One Response: Preparing for the Turner Contemporary Opening

From: Arlington House Resident's Association:c/o vakinuk@hotmail.com

Subject: FW: Preparing for the Turner Contemporary Opening
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:58:09 +0100

We have just read the recent press release (24/9/10) from Cheryl Pendry at Thanet District Council and wish to respond as follows:

 
It seems to be the case that some Councillors and Officers are unaware of the fact that the Arlington Site is already fenced off and there are already "hoardings installed around empty shops" - albeit that many of them have been allowed to be decorated with graffiti.  Does anyone really think that Freshwater will do anything to improve the aesthetics of the site, given that it has done nothing for years unless pressured by the Resident's Association?  Proposals to have attractive paintings by local artists or children on the front hoardings have been ignored in the past.  We believe that the front of the Arlington site (the Marine Terrace frontage) will remain  boarded up, as  Freshwater is only going to apply for outline planning consent and will not build anything there in the near future.

The car park at  Arlington House has been fenced off for some months now, after years of ourselves, the Arlington residents, complaining to Freshwater and the Council that it should not have been left open to anyone who wanted to dump cars , illegal builders' waste and holiday makers leaving their rubbish before they go back home.

Why couldn't the fencing have been of a better standard than the temporary "animal pen" fencing that we have now?  We have been trying for months to get all the parties concerned  to talk about what is going to happen to the outside of Arlington House (and the rest of the site) ready for the opening of the Turner Centre.

We all know that in reality, Arlington House tower will not be touched by next year.  Freshwater is already months late on its initial promises to file a planning application.  

The Arlington House Residents' Association has given the Council suggested details of what the Arlington tower could look like.  Have we had any feedback?  No.  Have we had any subsequent meetings?  No.  Have any plans been put forward by Freshwater?  No.  Has the council come up with any specific ideas?  No.

Residents have "come together" for years, but have learned that their opinions are given little credence  The Council has a direct involvement in the Arlington site as they are the  freeholders of the site as well as landlord to Freshwater.  As such, the Council has to give "Landlords Consent" to any alterations to any part of the site in accordance with the provisions of the lease between the Council and Freshwater.  This is in addition to the Council's role as planning authority.

Why is it that no one wants to take the lead and speak about Arlington House?  We, the residents have done all we can to help.  It's about time someone with the authority started the ball rolling and stuck their head above the parapet wall they are hiding behind - a wall which apparently obscures their view of existing conditions! 

This is the "one off opportunity" for the outside of Arlington House to become the iconic gateway to Margate that the Council aspires to be seen by the new wave of visitors that will be attracted to the town by the Turner Contemporary and the Dreamland Heritage site.  This opportunity needs to be firmly grasped rather than allowed to slip through our fingers.  The Arlington tower is the first thing you see as you enter Margate and first impressions do count.  The Arlington tower is also the last thing you see as you leave Margate and lasting impressions are also paramount.
 

Surely the best compromise that can be reached in the current circumstances would be for realistic artists' impressions of what the finished redevelopment will look like to be illustrated on the front of the proposed new hoarding?  This will at least give an indication that the plans and intentions are at a progressive stage and that both the Council and Freshwater have agreed what the end result will look like.

 
This is something that affects all the residents and businesses in Margate and therefore it imperative that the finished product creates the right impression.  We believe that the aspirations of the town's Council Tax and Business Rate payers and the views other groups and organisations that represent the area need to be heard and considered by the Council.

Ron Greene
Chair
Arlington House Residents' Association

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----- Original Message -----

From: Cheryl Pendry

Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 2:15 PM

Subject: PLANS IN PLACE FOR TURNER OPENING

PLANS IN PLACE FOR TURNER OPENING

The Fort Road Hotel, Arcadian and Arlington Square are amongst key sites to be targeted over the next few months, as Margate prepares for the opening of Turner Contemporary.             

An action plan, agreed last night (Thursday 23 September) by Cabinet Members, puts a top 10 list of priority projects at the heart of work over the next few months.

