As far as I can see from the various media reports Pfizer at Sandwich which at its peak employed 5,000 and now employs 3,500 now say there will be further job losses, expected losses are to be between 200 and 500 jobs.
This is a particularly bad problem locally as the losses will be of research staff who will be unlikely to be able to get work locally, so they will probably have to relocate out of the area.
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, 14 January 2009
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Ramsgate Westcliff Before the Red Brick Arches
One of the results of the Ramsgate improvement act was the road that connects the Paragon with the harbour that was known for some time as New Road and later as Royal parade, this road is supported by a series of arches built from engineering bricks, these house various harbour related businesses and stores.The rather fine picture above is a fairly modern large size card and is a copy of a hand coloured engraving from about 1850, as you can see the perspective makes the layout of the path up the cliff to the Paragon and Military Road that skirts the harbour below the westcliff somewhat confusing.
Military Road was built for the embarkation of troops during the Napoleonic wars (1792 1802) when Ramsgate was a troop depot, prior to that time the only access to the west pier was via Jacobs Ladder, wooden steps from the cliff top.
Indeed it was the availability of the houses to rent, which had been built for the officers, which gave Ramsgate its initial boost as a rather salubrious holiday destination when the steamboats first arrived in the early 1800s.
I have published a few other pictures to illustrate this post click here to view
New Ramsgate Councillor’s Blog
Click on the link for latest local blog http://marknottingham.blogspot.com/ I will add it to the recent posts thingy on the sidebar, I am always impressed when our local politicians make an effort to have an open dialogue with us and feel internet presence and being seen to visibly wish to communicate will be a major factor both in the local and national elections.
Conservatives commit to cut taxes for South Thanet’s savers and pensioners
Laura Sandys press release
Laura Sandys says “We must cut taxes for savers and pensioners. Conservatives have called for special help for these “innocent victims” of Labour’s recession, who are suffering as the income from their savings falls. Over the long term, cutting taxes on savings would help build a savings culture and end Britain’s addiction to debt under Gordon Brown”.
Under the Conservative plans:
· Basic rate taxpayers would pay no tax at all on their income from savings, making them up to £7,200 a year better off.
· The income tax allowance for pensioners would be increased, with age-related personal allowances rising by £2,000, helping them by up to £400 a year.
· The package would be paid for by reducing the growth in government spending by £5 billion. Instead of rising by £30 billion next year, the increase would be £25 billion. Spending on the NHS, schools, defence and international development would all be protected.
“South Thanet and Sandwich savers and pensioners are the innocent victims of Gordon Brown’s recession. They are being punished for putting aside money. We need to cut taxes for them and help turn Britain from a spend, spend, spend society into a save, save, save society.
“We need change to deliver a culture of thrift at the heart of government and a culture of saving at the heart of our economy.”
Laura Sandys says “We must cut taxes for savers and pensioners. Conservatives have called for special help for these “innocent victims” of Labour’s recession, who are suffering as the income from their savings falls. Over the long term, cutting taxes on savings would help build a savings culture and end Britain’s addiction to debt under Gordon Brown”.
Under the Conservative plans:
· Basic rate taxpayers would pay no tax at all on their income from savings, making them up to £7,200 a year better off.
· The income tax allowance for pensioners would be increased, with age-related personal allowances rising by £2,000, helping them by up to £400 a year.
· The package would be paid for by reducing the growth in government spending by £5 billion. Instead of rising by £30 billion next year, the increase would be £25 billion. Spending on the NHS, schools, defence and international development would all be protected.
“South Thanet and Sandwich savers and pensioners are the innocent victims of Gordon Brown’s recession. They are being punished for putting aside money. We need to cut taxes for them and help turn Britain from a spend, spend, spend society into a save, save, save society.
“We need change to deliver a culture of thrift at the heart of government and a culture of saving at the heart of our economy.”
Monday, 12 January 2009
Photography and the Prime Minister
Some of you may remember the extraordinary saga that surrounded taking photographs of Ramsgate Library click here if you missed it.At the time I signed a parliamentary petition
Details of Petition:
“Through history, we have documented the world around us, whether through written word, art or photography. Photography in particular has provided fantastic insights into the past and present, and is a hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. But today, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to take photos of our surroundings, particularly in cities like London. In recent years, the price divide between professional and consumer equipment has blurred, and it’s quite common these days to see amateurs and hobbyists carrying around tripods, SLR cameras and a backpack full of equipment. Yet, we are constantly harrassed by security guards and police officers in the name of preventing terrorism. They seem to be operating under a different interpretation of the law to the rest of us, believing that somehow the length of your lens, or size of your camera is relevant. We would like clarification by the goverment on the law regarding photography of buildings and landmarks from public locations.”
Today I received the following response from No 10
“Thank you for your e-petition asking for clarification of the law on photography in public places.
There are no legal restrictions on photography in public places. However, the law applies to photographers as it does to anybody else in a public place. So there may be situations in which the taking of photographs may cause or lead to public order situations, inflame an already tense situation, or raise security considerations. Additionally, the police may require a person to move on in order to prevent a breach of the peace, to avoid a public order situation, or for the person’s own safety or welfare, or for the safety and welfare of others.
“Thank you for your e-petition asking for clarification of the law on photography in public places.
There are no legal restrictions on photography in public places. However, the law applies to photographers as it does to anybody else in a public place. So there may be situations in which the taking of photographs may cause or lead to public order situations, inflame an already tense situation, or raise security considerations. Additionally, the police may require a person to move on in order to prevent a breach of the peace, to avoid a public order situation, or for the person’s own safety or welfare, or for the safety and welfare of others.
