Thanet district Council press release
Plans to help get people off benefits and back into work, using more than £4 million of government funding, have been discussed by members of Thanet District Council’s watchdog body.
Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel were given a presentation about the Thanet Works programme, the name for the money that Thanet is receiving from the Working Neighbourhoods Fund. The money, which lasts until April 2011, is aimed specifically at areas with higher levels of unemployment and Thanet is the only part of Kent to qualify for the funding.
The presentation explained to members that the money is to be used to come up with innovative ways to tackle the problems that people face in getting work and the issue of low skill levels. Thanet Works involves a number of organisations, including employers, Jobcentre Plus, Thanet District Council, the Learning and Skills Council and Kent County Council and focuses on four main groups of people. The money is targeted at school leavers, those who will be leaving school soon, people on out of work benefits and those who are employed, with no or few qualifications.
Questions from the Panel covered a range of issues, including how partners would be held accountable for delivering results, how success will be judged and how local people and organisations can become more involved with the programme.
Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “Thanet Works is an initiative that has a tough job ahead of it, particularly in the current economic climate. It’s an important programme and one that needs to succeed in order to help people across Thanet to get into work. Perhaps one of the most frightening statistics that we heard during the presentation we were given is that almost a quarter of children in Thanet live in households that have no adults in employment. Figures like that highlight that this is a major issue and that’s why we spent a long time finding out more about the project and offering suggestions and questioning how it will work. We’ll also be keeping a watching brief on the programme to ensure that it does deliver what it is setting out to do.”
News, Local history and Thanet issues from Michael's Bookshop in Ramsgate see www.michaelsbookshop.com I publish over 200 books about the history of this area click here to look at them.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
WARNING OVER INCREASE IN "UNWANTED" DOGS
Thanet district Council press release
Think before you breed, think before you buy - that’s the message from three East Kent councils, including Thanet, following a growing number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers ending up on the streets.
The kennel that takes dogs from Shepway, Dover and Thanet councils currently has 22 Staffordshire Bull Terriers waiting for new homes. Out of the 334 dogs taken in during the last 12 months, 104 were Staffies and only 47 of these were claimed.
Among the 13 currently at the kennel are two ‘long termers’ - a female, affectionately called ‘no ears’ because someone has illegally cropped her ears and a Staffordshire cross called ‘Lully Boy’ - who have been at the kennels for nine months.
The picture in East Kent reflects a growing national problem and Staffordshire Bull Terriers top the ‘unwanted dog’ lists.
Margaret Todd MBE from the Lord Whiskey Animal Sanctuary at Stelling Minnis has 10 Staffordshire Bull Terriers needing homes and she says that some will remain at the sanctuary, which has a policy of not destroying unwanted dogs - for the rest of their lives. “Several of them are not going anywhere. They are taking up valuable kennel space and we are turning other dogs away because we simply don’t have enough room.”
Although Lord Whiskey runs a veterinary clinic offering reduced bills for people on benefits, Margaret says not enough owners have their dogs speyed or neutered. “Some people look on breeding as an easy way of making money. But they don’t think enough about what is going to happen to the puppies. Many end up with people who haven’t got the lifestyles to cope with them.”
Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Commercial and Environmental Services, said: “Genuine dog lovers must be horrified by the statistics. All these unwanted dogs had a home at some stage, somewhere that should have been a home for the rest of their lives. A dog is forever, not whenever and people need to think very carefully before taking on a puppy or a dog, as it’s a lifelong commitment.”
Anyone who believes they could take on a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and offer it a good, permanent home should call 01304 823133.
Think before you breed, think before you buy - that’s the message from three East Kent councils, including Thanet, following a growing number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers ending up on the streets.
The kennel that takes dogs from Shepway, Dover and Thanet councils currently has 22 Staffordshire Bull Terriers waiting for new homes. Out of the 334 dogs taken in during the last 12 months, 104 were Staffies and only 47 of these were claimed.