The Fort Road Hotel and Arcadian sites will be tidied and cleared, with decorative hoardings or screening erected. The council is working with the owners to try and bring forward rebuilding plans, but has started compulsory purchase order proceedings as a back-up. With Arlington Square, decorative hoarding will be installed around empty shops and the landowner will be asked to secure the lower car park. Plans for a major redevelopment are expected in autumn 2010 and could begin on site as early as spring 2011.

Cllr. Martin Wise, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Anyone looking at Margate at the moment knows there is still work to do. With the opening of Turner Contemporary in just a few months’ time, we’re determined to tackle the key problem areas. In particular, we’re focusing on seafront properties lying vacant and derelict. When visitors arrive in the town for the new gallery, we want them to get the best possible impression of Margate. After all, we all want people to spread the word about what a great place Margate is to visit. As well as tackling those eyesores, we also want to build pride over the next few months in the town. It’s easy to knock Margate, but that’s not what the town needs right now. It needs everyone to come together and support it, as we approach the opening of Turner Contemporary.”

The work will be funded by £100,000 from the government’s Seaside Fund. Other entries on the top 10 list include:

·         Landscaping work to Margate station’s forecourt and car park.

·         A series of pop-up shops in Marine Drive, along the seafront, for empty properties.

·         Repairs to the Sturgeon lights, repainting seating and the shelter, replacing litter bins and improving signs.

·         A deep clean of shopfronts and pavements along the High Street and the seafront.

Also included in the countdown to 2011 plan is a media and communications campaign, aiming to promote the town and initiatives for local businesses. This will include training ambassadors for Margate, a small grant scheme for business improvements, training in areas such as customer excellence and promoting improvements in visitor accommodation.

ENDS

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343

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PROPOSED SELECTIVE LICENSING SCHEME

From: "Hannah Thorpe" <Hannah.Thorpe@thanet.gov.uk>
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2010 10:44 AM
Subject: PROPOSED SELECTIVE LICENSING SCHEME

Local people are being asked for their views on a proposal to introduce
a new licensing scheme for privately rented accommodation in parts of
Margate Central and Cliftonville West.

The new selective licensing scheme is being proposed to help tackle the
high levels of problems in the area, such as anti-social behaviour,
crime, fires and empty properties.

Under the new scheme, landlords in the designated area would be
required to apply for a licence for every privately rented flat, house
or room in order to continue to operate in the area.  The licence will
contain a series of conditions that the property owner will be required
to comply with relating to the management of the property, fire safety
and anti-social behaviour.  Landlords who own more than one property in
the designated area would need to apply for a licence for each of the
units of accommodation they rent out.  There would be a charge of £525
per licence which landlords would be required to cover.

In other places where this type of scheme has been introduced,
landlords have seen improvements such as less damage to properties,
reduced management costs and a slower turnover of tenants.  It is also
anticipated that in the longer term as well as improving the image of
the area and helping to improve the condition of housing, possible
benefits could also include the possible rise in rent and property
values.

Before adopting this scheme, the council is encouraging tenants,
landlords and residents in the area to have their say on the proposal.
Everyone living in the area will be contacted by letter with details
about the scheme and with information on how to take part, including a
short tear out survey.  A survey is also available to complete online by
visiting www.thanet.gov.uk, or any additional comments can be submitted
in writing either to hannah.thorpe@thanet.gov.uk or free of charge to
Selective Licensing Consultation, FREEPOST SEA 82 73, Thanet District
Council, Margate CT9 1XZ.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "The
council is fully aware of the problems that exist in these two wards and
we're committed to doing everything we can to tackle them. One of the
biggest issues for many years has been the huge supply in this area of
privately rented housing. Bringing in a licensing scheme for these
properties will help to ensure better regulation and could help to
achieve some significant improvements in the area.  Before adopting the
scheme though it is important that local people have an opportunity to
tell us what they think of the proposals. I'd like to encourage anyone
who has a view, to make sure they take part in the consultation."

