When Sandgate Parish Council took over the running of Sandgate Library last year, one key reason for doing so is that we wanted to extend the opening hours of the library from the existing “morning only” opening.
We’re delighted to say that as of Thursday 9th February, Sandgate Library will be open in the afternoon as well through to 4.30. All are more than welcome – we hope it makes it easier for many to access the library!
Our full new opening hours are therefore:
Monday 9.30 – 1pm
Tuesday 9.30 – 1pm
Thursday 9.30 – 4.30pm
Friday 9.30 – 1pm
Saturday 9.30 – 1pm
We are also launching a new activity; ‘Talk time’ which will run every Thursday from 2.00pm until 3.00pm. This is an opportunity for anyone to come along, have a chat and make friends. So if you have time on your hands and would like to meet new people, please join us. Each session will be run by volunteer Liz Smith,
Welcome to the latest Sandgate Business Forum update.
The Parish Council would like to congratulate you all on some fantastic and very creative window displays over the festive period. As we know, pulling in customers comes in many forms and a creative window display not only helps attract customers but also makes Sandgate a much nicer place to visit. Let’s see what we can create in our windows for Spring or Valentine’s Day and build a reputation that shopping in Sandgate is the place to be! If you have any pictures of your displays we would love to see them.
Please Ensure You’re Legal
On the last business forum update (you can find a copy here), we made mention of Shepway District Council’s rules on “A” Boards and Business Waste. Since that update we have had at least one business approached by SDC regarding Business Waste; a different business approached regarding an “A” Board on the pavement; and a third business has had action taken against it as they were playing music whilst not holding a PPL & PRS licence. The action consisted of a rather large fine which worked out much more expensive than a licence would have been. Details of PPL / PRS licences can be found here on the Government’s website.
We would also like to reiterate that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are operating legally as a business and should you fail to do so it is very difficult to plead that you were unaware of your responsibilities. Should you need guidance then pretty much everything you need to know is available here on the Government’s website.
Sandgate Businesses In The Press
Just lately, Sandgate has been featured in the Folkestone Herald and a number of on-line news websites. This is so encouraging for the area and we need to make the most of the free advertising. An example can be found here and we would like to congratulate every business mentioned – you’re REALLY making a difference, well done!
New Businesses Opening
53 Sandgate High Street – Former Harrison’s Hairdressers -‘The Hoard Gallery’ will be opening later this year at 53 Sandgate High Street. Nick and Tracy are keen to join us and we wish them every success.
Sandgate East Parking Restrictions
Following the implementation of the CPZ in Sandgate, Shepway District Council will be consulting with residents and businesses in a number of other roads including the High Street which has been identified as a priority. The Parish Council were due to carry out its own survey but SDC are keen to do this themselves. They will carry out an informal consultation with you in April and this will be followed by a formal consultation in May. After this there will be inevitable changes to parking in the High Street.
We suggest that you register your concerns and preferences to frederick.miller@shepway.gov.uk prior to this process so that the transport team is fully aware of your needs and preferences. As some of you are also residents of the High Street might we suggest that you give your views for both groups. You will all appreciate that High Streets have a business priority and that creating churn during the working day will enable you all to flourish.
And Finally…
As we move in to the new year it’s time to think about how we can advertise our businesses to attract more customers. Advertising doesn’t always have to cost a lot of money and there are always ways to advertise for free if you’re creative. Think about getting a “shout out” on a local radio station to your staff at “such and such” business who are all working hard and valued – one such “shout out” this week on KMFM was for a business on Sandgate High Street. Twitter, Facebook, Streetlife, NextDoor, and OLIO are all social networking sites that can get your name out there for free. You could carry out a stunt for charity which will get media coverage if promoted accordingly and of course there are always lots of events happening in Sandgate that you can get involved in. The Music festival and Sea festival are two examples. Contact the Parish Council on 01303 248563 or e-mail clerk@sandgatepc.org for details of these events.
In closing, remember that these updates are for you and if there is anything that you would like to let us know then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Most people take steps to keep valuables safely out of view when at home, but what about when you’re out and about? If you’re shopping in busy areas it’s easier to get distracted, so make sure you keep your wallet and phone close by but tucked away, for example in an inside jacket pocket or zipped bag.
Where possible, avoid leaving any personal belongings, gifts or loose change in your car when you lock it and never leave bags or belongings unattended.
Going away over the holidays?
