News

A number of times, but seemingly randomly, we have had reported pollution incidents in the Enbrook Stream, where the stream as it runs into Enbrook Park is discoloured and clearly has had some sort of discharge into it. The incidents are irregular, seemingly random, and have cleared quite quickly: often an hour later, there is no sign of it.

On each of those occasions we have reported the incident, with photos where we have them, to the Environment Agency. In conjunction with Southern Water they have investigated and some time ago throught they had found a source (a misconnectioned drainage pipe) and ensured a fix. However, over the Christmas period, there was another incidenct, with a resident sending us the picture above.

We of course also reported that onto the Environment Agency, who have responded (4/1/2022):

“I have forwarded the photo onto Southern Water to keep them updated with these discharge occurrences. Although random and with no obvious source, I will attempt to keep Southern Water investigating and narrowing down a source by installing cages in the surface water network and tracing the appropriate line.

“Unfortunately the Environment Agency are no longer funded to attend these incidents and investigate ourselves, so we have no choice but to keep referring these incidents to Southern Water and await their response.

“I offer apologies for the inevitable length of time it may take to come to a conclusion. But please keep sending me through evidence of these spills when they occur as I am logging them for any future enforcement options.”

If you see evidence of pollution in Enbrook Stream (its generally really easy to spot: it goes cloudy!) then please do take any pictures you can of it, and send them with the date and time the photo was taken to clerk@sandgatepc.org.uk We are working to resolve the issue, but the more evidence we have to pass to the Environment Agency / Southern Water, the better the chance they can find and fix the currently unknown cause.

Residents facing financial hardship this winter can now get support from Folkestone & Hythe District Council, if they qualify.

The council has been awarded funding from Kent County Council for the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is provided by the government and runs until 31 March 2022 (subject to fund availability).

Anyone aged 16 or over and living in the district in a vulnerable household may be eligible for a payment. Vulnerable households are defined as those that are struggling to afford essential food and utility bills and have no other available support. Grants are available for families with or without children.

Other criteria for the HSF includes being in receipt of benefits (including Universal Credit, Jobseekers’ Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit), or being on a low income (such as minimum wage).

Cllr Tim Prater, Cabinet Member for Revenues, Benefits, Anti-Fraud and Corruption, said:

“With prices rising at their highest rate for almost 10 years, it is a sad fact that some in the district will struggle with their household expenses this Christmas and beyond.

“Whether it be heating and other bills, or paying for food, it is important that working with the County Council, we support them all we can through the HSF.”

Funds are limited and people are asked to apply as soon as possible. For full details of the criteria and to make an application, please visit: https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/household-support-fund

Applications for an award may be made via a self-referral or via a request from a council officer, councillor, or voluntary / community organisation.

Anyone who needs help with things such as school uniform, white goods (fridges, washing machines etc) and other household items, can contact Kent County Council directly via its Kent Support and Assistance Service, which considers these applications: www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/kent-support-and-assistance-service

For vulnerable residents who don’t have anyone to turn to for support, there are three hubs in the district offering services such as home meal delivery, food and medicine collection/delivery, or a chat and friendly advice: Community Hubs (COVID-19) – Folkestone & Hythe District Council (folkestone-hythe.gov.uk)

Over the coming months, it is important that COVID and infection control continues to remain a priority. 

Kent County Council has recently commissioned free COVID / infection safe training and advice. It’s available free for:

• sole traders with a Unique Tax Reference;

• small and microbusinesses registered via companies house;

• charitable organisations registered via the Charity Commission;

• not for profit organisations that operate in the KCC Local Authority area.

New Dates Available

After the success of the first round of Covid training sessions, a new series of free Kent Covid training sessions are now available to book. Each session lasts 3 hours are being held on 30^th September, 4^th October, 12^th October, 30^th October (all via Zoom) and 3^rd November (Face to Face Training in Folkestone).

Courses assist eligible organisations to: 

• Ensure a safe place of work. 

• Ensure clean and safe equipment.

• Provide clear information, training and instruction, and supervision on how to manage infection control including COVID-19. 

• Complete robust infection control risk assessments.

Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) are delivering the training. With 30+ years training experience, SEK say “we are committed to providing clients with the best possible service. We have a Trust Pilot Score of 4.7/5. Our trainers are passionate about what they do. We will work hard to ensure you, your employees and customers stay safe.”

The course is being delivered free of charge to eligible small businesses and organisations on behalf of Kent County Council.

For more information and to book a free place, please visit https://sektraining.org.uk/training-courses/kcc-covid-19-safe-training

Course Syllabus

–          Legal regulations and responsibilities;

–          Risk factors for infection;

–          A look at the chain of infection and transmission;

–          How to reduce infection risks;

–          Why a risk assessment is essential;

–          How to complete a risk assessment.

Each organisation will need to complete and return their completed Risk Assessment (one risk assessment required per organisation) within 7 working days of their training session.

After receipt of your completed risk assessment, you will receive a COVID-19 Safe Advice and Training for Small and Micro Business, Sole Traders and Not for Profit Organisations pack. The pack contains your certification of training, a booklet of useful information which contains useful links to free resources and a selection of posters to help keep you, your staff and customers safe.