Local people have until Monday 15 November to submit their comments.  A
full copy of the proposal can be viewed online or by calling in to
Thanet's Gateway Plus.

ENDS

To view all of the online details please go to:
http://www.thanet.gov.uk/council__democracy/consultation/selective_licensing.aspx
or you can find this via the front page of TDC's website (under Have
your say).

Hannah Thorpe
Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk
Direct Dial: 01843 577120
Fax: 01843 296866

Press Release: VISION 2030

How will Thanet look in 20 years’ time and how can you get access to the services that will make that vision a reality? That’s what local people can find out at a special event at Thanet’s Gateway Plus.

Vision 2030 is a free event that takes place on Friday 23 July from 10.00am to 4.00pm and is based around the council’s vision document, which sets out how it sees Thanet looking 20 years from now.

People can learn more about the major developments expected to take place during that time, with information available about Turner Contemporary, Dreamland, Manston Airport and the London Array windfarms. There will also be a talk about the Dreamland project by its Director, Jonathan Bryant from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Zumba dancing will help launch the event at 10am and there will be music from Luke Jackson, The Frontline, Funk and The Two Tone Baby, three local bands from local colleges. Art work will be provided by local schools and college students. Photography will be provided by Anastasia Miller-Kurakin, Catherine Drains and Steve Allan. The day also sees the launch of the library’s summer reading challenge called Space Hop, the biggest reading event for children in the UK.

You will also be able to get information from a range of services, including Adult Education, Thanet College, Connexions and East Kent Itec. Representatives will also be there from Maximus, who give support to the long term unemployed to get back into work, the Primary Care Trust’s Health Trainers and the NHS Fit for Work team. Trainers from TNG and SES will be running a Job Search Club from 11am to 12pm for those looking for new employment opportunities.

ENDS

Cheryl Pendry

Press and Media Manager

Thanet District Council 

www.thanet.gov.uk 

Tel:  01843 577 034

Fax: 01843 295 343

Press Release: GREAT SUCCESS STORY” OF MARGATE AND CLIFTONVILLE FUNDING

The results of a £3.7 million government funding programme for Margate and Cliftonville West are being described as “a great success story” with impressive results from the four year scheme.

The money came into the area from the Safer, Stronger Communities Fund (SSCF) and was used to help support a total of 107 local projects, which included 20 outreach posts, between April 2006 and March 2010, when the programme of funding ended. Now a new report has been produced, looking at the impact of the money and the difference it has made in the area.

Along with SSCF money, an additional £1.5 million of cash from partners and in-kind contributions was also pumped into the area during the four year period.

Some of the major projects funded by the money included:

·         Improvements to Dane Park, including new lighting, a new children’s play area, a hard court for ball games, a new café and refurbishment of the park benches and railings.

·         A new Viking-themed children’s play area

·         Extra road sweeping units to improve street cleanliness.

• A dedicated Waste Enforcement Officer for the area.
• A weekly doorstep recycling collection and better recycling facilities.

·         Two extra PCSOs and one additional Community Warden for the area.

·         CCTV cameras in several areas, including the Old Town in Margate.

·         Street lighting improved in 18 streets in Cliftonville West.

·         Two local community centres, one in each ward, were refurbished.

·         Improvements made to 11 other buildings used by local people.

·         People were given the chance to get involved a wide range of activities in their communities, including sport, arts, dance and local events.

·         Two mobile vans for local voluntary sector youth outreach services to provide youth engagement activities across the two wards.

·         A wide range of additional activities for young people.

·         Local groups received money for projects in their neighbourhoods, supported by community workers, funded by the scheme. Over 70% of projects were led by voluntary or community groups.

·         Two mini buses for the Thanet Community Transport Association.

·         Money provided a disabled access desk, a hearing induction loop, and easy listening posts at Thanet’s Gateway Plus.

·         Two Citizen’s Advice Bureau Information Kiosks were funded, one in the Thanet Gateway Plus and one in St. Paul’s Community Centre.

More follows….

