Tim Prater

“Mindless vandalism” – that’s the reaction from local residents this morning after one of the planters by Sandgate’s War Memorial was ruined overnight.

The Parish Council arranges planting of troughs, hanging baskets and even boats throughout the area over the summer, with some displays sponsored by local businesses and organisations keen to ensure Sandgate is looking at its best. The planters by the War Memorial are sponsored this year by the Sandgate Society.

Sometime on the evening of 24th August / morning of 25th August one of the three planters at the War Memorial had its display pulled apart and thrown across the area.

Sandgate Councillor Tim Prater commented:

“It takes lots of people working together to make Sandgate a great place to live, work and stay, and apparently just one idiot to ruin things. What a waste of time and money, and what a way to show exactly how much respect that person has for the area, and the people represented on the War Memorial.

“The planter will be replanted, and the Council and almost all local residents will continue to work to make Sandgate a brilliant place to live.”

SATURDAY 26th AUGUST Granville Parade 19:00 – 22:00

A spectacular firework display sponsored by the ROGER DE HAAN CHARITABLE TRUST at approximately 9pm. Live music, food outlets, Folkestone Party Mascots and flashing wands will be on offer throughout the evening.

SUNDAY 27th AUGUST Granville Parade 11:00 – 17:00

Entertainment for all ages including numerous stalls, workshops, Punch & Judy, Gurkha Dancers, “Marsh Vintage Amusements.” live music provided by KL Music, “Days Gone By,” Saltdash Ukulele Group, Mr Zenn, and “The U3a Shepway Swing Band.”

DO NOT FORGET TO VISIT SANDGATE HIGH STREET where shops and restaurants will be ready to welcome visitors. An “Arts & Craft Fair” will be held in the Chichester Hall and members of the Sandgate Society located in The Old Fire Station will be on hand to answer questions on their archives. They will also be running a tombola and a pop-up tea room in the Reading Room.

The Sandgate Mens Club will be having a plant stall, live TV sports including the top premiership match, followed by live music with the acclaimed Diane Dunn

The SHIP INN will be holding their ever popular beer festival throughout the weekend accompanied by live music provided by a steel band.

MONIES RAISED WILL BE DONATED TO THE RNLI

FREE PARKING AT SAGA IN ENBROOK PARK

To: Alistair Stewart, Chief Executive, Shepway District Council

Dear Alistair,

Sandgate Parish Council considered the above report at its meeting last night and agreed the following comments unanimously, which the Parish Council would appreciate if it was made available to the Cabinet before its meeting:

1. The Parish Council was not consulted or even informed prior to the publication of the Cabinet document even though the Parish is in the middle of consultation on extending the controlled parking zone (CPZ).  Many residents have conflated the two issues and it is therefore affecting their attitudes towards the village proposals and may even compromise them.
2. Sandgate Parish Council has opposed pay and display parking on the Esplanade for many years and would like to understand what the rationale is of Shepway District Council in bringing these proposals forward.
3. If Shepway District Council insist on imposing these proposals against the wishes of Sandgate Parish Council, then protection would be necessary for residents in all of the side streets at the same time through the introduction of residents’ parking in a CPZ.  The streets affected are:
   1. Encombe
   2. Prospect Road
   3. Wellington Place
   4. Sunnyside Road
   5. Castle Bay
4. The availability of free parking on the Esplanade has been necessary for businesses and their employees.  Introducing charges will jeopardise the viability of some of these businesses.
5. The data in this report is outdated, being based on a survey of 2009.  It is inaccurate and has not been updated and takes no account of the current CPZ proposals or of the changes to the highway as part of the Cinque Ports Cycleway.

These comments are copied to our two ward councillors.  In the case of Councillor Rory Love the Parish Council expects him to represent the views of the Parish Council at tonight’s Cabinet meeting and to report back in detail on the outcome.  The email is also copied to our Member of Parliament, Damian Collins, and to the Town Clerk of Hythe because of the impact on Princes Parade.

Peter Savage

Deputy Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer for Sandgate Parish Council