Among the 13 currently at the kennel are two ‘long termers’ - a female, affectionately called ‘no ears’ because someone has illegally cropped her ears and a Staffordshire cross called ‘Lully Boy’ - who have been at the kennels for nine months.
The picture in East Kent reflects a growing national problem and Staffordshire Bull Terriers top the ‘unwanted dog’ lists.
Margaret Todd MBE from the Lord Whiskey Animal Sanctuary at Stelling Minnis has 10 Staffordshire Bull Terriers needing homes and she says that some will remain at the sanctuary, which has a policy of not destroying unwanted dogs - for the rest of their lives. “Several of them are not going anywhere. They are taking up valuable kennel space and we are turning other dogs away because we simply don’t have enough room.”
Although Lord Whiskey runs a veterinary clinic offering reduced bills for people on benefits, Margaret says not enough owners have their dogs speyed or neutered. “Some people look on breeding as an easy way of making money. But they don’t think enough about what is going to happen to the puppies. Many end up with people who haven’t got the lifestyles to cope with them.”
Cllr. Shirley Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Commercial and Environmental Services, said: “Genuine dog lovers must be horrified by the statistics. All these unwanted dogs had a home at some stage, somewhere that should have been a home for the rest of their lives. A dog is forever, not whenever and people need to think very carefully before taking on a puppy or a dog, as it’s a lifelong commitment.”
Anyone who believes they could take on a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and offer it a good, permanent home should call 01304 823133.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Mayor of Thanet our own mini Boris?
I have been posting about an elected mayor of Thanet for a while now and now it looks as though a petition for a mayoral election is imminent, Malcolm Kirkaldie is a man to persevere once he gets the bit between the teeth.There is a lot of confusion about what an elected mayor is, I and many of the other local people I have spoken to about the issue were pretty vague about what one is, I found the Local Government Network website sets this out clearly, click on the link to go there. http://www.nlgn.org.uk/public/elected-mayors/mayoral-briefing/
I have also been trying to find out what local councillors and council candidates think about this, partly because they would have to work under an elected mayor and partly, as some of them are likely to stand as mayoral candidates.
Dave Green has posted about this subject on his blog today at http://eastclifframsgate.blogspot.com/2009/02/elected-mayor-for-thanet.html and seems to have come out broadly in favour.
My own feeling are that it is time to try a leader of Thanet District Council who is elected by us the electorate, rather than the system we have at the moment which is broadly speaking. A leader appointed by the cabinet and a cabinet appointed by the leader. I believe that this rather contradictory state of affairs has lead to many of Thanet’s problems.
At the moment we need someone leading the council who is a person where the buck stops, hopefully also a charismatic leader to further Thanet’s prospects in and represent us in a way that we feel comfortable with.
Many of us were unhappy with the China Gateway Tesco bag debacle and indeed three Conservative councillors withdrew their support for the cabinet because of it. It would appear that, at best far to close a relationship developed between some senior cabinet members, senior council officers and a developer.
It is also possible that unrealistic promises made to the developer have been a contributory factor in the fall of their share price to all but nothing.
Other big issues like Thanet Earth, Manston Airport Expansion, the huge amount of resources being put into modern art in Margate, the shopping experience in Margate and Cliftonville, have problems that require a firm hand on the tiller.
The picture is ABC Kempe “The Top Hat Mayor of Ramsgate”, back when we had town councils in the days before TDC eccentric charismatic and the buck definitely stopped with him.
He is staring work on the WW2 air raid tunnels, that saved so many local peoples lives.
Monday, 2 February 2009
Thanet North Labour Candidate Gone?
Having got a response From Roger Gale that he will be publishing his views on the airport expansion in the local paper, he says he will email it to me on Thursday and you should be able to read it on this blog then.A response from Steve Ladyman on the same subject http://thanetonline.blogspot.com/2009/01/steve-ladyman-on-manston-expansion.html
And one from Laura Sandys http://thanetonline.blogspot.com/2009/02/laura-sandys-on-manston-airport.html
I thought I would email the Labour Candidate for Thanet North and ask him for his views on the airport, I am sure it was announced the at one had been selected and I have asked several Labour people for his email address and website address.