Most people take steps to make their house look occupied if they are going out or going away. Do you? As well as checking your home and garden are locked up before you leave, do you also put timer switches on lights or radios to make it look as though someone is home? How about asking a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property, park on your driveway or remove papers, milk and post from your front door while you’re gone? Your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can give you more tips on home security.
Worried about bogus callers?
While incidents don’t happen often, if your doorbell rings and you’re not expecting anyone, never feel obliged to answer. If you do, make sure the rear of your home is secured first, use a door chain if you have one and always check they are who they say they are by contacting their company yourself (not on a number they provide). If in doubt, keep them out and ask them to come back at a later date (when you can have someone with you).
From the beginning of January 2017, the Sandgate Parish Council Clerk/Librarian will be Gaye Thomas and the Deputy Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer will be Peter Savage.
Our current parish clerk, Amanda Oates, is retiring at the end of this year and all at Sandgate Parish Council wish her very well for the future.
Sandgate Parish Council will be closing its offices at 1pm on Friday 23rd December and will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2017.We then return to our usual schedule of being available 9-1pm every weekday.
Sandgate Library will be open on: Christmas Eve (Saturday 24th), Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th December. It will then re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2017, and return to the usual schedule of being open Monday to Saturday (excluding Wednesday) 9.30am to 1pm.
You can park for free in Sandgate’s Castle Road Car Park on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
To encourage people to shop locally, Shepway Council are not charging people to park in any of the Council’s pay and display car parks and on-street bays for the three Saturdays before Christmas:
Welcome to the latest Sandgate Business Forum update.
Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lack of an update since September but, to be honest, there hasn’t really been a massive amount of information that I have been able to pass around. Having said that, if you ever have any specific information requests or would like me to publish anything that you feel is relevant to yourselves and Sandgate Businesses, then please do not hesitate to contact me or the Parish Council – contact details are shown at the bottom of this update. One thing that I would like to mention is that we have a new business forum website with an interactive map and free business listing. Check yours out and let us know if you require any updates. Details can be found here – www.sandgatebusiness.org.uk
New Businesses Open / Opening / Christmas
Sandgate High Street just goes from strength to strength. We have had two new businesses open, one new business going through shop fitting and another going through planning. As I write, there are only two empty shop businesses available on the High Street and I have been advised that both have been looked at with interest from new companies. One is the old Chinese Restaurant / Takeaway and the other is the old computer repair store at number 17.
The new businesses that have recently opened and those that are due to open are starting to put a different face to Sandgate. Yes we still have the antique shops for which we are famed but we now also have a diverse range of other businesses to bring in a wider audience to what we have to offer. Sandgate is fast becoming the place to be and that is great news. Our new additions to the High Street are:
Comemos – 104 Sandgate High Street – Spanish Café / Deli.
Since my last update, Comemos is now fully up and running and offers a wide range of local goods such as bread, preserves and eggs as well as artisan teas, Spanish meats and cheeses. There is a café menu for both breakfast and lunch and a variety of hot and cold drinks.
Acula Creations Limited – 95 Sandgate High Street – Seamstress and Tailoring.
Acula have operated as a mobile / appointment only business for almost four years and have built a solid reputation allowing them to open up their first high street studio. They offer all kinds of services from a simple trouser hem take up to designing and creating completely bespoke garments including suits and wedding dresses.
The Dog House – 92 Sandgate High Street – services to be confirmed.
The Dog House have recently applied for planning permission to turn number 92 into an artisan upcycling café / craft shop. At the time of writing, I am yet to meet the new owners so unfortunately I do not have full details of when they may open or exactly what they will be doing but I will, of course, keep you updated.
The Orchard Lane Coffee House – 80 Sandgate High Street– Coffee House
Orchard Lane Coffee House is owned and run by husband and wife team Jon and Joanna. They have a young family who live in Sandgate and grew up in Folkestone. They are a family-run business devoted to serving exclusive, specialty coffee, coffee beans and coffee products. The proposed new coffee house will have a simple and seasonal menu and will be selling locally made luxury chocolates and handcrafted homemade cakes. They will be offering a takeaway food and drink menu suitable for everyone including vegans and vegetarians. The vision is to have a comfortable space for people to enjoy great-tasting coffee and food dishes if on the go to take away or eat in. Free Wi-Fi will be available and unique loyalty cards for the regular ‘Sangatarian’. Opening hours will be 7am-3pm weekdays and 7am-4pm weekends. Opening in February/March 2017.
The Sandgate Clinic – Is Back!