…. Continues

These 107 projects had a major impact on the local area, as shown by the new research:

·         Consultation events involved nearly half of the population of the two wards (over 5,000 people).

·         4,485 local people volunteered for SSCF funded activities, providing over 41,000 volunteer hours and helping to support nearly 11,000 other local people.

·         56 indoor and outdoor public spaces were improved, of these half were done through community led projects.

·         Nearly 28,000 young people benefitted from activities targeted at them. 

·         Security was improved at 77 homes and businesses, with more than 3,500 personal items security marked.

·         246 Fixed Penalty Notices and 1,240 enforcement actions targeted fly-tippers and littering.

·         173,918 local people took advantage of the improved access to services, including 112,000 at Thanet’s Gateway Plus.

·         123 adults achieved a qualification and, of these, 37 went on to continue with further education.

·         Almost 52,000 people received access to advice and training

·         14 local people were employed full time, eight of which remain employed in these posts, and 17 part-time jobs were provided, seven of these remain employed in these posts.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Residents in Margate and Cliftonville West were clear from the beginning about what they wanted the SSCF money to do. They told us that they wanted to see change on the ground, rather than talk about it. That’s exactly what the team has done over the last four years. People wanted clean, safe places they would feel good about using and there have been huge strides in achieving that during the programme. They also wanted the number of opportunities available to them increased, so that they could show their potential. Again, the SSCF programme has done that.”

Although the SSCF money has now finished, many of the projects put in place are still continuing, using alternative means of funding.

ENDS

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

Tel:  01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343

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Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Press Release: DALBY SQUARE DESIGNATED AS CONSERVATION AREA

DALBY SQUARE DESIGNATED AS CONSERVATION AREA

One part of Cliftonville, described as providing “a fine example of
good historic seaside architecture on a national scale” has been added
to the list of Conservation Areas in Thanet.

Members agreed last night (Thursday 15 July) at a meeting of Full
Council that Dalby Square should be designated as a Conservation Area.

The idea has been widely supported by local residents and community
groups, who gave their views at a series of drop-in sessions at St.
Paul’s Community Centre. Letters were also sent out to every resident
in the area, asking for their opinions.

English Heritage has also given the project its backing, describing
Cliftonville as a “strong candidate for designation as a conservation
area.” Reasons given for that view included the historic street
pattern of the area and the strong character of the buildings.

Cliftonville bears the same relationship to Margate that Hove has to
Brighton, developed in the mid 19th century as a planned extension of
the town to provide an exclusive seaside resort.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and
Regulatory Services, said: “The designation of Dalby Square as a
Conservation Area is one that we know will be warmly welcomed by local
people, who have given the idea their backing. English Heritage have
already told us that they would be prepared to support us in a number
of different ways, if a conservation area is designated, which is
really good to hear. Designating Dalby Square as a Conservation Area
may now open up the possibility of external funding for the area
through various heritage-related schemes and our officers will be
working to see what potential financial opportunities exist for this
part of Cliftonville as a result.”


ENDS

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343

Press Release: FIRE-DAMAGED BUILDING IN MARGATE MADE SAFE

A fire-damaged building in Margate has been made safe, after its condition deteriorated significantly.

The Grade II listed property at 47 – 48 Hawley Square was damaged by fire in May 2008 and the council’s Building Control team secured the remaining structure, using support scaffolding.

The Conservation and Building Control teams tried to get the co-operation of the building owner to restore the property, but with no success. During this time, the council has repeatedly secured the site to prevent unauthorised access and have been monitoring the stability of what remains of the structure. 

Recent checks showed that the condition of the gable wall, adjacent to the public footpath at the rear of the building, had deteriorated significantly. As there was a danger to the public, emergency measures were put in place, with the footpath closed, so that the dangerous gable wall and the chimney could be removed. This work has now been completed and the footpath has re-opened, without the support scaffolding.