I have just looked on the labour party website and he is not there, perhaps they don’t know where he is either. Has he been deselected? Is it news? Has he done a runner? Does anybody know?
This link takes you to a rather unusual Japanese clock that interrupted every so often by modern dance http://www.uniqlo.jp/uniqlock/ for some reason I cant make it work on some computers.
Oh and the picture is of Harbour Parade in Ramsgate.
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER
Thanet district Council press release
Four apprenticeship opportunities are being advertised at Thanet District Council, as part of the new Thanet Works programme.
Thanet Works is being paid for by £4 million of government funding through the Working Neighbourhoods Fund, is aiming to get people off benefits and into work and Thanet is the only part of Kent to qualify for the funding. The money runs until April 2011 and the Thanet Works programme will be looking for innovative ways to tackle the problems that people face in getting work and to improve low skill levels.
Thanet Works is aimed at helping those in school, but at risk of not achieving, those of school leaving age, those on out of work benefits and those in employment, but with no qualifications or low skill levels.
One of the first ways of helping people is by introducing apprenticeships in three different departments of the council. Adverts have been placed in local papers, advertising the positions, which are for a finance administration / payments assistant in the finance team, two customer service assistants, who will be working in the council’s busy call centre and an administrator for the Thanet Works programme.
The apprenticeship opportunities will be for 51 weeks and, as well as working at the council, the apprentices will also study for an NVQ qualification through a combination of on and off the job training. Applicants will need to demonstrate a level of basic skills, such as IT and communications and an ability to work in a team environment.
Cllr. Jo Gideon, Chairman of the Thanet Works Board, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way of giving people a combination of work experience and the chance to study for nationally recognised qualifications. The council already has a number of apprentices working here and it’s provided them with some excellent opportunities with one of the area’s largest employers.”
To apply for the apprenticeship opportunities, either see the adverts in the local papers or visit www.thanet.gov.uk and click on the “jobs and career” section. The closing date for applications for all apprenticeships is Friday 20 February.
The Thanet Works programme involves a number of organisations, including employers, Jobcentre Plus, Thanet District Council, the Learning and Skills Council and Kent County Council and the voluntary sector.
Four apprenticeship opportunities are being advertised at Thanet District Council, as part of the new Thanet Works programme.
Thanet Works is being paid for by £4 million of government funding through the Working Neighbourhoods Fund, is aiming to get people off benefits and into work and Thanet is the only part of Kent to qualify for the funding. The money runs until April 2011 and the Thanet Works programme will be looking for innovative ways to tackle the problems that people face in getting work and to improve low skill levels.
Thanet Works is aimed at helping those in school, but at risk of not achieving, those of school leaving age, those on out of work benefits and those in employment, but with no qualifications or low skill levels.
One of the first ways of helping people is by introducing apprenticeships in three different departments of the council. Adverts have been placed in local papers, advertising the positions, which are for a finance administration / payments assistant in the finance team, two customer service assistants, who will be working in the council’s busy call centre and an administrator for the Thanet Works programme.
The apprenticeship opportunities will be for 51 weeks and, as well as working at the council, the apprentices will also study for an NVQ qualification through a combination of on and off the job training. Applicants will need to demonstrate a level of basic skills, such as IT and communications and an ability to work in a team environment.
Cllr. Jo Gideon, Chairman of the Thanet Works Board, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way of giving people a combination of work experience and the chance to study for nationally recognised qualifications. The council already has a number of apprentices working here and it’s provided them with some excellent opportunities with one of the area’s largest employers.”
To apply for the apprenticeship opportunities, either see the adverts in the local papers or visit www.thanet.gov.uk and click on the “jobs and career” section. The closing date for applications for all apprenticeships is Friday 20 February.
The Thanet Works programme involves a number of organisations, including employers, Jobcentre Plus, Thanet District Council, the Learning and Skills Council and Kent County Council and the voluntary sector.