It’s a pleasure to welcome Julian and the team back to Sandgate. The Sandgate Clinic is now based in the former H.G. Wells exhibition premises at Sandgate Passage – 82 Sandgate High Street. Julian and his team can help with all types of osteopathy although I am not best to say what he does! Here’s a link to his website; http://www.sandgateclinic.co.uk/
Christmas Shopping In the High Street A number of retailers including Sandgate Trading, Albane Photography / Artisan Jewellery and Acula Creations are all planning to open until 9pm on each Friday throughout December. If your business is also taking part in this then please let me know and we’ll see what we can do to advertise this.
Christmas Windows
Since the Christmas Lights switch on at Saga on the 25th November, many shops have started to decorate their windows and they look fantastic. The Sunny Sandgate Business Facebook page team are happy to share your festive shop fronts so please send them a picture – let’s get everyone seeing Sandgate for what it is – a great place to shop and eat. You can find the Sunny Sandgate Business Page here: www.facebook.com/SunnySandgateKent/
Other News
Sandgate East CPZ
I’m sure you’re all aware by now that, despite massive objections from residents and businesses alike, Shepway District Council has gone ahead with its plans to restrict parking in a number of places in Sandgate village. For businesses there are positives – remember that your visitors can park within the CPZ for two hours and that the charges in the Castle Road car park have been reduced. One business did ask if it was possible to have the ticket machine in the car park updated to issue a “counter foil” pay and display ticket so that they could refund their customers but the cost for the ticket machine to be altered would be in the region of £3000 which just isn’t viable unfortunately. However, if you are interested in refunding your customers’ parking then please let me know and we can always try and appeal to Shepway to see what we can achieve.
A Boards / Tables & Chairs on the pavement
Please could you ensure that if you are placing A-Boards, tables & chairs or anything else on the pavement that you read KCC’s guidance which can be found on the link below to ensure that you are not causing an obstruction. It may be worth noting that KCC can enforce removal if they believe that you are not operating within the guidelines. If you have tables and chairs outside your business, you may also require planning permission or a licence although, when checking out the link and downloadable form ,nothing is available. This does not mean that you can ignore this, you really do need to check.
Please note that as a business you have a legal duty to dispose of business waste in a responsible manner and you must make your own arrangements for the collection of any waste you produce and that it is illegal (fly-tipping in fact) to put commercial waste out as domestic waste or take it to a Household Waste Recycling Centre. KCC’s policy states:
“As a business, you have a legal responsibility to make sure:
That your waste is kept secure until it’s collected.
You choose a licensed waste carrier to collect your waste
You keep records to prove you have been operating legally.
If you fail to meet these responsibilities, you could face a fine or court appearance”
That’s about it from me and the Parish Council and, as I mentioned earlier, if there is anything you would like us to promote / give advice on then please let us know – this forum is for Sandgate businesses so please let’s make the most of it.
Should I not hear from you, then I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very merry Christmas and an extremely profitable new year.
The winner of the 2016 Sandgate Sea & Food Festival "Barrow of Booze" competition was drawn at noon on Tuesday 30th August.
The winning ticket number is 0487 – if you have that ticket, you've won the contents of the "Barrow of Booze" – congratulations! To cliam your prize, please contact the Sandgate Council office at Sandgate Library.
Welcome to the third issue of the “Sandgate Business Forum”.
I hope that you’re enjoying the weather and that it is bringing in lots of new customers that have been visiting the area. However, not everyone who enjoys the weather are up to good – please be mindful that the hot weather is also seen as some as an opportunity to try and gain access to residential properties and business alike. When open, before leaving back doors and windows open please just take five minutes to ensure that these areas are covered in terms of security – can the openings be seen by you or your staff? Would you hear anyone entering? Also, when you close up for the day, check all windows and doors to ensure they are closed and secure and of course if you see anything suspicious then please call the police.
Sandgate News
Parking Restrictions Throughout Sandgate
In my last update, I mentioned that there was no news… well there is now some news, sort of!
Over two months since the close of the official "consultation" on the proposed new parking controls throughout Sandgate, no decision on the proposals has been published by Shepway Council. This is despite the fact that Shepway received hundreds of objections from local and visitors alike to the proposals to ban parking for longer than 2 hours in those areas (between 8am-8pm every day of the year) to anyone not resident in those roads. Having said that, as of yesterday (Thursday 21st July) today, they are saying that there is no formal report written yet on the consultation and the proposals although they are due to hold a meeting with Saga to "discuss the implications of the CPZ with Saga". Unfortunately, Shepway Council declined to invite any Sandgate Councillors to that meeting so, once again, we are waiting to hear of an outcome.
