of the impact of habitat changes to existing wildlife the remedial work is best done at this time of year and much of the pond has been left untouched to act as a refuge for the animal population. Although the change in appearance is dramatic there will be re-growth in spring from remaining roots and we will encourage a more diverse range of native plants.
Since the pond is not stream fed a major problem for the pond has been the lowering of the water table probably due to greater extraction. The gulleys from the road have been cleared to capture more rain run-off and so partly compensate.
Another issue with the pond is that a couple of non-native pond weeds have been accidentally introduced (Parrot’s feather and Australian swamp stonecrop) and have to be removed they will upset the ecosystem. People should refrain from bringing any pond life from their own ponds.
We can all watch with interest as the pond recovers from this temporary shock and a richer fauna and flora are allowed to develop."
Simon Dundas - Eastry Pond Warden
Shore Watch
If you see any seals, dolphins or whales washed up onto our local beaches please call British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546.
Hopefully this will not be a frequent occurrence, but some of you may remember the huge whale that was washed up in Pegwell Bay several years ago and which, sadly, could not be saved.
New Refuse Rounds
"Please find here a list of all new collection days for refuse, recycling and green waste - refuse remains weekly, black box fortnightly and green waste fortnightly (where applicable). The new scheme and collection dates will start from Monday 3rd November 2008.
Leaflets, bags and calendars for all collections have started to be delivered in Deal, will move up to the top of the district - Ash, Preston, Sandwich next, then onto the middle Nonington, Tilmanstone, etc., and then finally down to Dover, Capel, Whitfield. It is estimated that deliveries will take around two weeks to complete therefore they will be in certain areas for more than one day.
Paper and cardboard would be collected in the blue bag - once collected it will be stored and then it will go to Aylesford Newsprint where the paper is recycled on site back into paper and the cardboard will go to Smurfit Kappa in Kent.
www.aylesford-newsprint.co.uk/
The mix of plastic bottles, cans and glass will be collected from the black box, it will be stored and then transported to Veolia Materials Recovery Facility in Rainham, Essex. www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk/pages/int_materialsrecovery.asp
The materials will be sorted and the glass will be recycled by local contractors for road aggregate, the plastic bottles will be recycled by closed loop, Dagenham www.closedlooprecycling.co.uk/ and will be recycled back into plastic packaging and the metal and aluminium will be recycled by several outlets of Veolia, where the market demands are."
Mandy Pile - DDC Waste Services Officer
BT SuperFast Broadband
British Telecom plans to spend £1.5 billion on the roll-out of fibre-based "SuperFast" Broadband by 2012.
The service will deliver speeds of 100Mb/s with the potential for speeds of more than 1000Mb/s in the future.
It is planned for the service will be available to 10 million homes.
Digital Radio Switchover
The latest interim report from the UK Government working group described moving fully to digital radio as "...a long-term plan." It suggested that the change-over should be completed by 2020.
One major barrier has been the unpopularity of digital radios in cars. Of the 34 million vehicles registered in the UK only 150,000 (less than half of one percent) have DAB radios.
The working group found that only around 30% of new cars are offered with DAB as an option.
Parade Opening Ceremony
Eastry Parish Council are pleased to announce that the project to revitalise the are in front of the Parade of shops in The High Street, Eastry, has now been completed. The project was launched in the late 1990s and was originally to be the Parish Council's "Millennium Project". There were, however, many delays during each stage of the project.
Early in 2007 Cllr David Carr, then Chairman of the Parish Council, established the Council's Working Party which finally, by March 1st 2008 were in a position to start work to create this amenity area for the local community.
The Parish Council are very grateful for the financial aid of Sandwich Neighbourhood Forum, Dover District Council Community Safety Partnership and a Member Community Grant from Kent County Council.
The Parish Council would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Mr Theodore (Teddy) Birnberg, a previous Parish Councillor who generously left the Parish Council a Legacy that has been used to part-fund the project.
In addition the local community has helped raise over £1600 with a "Buy-a-Brick" campaign, raffles and even a sponsored sing by the parent and toddler group!
The opening ceremony was held on Friday 26th September 2008 at 10:00am; the ribbon was cut by Mr Donald Eldridge; retired Parish Councillor and one of the instigators of the project. Pupils from Eastry Primary School also were in attendance to bury a time capsule.
Official Press Release here...
The Clean Kent Campaign
The Clean Kent Campaign recognises that Kent is a clean and beautiful County in which to live, work and enjoy. One of the ways in which the campaign aims to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the county is by reducing instances of fly-tipping and littering, thereby improving the overall quality of the Kent environment.
"Litter, rubbish, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles are seen as key manifestations of anti-social behaviour and potentially in turn, crime and fear of crime. The Clean Kent Campaign recognises all of these issues and the adverse effects they may have on the quality of life, tourism and economic development. Where anti-social behaviour is present, crime may follow. Clean Kent aims to eradicate fly-tipping offences and ensure high quality environments and support safe communities." - PC Mick Wright, County Watch Liaison Officer.
To find out more about Clean Kent log onto www.cleankent.com or call 08453 450210
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.
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
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 .
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.
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
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.
New National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2009 are:
Workers aged 22 and over - £5.80 per hour
Workers aged 18-21 - £4.83 per hour
Workers aged 16-17 - £3.57 per hour
To find out more:
-
see the guide to the National Minimum Wage for workers or for employers or
-
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.
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.