MAJOR EYESORE SET TO BE COMPULSORILY PURCHASED
Thanet district Council press release
One of the final remaining eyesore properties in Cliftonville is set to be compulsorily purchased by Thanet District Council, after objections to the purchase were withdrawn.
The Warren Court Hotel at the top end of Dalby Square has been the victim of two serious arson attacks and has been derelict for a number of years. The former hotel was converted into a House in Multiple Occupation and then closed down some years ago.
Since its closure, it has attracted numerous complaints from local residents about a range of issues, including dumped rubbish and squatters.
As part of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process, the council has to give a property owner every opportunity to deal with the issues or sell the property, before resorting to compulsorily purchasing it. The schemes proposed by prospective purchasers would have led to over development of the site, with the council unable to approve them.
Following this, the council applied to the Secretary of State for a CPO, but the owners objected to this, meaning that it had to go to a Public Inquiry.
That objection has now been withdrawn, three days before the Inquiry was due to begin, and the Secretary of State can go ahead and confirm the order. The council is now negotiating with the mortgagees’ representatives in London, who are acting on behalf of the freeholders, to try and secure an early change in ownership.
Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is excellent news and I’m sure will be warmly welcomed by everyone who knows this property. It’s one of the last few major remaining eyesore properties in Thanet that we’ve been aiming to tackle, having already seen a number of the other major problems brought back into use, thanks to the council’s empty property strategy.
“It’s a shame that it has taken so long to come to this point, but unfortunately, as part of the Compulsory Purchase Order process, we have to be able to prove that we have given the owner every opportunity to sort the property out. This hasn’t happened and our determination to bring this property back into use has now paid off, with the withdrawal of this objection. Had this gone to Public Inquiry, I am confident that the result would’ve been in our favour, as our officers have worked extremely hard on this case, with a number of different departments cooperating to get the right result. We now look forward to the Secretary of State quickly confirming this order, so that we can move forward with the redevelopment of the site.”
One of the final remaining eyesore properties in Cliftonville is set to be compulsorily purchased by Thanet District Council, after objections to the purchase were withdrawn.
The Warren Court Hotel at the top end of Dalby Square has been the victim of two serious arson attacks and has been derelict for a number of years. The former hotel was converted into a House in Multiple Occupation and then closed down some years ago.
Since its closure, it has attracted numerous complaints from local residents about a range of issues, including dumped rubbish and squatters.
As part of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process, the council has to give a property owner every opportunity to deal with the issues or sell the property, before resorting to compulsorily purchasing it. The schemes proposed by prospective purchasers would have led to over development of the site, with the council unable to approve them.
Following this, the council applied to the Secretary of State for a CPO, but the owners objected to this, meaning that it had to go to a Public Inquiry.
That objection has now been withdrawn, three days before the Inquiry was due to begin, and the Secretary of State can go ahead and confirm the order. The council is now negotiating with the mortgagees’ representatives in London, who are acting on behalf of the freeholders, to try and secure an early change in ownership.
Cllr. Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is excellent news and I’m sure will be warmly welcomed by everyone who knows this property. It’s one of the last few major remaining eyesore properties in Thanet that we’ve been aiming to tackle, having already seen a number of the other major problems brought back into use, thanks to the council’s empty property strategy.
“It’s a shame that it has taken so long to come to this point, but unfortunately, as part of the Compulsory Purchase Order process, we have to be able to prove that we have given the owner every opportunity to sort the property out. This hasn’t happened and our determination to bring this property back into use has now paid off, with the withdrawal of this objection. Had this gone to Public Inquiry, I am confident that the result would’ve been in our favour, as our officers have worked extremely hard on this case, with a number of different departments cooperating to get the right result. We now look forward to the Secretary of State quickly confirming this order, so that we can move forward with the redevelopment of the site.”
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Laura Sandys on Manston Airport
Dear Michael,Thank you Michael for asking for my views about the development of Manston.