As always, I will keep you informed of progress although should you have any comments that you would like me to take forward on your behalf then please do not hesitate to contact me via the details at the bottom of this update.
Military Road Resurfacing Works – just a reminder!
As advised in the June edition, Kent Highways are intending to resurface Military Road from its junction with Sandgate High Street to the junction with North Road starting on 8th August 2016. There should be local signage to advise on any closures, diversions or parking suspensions and other restrictions during the works. Should anything change I will keep you posted where possible.
Lorry Parking On The Esplanade
Of late, we have seen an increase on lorry parking overnight on the Esplanade. The drivers themselves have been seen using the beach as a toilet and generally adding to litter in the area. Following on from several complaints, the Esplanade has been included into the “Shepway Lorry Parking Ban Order” which, if it goes ahead, will “prohibit waiting (but not loading) by any large goods vehicle overnight and at weekends” along its entire length. If you have any questions concerning the order or require any further information you can contact Shepway District Council at the Civic Centre on Castle Hill Avenue or email traffic.orders@shepway.gov.uk. Any objections should be raised by Monday 1st August.
Sandgate High Street – Commercial Area
We, the Parish Council, are passionate in keeping Sandgate’s High Street as a key commercial area with businesses of all types providing local services. However, over the years we have unfortunately seen many business premises being converted into residential dwellings despite the fact that there is a lot of commercial interest in the area. I agree that there are empty shops and premises currently but having spoken to either the landlords or the managing agents, most of them are either in the process of negotiations or have a high interest from businesses looking to move into the area.
However, there are some business premises that are applying for planning permission to convert to residential due to “no commercial interest” which just isn’t the case. In response to a recent objection from Sandgate Parish Council to the conversion of an existing High Street shop unit to a residential unit, Shepway's Planning Department commented that in areas such as Sandgate High Street "there is no policy requirement to keep ground floors as retail or business uses." In light of the recent businesses that have opened up, or are in the process of opening up, ROKA, Sandgate Trading, The new (rumoured) Deli at 104, The Boat House Kiosk, I find it incredible that Shepway fail to recognise Sandgate’s commercial area as important enough to be part of a retail policy that exists in both Folkestone and Hythe – can you image Sandgate without any businesses!
Sandgate Events
Family Fun Day
The annual Family Fun Day is due to take place on Sunday 7th August at the rec on Military Road from 11am to 5pm. There will be stalls, music, bouncy castles, workshops including kite making and circus skills and a dog competition (I’ll be honest I don’t have any more details of the dog competition but it sounds interesting!)
Entry to the fun day is free but parking may be an issue so please remember that Saga do offer their cap park – free of charge – over the weekend.
…. And finally – a quick reminder regarding the Sea and Food Festival
Sandgate Sea & Food Festival
As advised in my last update, the Annual Sea and Food Festival will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The Sea & Food Festival attracts thousands of people to the village each year and is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Sandgate and all that it has to offer.
On the evening of Saturday 27th August (weather permitting) there will be a spectacular beach fireworks display, with a likely start time of around 9pm.
On Sunday 28th August will be the main Sea & Food Festival, with food, craft and other business stalls in the Granville Parade market, and Arts and Crafts Fair in the Chichester Hall, bands, entertainment, beach games and more.
Whilst the market and much of the entertainment is on the sea wall, we want to see the Sea & Food Festival spread throughout Sandgate to draw new visitors and customers to the High Street, promote our businesses and broaden the Festival.
Please remember that parking in the area may be an issue and the roads in the immediate area will be closed.
oOo
That’s about it from me, once again I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this update and I hope that you have found it useful. This email / blog is intended to provide information, advice and general communication so if you have anything that you would like information on or even if you just wish to let other businesses know what’s happening with your business then please contact me. My email address is kurt@acula.co.uk and my telephone number is 07896 106137.
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From the beginning of January 2017, the Sandgate Parish Council Clerk/Librarian will be Gaye Thomas and the Deputy Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer will be Peter Savage.
Sandgate Parish Council will be closing its offices at 1pm on Friday 23rd December and will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2017.We then return to our usual schedule of being available 9-1pm every weekday.
You can park for free in Sandgate’s Castle Road Car Park on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas.
Welcome to the latest Sandgate Business Forum update.