Cllr. Simon Moores, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Regulatory Services, said: “I’m sure that anyone who uses the footpath behind this property will be familiar with the scaffolding that’s been there for some time. It will come as a welcome relief to finally see that it’s gone and this is thanks to the work of our Building Control team, who acted quickly and decisively, as soon as they realised that the condition of this property presented a danger to the public.” 

The Building Control team will continue to monitor the structure and will continue their attempts to work with the owner of the building to restore it.

ENDS

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

Tel:  01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343

Press Release: £1.5 MILLION SAVINGS MAY BE NEEDED

From: Cheryl Pendry

Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 11:16 AM

Subject: £1.5 MILLION SAVINGS MAY BE NEEDED

£1.5 MILLION SAVINGS MAY BE NEEDED

Additional savings of around £1.5 million over the next four years may have to be found by Thanet District Council – that was the stark warning given to members last night. (Thursday 15 July)

A report from the Chief Executive spelt out the impact of announcements made to date by the coalition government. These have already seen the council’s grant funding for 2010/11 cut by nearly half a million pounds. A total of £459,811 has been lost through cuts to a range of grants, including the end of the free swimming initiative, the loss of money for SEEDA for the Margate Renewal Partnership and cuts to the Housing Planning Delivery Grant.

The forecast over the next four years is even more bleak, following the government’s announcement in the emergency budget in June that government departments would see their budgets cut by around a quarter over the next four years. This could mean a loss in grants to the council of £3.03 million during that period. The council was already planning to make savings by 2014/15 of £7.59 million, but now this target is likely to be £9.09 million.

The exact amount of money the council receives will not be known until December 2010, but in the meantime, the council is looking at ways of delivering the savings needed, while allowing the highest priority services to be maintained as far as possible. A series of reviews will be carried out over the next few months, looking at a range of issues, including port operations, waste and recycling, leisure activities and ways of improving the way the council works to deliver more savings.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: “In line with the rest of the public sector, the council is facing a tough time. Fortunately, we are in a better position than many other councils, as we have been planning for some time to reduce our budgets. We were already planning to make savings of more than £7 million in the next four years, much of which will be delivered through sharing services with our neighbouring councils. We now face the prospect of finding even more savings. It’s going to be hard, but we will do it and ensure that core services are maintained.”

ENDS

Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council
www.thanet.gov.uk

Tel:  01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343

Contact details to report street cleaning issues etc.

If you are concerned about the cleanliness of the area in which you live, do please report issues [eg faulty bins, rubbish, fly tipping, etc] to amenities@thanet.gov.uk.

If the process doesn't work, then email Martin Wise** cllr-martin.wise@thanet.gov.uk, who can follow up.

[** Martin’s TDC Cabinet responsibility is for Environmental Services (includes waste collection, recycling, street cleaning, public toilets, parking, parks, allotments, cemeteries and crematorium, sports development, arts development, museums, foreshores, Thanet Coast Project, indoor and outdoor leisure, play services, tourism,
events and Environmental Action Programme)]

Press Release: RADAR PLANNING APPLICATION RECEIVED

From: Cheryl Pendry
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010
Subject: RADAR PLANNING APPLICATION RECEIVED

RADAR PLANNING APPLICATION RECEIVED
 
A new planning application for a primary and secondary radar installation at Kent International Airport has been received by Thanet District Council. 

The application is for a radar that would be 32.5 metres tall, with radio antennae and lightning conductor fitted to it. It would be located along the Manston Road, further up from the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, as you head towards Margate. 

Supporting information submitted to the council explains that the radar would provide clearer and more accurate details of aircraft movement over a wider area than the previous system.  

Details can be found on the council’s website using UK Planning under the reference number 09/0637.The application can also be viewed by visiting Thanet’s Gateway Plus in Cecil Street, Margate from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with extended opening until 8pm on Thursdays. Thanet’s Gateway Plus is also open from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
The deadline for comments to be received is Friday 23 July 2010.

ENDS
Cheryl Pendry
Press and Media Manager
Thanet District Council 
www.thanet.gov.uk 

Tel:  01843 577 034
Fax: 01843 295 343