I believe that Thanet in general and Ramsgate in particular have the opportunity to use many of its existing assets as the basis of its sustainable regeneration. I am promoting greater use of our historical legacy as part of the development of our tourism for the future. I am pushing for greater emphasis on attracting green jobs in agriculture, engineering and tourism. I am also working with the Environment Agency to ensure that we do all we can to restore the health of the Thanet aquifer albeit a long term job! I met with them this week and will issue a meeting report shortly that you are most welcome to publish.
However this is not to neglect or ignore the opportunities that the port, the airport and the train links should play in supporting the prosperity and economic security of many of our residents, who now find it even more difficult to find jobs of any sort, never mind long term secure and well paid roles. My Labour colleague and I are one on this.
We are uniquely placed to benefit from the sea, rail and air transport and for that reason I support the development of Manston Airport. My support is however not unconditional.
· The development of Manston must be undertaken with clear protections for the aquifer. I met with the Environment Agency last week to discuss this and will be working closely with them to ensure that no development will compromise the long term aim of restoring the aquifer to a healthy state.
· The people of Ramsgate are fully consulted on the impact of the development of the airport. Having met the Stop Manston Expansion Campaign I do understand their concerns and would urge Infratil to constantly engage with the community.
· I would only support the airport with measures in place to ensure that the planes flying over Ramsgate are controlled both in terms of numbers and night flights.
· I would also want to discuss with Infratil the flight paths that could be used to minimise the noise pollution over Ramsgate.
As I say I am supportive of the development of Thanet’s transport assets including the airport. However as with all developments this has to be done with conditions that take serious consideration of the environment and the residents.
I look forward to no doubt hearing from many of your readers.
Best wishes as always
Laura
Sunday ramblings from the secondhand book trade in Ramsgate
Looking around the posts and comments on the other local blogs this morning this was mainly a quick glance at http://thanetblogs.blogspot.com/ which I probably need to add a few to, does anyone else use it and if so any suggestions? The airport expansion is becoming the next big issue, with various different takes on it including two politicians that I voted for in the last elections, Steve Ladyman and David Green.I have to explain here I am not a labour supporter, just a floating voter, but once I have voted for someone I feel certain responsibilities for him or her.
One thing that surprises me is the lack of apparent coordination between big local projects, one of the most startling being the airport expansion master plan showing the airport access road going through the inside of some of the buildings that form the proposed China Gateway project.
An aspect of bookselling that is always difficult is those books that need repairing or rebinding as the cost of this work is often more that the value of the book, in marginal cases I tend to go ahead anyway.
This month quite a few of the books I had back from the bookbinders were on military matters most were published between about 1810 and 1915, one of the ones that gave me and the bookbinder considerable pleasure is almost a complete run of Sphere Magazine for The First World War (the pile of brown books in the picture).
Sphere had some of the best artists and photographers working for them as you can see from the pictures of the Blimp from the issue published 90 years ago, this massive pictorial record of the war takes one as close as one can get to the war.
Click hera to enlarge the pictures
I tried to join Kent TV last week to vote for our local singer see http://thanetonline.blogspot.com/2009/01/thanks-for-offering-to-put-my-video-and.html it wouldn’t let me join and they didn’t respond to my email apart from saying that they would eventually. Same thing happened when I contacted KCC over the Marina Esplanade incline arches the week before just an automated email and nor response. See http://thanetonline.blogspot.com/search?q=arches for more about these arches. You have to scroll down a bit as the link brings up every post I have mention arches in including this one.Click on the link for some more pictures of the bookbinders work http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts2/id51.htm it really is rather good.
Oh and as I ramble along here I forget to mention that I noticed there is to be a cabinet reshuffle at TDC. Although cabinet members change what they are responsible for they tell me it’s not a reshuffle in a true sense, oh well we are in Thanet.
Incidentally did anyone notice the bookbinders spelling mistake on one of the leather bindings it made me chuckle particularly after the pig lady on QI?
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