Each situation will be different and it would be an operational matter for the police officer concerned as to what action if any should be taken in respect of those taking photographs. Anybody with a concern about a specific incident should raise the matter with the Chief Constable of the relevant force.”
Jack the Ripper and Ramsgate
One of my more successful ventures in the last month has been the publication of Chris Scott’s book “The Ripper in Ramsgate” Chris is obviously well respected by others interested in Jack the Ripper.A couple of reviews have appeared on the internet click here to read, many thanks to those who make the effort, independent appraisal of the local books I publish is particularly helpful to those people who can’t get to the bookshop and order by post.
I do my best with descriptions of the books on our website, try to put up sample text from them, also as I print them, as I need them, I have no incentive to promote one book more than another, the problem though is with quite a few of the titles I lack the specialist knowledge to make a decent appraisal.
I get someone else to write the descriptions for our ebay shop and the feedback there is helpful.
ENERGY SECURITY AT RISK DUE TO YEARS OF INACTION
Laura Sandys press release
Some of us have been warning the UK Government that sitting around waiting for Russia to take control of our energy security is a dangerous strategy. I have seen for myself the impact of countries under the thumb of Russian energy dominance. In Georgia I saw a man shot in the head allegedly at the instructions of Russian energy interests; I have been in a former Soviet country’s capital city where the whole city’s electricity was turned off to get the attention of the population sending a clear message that although they might pretend to be independent, Russia still is in control.
This is not a friendly world and energy even more than the 1970’s is being used as a highly toxic political tool. In the 70s at least OPEC was only interested in taking our money – now we face a threat that resides with geo-politics – control, spheres of influence and a form of energy war being played out in the former Soviet Union countries with clear impacts to be felt in the UK. What happens in Baku can turn the lights out in Darlington!
For over ten years this emergence of energy politics has been raising its head – it is not a new phenomenon. Despite Government reviews; white papers; independent assessment absolutely nothing has happened in this country to secure our energy sources. The UK renewable sector is only just starting and is getting less support than in other countries, our gas storage capacity is negligible, nuclear energy has been an on-off option, and energy efficiency has been a Government mantra with no policies of substance to back up the headlines.
Internationally this Government has not engaged effectively either. Our diplomatic presence in Central Asia is pitiful, our energy strategy in the region does not exist; our commercial impact is limited and our political interests are not understood by potential Central Asian partners.
If a Government’s prime responsibility is security, then energy security is one of the most important components. In my view this Government has ducked the real decisions to secure our energy supply and left us in a vulnerable negotiating position. Not an impressive track record!
Some of us have been warning the UK Government that sitting around waiting for Russia to take control of our energy security is a dangerous strategy. I have seen for myself the impact of countries under the thumb of Russian energy dominance. In Georgia I saw a man shot in the head allegedly at the instructions of Russian energy interests; I have been in a former Soviet country’s capital city where the whole city’s electricity was turned off to get the attention of the population sending a clear message that although they might pretend to be independent, Russia still is in control.
This is not a friendly world and energy even more than the 1970’s is being used as a highly toxic political tool. In the 70s at least OPEC was only interested in taking our money – now we face a threat that resides with geo-politics – control, spheres of influence and a form of energy war being played out in the former Soviet Union countries with clear impacts to be felt in the UK. What happens in Baku can turn the lights out in Darlington!
For over ten years this emergence of energy politics has been raising its head – it is not a new phenomenon. Despite Government reviews; white papers; independent assessment absolutely nothing has happened in this country to secure our energy sources. The UK renewable sector is only just starting and is getting less support than in other countries, our gas storage capacity is negligible, nuclear energy has been an on-off option, and energy efficiency has been a Government mantra with no policies of substance to back up the headlines.
Internationally this Government has not engaged effectively either. Our diplomatic presence in Central Asia is pitiful, our energy strategy in the region does not exist; our commercial impact is limited and our political interests are not understood by potential Central Asian partners.
If a Government’s prime responsibility is security, then energy security is one of the most important components. In my view this Government has ducked the real decisions to secure our energy supply and left us in a vulnerable negotiating position. Not an impressive track record!
DINNER WITH DANIEL HANNAN MEP
Laura Sandys press release
Saturday 24 January 2009, 7 for 7.30pm
The Bell Hotel, The Quay, Sandwich, CT13 9EF
Lounge Suits Tickets £25 each
Please contact Mrs Suzanne Jay. Telephone 01843 595258 OR email suzanne.jay@btinternet.com or by post STCA 7-9 King Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11
DANIEL HANNAN, Conservative MEP for Kent since 1999 and Daily Telegraph columnist, was the first person in Britain to call for a referendum on the EU Constitution, back in 2001, and is President of the Referendum Group, a pan-European alliance campaigning against closer European integration. He has written eight books on European policy, speaks French and Spanish and is author of The Plan: Twelve months to renew Britain. You can read Daniel's blog everyday at www.hannan.co.uk
Saturday 24 January 2009, 7 for 7.30pm
The Bell Hotel, The Quay, Sandwich, CT13 9EF
Lounge Suits Tickets £25 each
Please contact Mrs Suzanne Jay. Telephone 01843 595258 OR email suzanne.jay@btinternet.com or by post STCA 7-9 King Street, Ramsgate, Kent CT11
DANIEL HANNAN, Conservative MEP for Kent since 1999 and Daily Telegraph columnist, was the first person in Britain to call for a referendum on the EU Constitution, back in 2001, and is President of the Referendum Group, a pan-European alliance campaigning against closer European integration. He has written eight books on European policy, speaks French and Spanish and is author of The Plan: Twelve months to renew Britain. You can read Daniel's blog everyday at www.hannan.co.uk
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