Apologies there has been such a delay in putting this up.
I have recently moved away from the Folkestone area in a fairly major fashion and therefore will finish blogging about Folkestone politics.
Many thanks to all who answered my questions, corresponded with me, linked to the blog and read it.
I hope to start a new blog about adventures in far-flung lands soon, and will post a link when / if it gets off the ground.
For the moment, go to http://tominirkutsk.blogspot.com/ for the latest.
Thursday 3 June 2010
Thursday 13 May 2010
24 Hour Trash T.V. and the Election in General
While the last few days has been quite exciting, finally we might actually get policies and plans rather than the news channels all vying for the best angle from which to view the tops of cars, a bunch of bored looking staff texting, or the roof of Buckingham Palace.
The rather predictable 24 hours news coverage ticked most of the boxes of ‘why live news is crap’ (see Brooker et al). One Sky commentator / presenter gave us a fantastic description of ‘corgis looking at David Cameron’ to provide an endless stream of verbal diarrhoea while nothing happened, apart from a helicopter shot of Buck House for what seemed like an age, presumably to assure us it was still standing.
Occasionally live news did come up with the goods, rare nuggets of gold in a river of dross. Adam 'Raging Boul'ton (play on words courtesy of Grauniad subs) losing it against Alistair Campbell was a highlight.
Cameron the ex PR man made it to number 10. Probably the right end to a campaign which Simon Cowell (made millions on exploiting lots of talentless eejits and further millions exploiting a select few very talented people – one of whom appeared to be mentally unstable) gave his ‘humble’ opinion on who people should vote for from the front page of The Sun.
Surely this was the nadir of the press coverage of the campaign - or was it the ‘Obamarisation’ of Cameron the next day (view / read here), brilliantly juxtaposing the first black president of the U.S.A, elected on the promise of fundamentally changing the healthcare of millions of poor citizens with an Eton educated Tory promising cuts.
Meanwhile, left wing press were in disarray, and not just because big hitters from the Murdoch group seemed willing to come over for some argy-bargy. A brave man would take on Rebekah Brooks (nee Wade).
Unsure what to make of the Clegg effect, which turned out to be just that - Clegg has done well, but the party less so - The Guardian’s pull out ‘tactical voting’ poster was a joke (the in depth guide is here), and the oft repeated list of ‘seats not to vote Tory in’ with which the Mirror led with had no discernable effect, certainly not in Kent which went blue through and through.
In general, the press seemed to have the reasoned argument of a Shepway political flyer.
Could this be the proof that papers follow opinion and don’t lead it? Not really. Personally, as with most of these things, it's probably a mix.
Fair play and good luck to the coalition. Perhaps the ‘extremes’ of UK mainstream politics might temper the most odious aspects of each party, although this is like saying MacDonald’s represents the cutting edge of dining.
In their pact with the devil in the deep blue sea (back of the net*) surely there is a cast-iron guarantee of a referendum on electoral reform with a ‘guarantee’ of support to push it through the Lords if the referendum returns a ‘yes’. That might be worth selling a Lib Dem soul for, but I haven’t checked the details yet and perhaps it isn’t. If not, surely the Lib Dems have sold themselves down the river, ripe for a crushing defeat at the next election which, despite the rhetoric and apparent guarantee date, might well come in the next few months.
Perhaps this really will usher in a new politics of compromise, discussion and decency - let's hope so.
I’m not holding my breath.
*apologies for the AP reference
The rather predictable 24 hours news coverage ticked most of the boxes of ‘why live news is crap’ (see Brooker et al). One Sky commentator / presenter gave us a fantastic description of ‘corgis looking at David Cameron’ to provide an endless stream of verbal diarrhoea while nothing happened, apart from a helicopter shot of Buck House for what seemed like an age, presumably to assure us it was still standing.
Occasionally live news did come up with the goods, rare nuggets of gold in a river of dross. Adam 'Raging Boul'ton (play on words courtesy of Grauniad subs) losing it against Alistair Campbell was a highlight.
Cameron the ex PR man made it to number 10. Probably the right end to a campaign which Simon Cowell (made millions on exploiting lots of talentless eejits and further millions exploiting a select few very talented people – one of whom appeared to be mentally unstable) gave his ‘humble’ opinion on who people should vote for from the front page of The Sun.
Surely this was the nadir of the press coverage of the campaign - or was it the ‘Obamarisation’ of Cameron the next day (view / read here), brilliantly juxtaposing the first black president of the U.S.A, elected on the promise of fundamentally changing the healthcare of millions of poor citizens with an Eton educated Tory promising cuts.
Meanwhile, left wing press were in disarray, and not just because big hitters from the Murdoch group seemed willing to come over for some argy-bargy. A brave man would take on Rebekah Brooks (nee Wade).
Unsure what to make of the Clegg effect, which turned out to be just that - Clegg has done well, but the party less so - The Guardian’s pull out ‘tactical voting’ poster was a joke (the in depth guide is here), and the oft repeated list of ‘seats not to vote Tory in’ with which the Mirror led with had no discernable effect, certainly not in Kent which went blue through and through.
In general, the press seemed to have the reasoned argument of a Shepway political flyer.
Could this be the proof that papers follow opinion and don’t lead it? Not really. Personally, as with most of these things, it's probably a mix.
Fair play and good luck to the coalition. Perhaps the ‘extremes’ of UK mainstream politics might temper the most odious aspects of each party, although this is like saying MacDonald’s represents the cutting edge of dining.
In their pact with the devil in the deep blue sea (back of the net*) surely there is a cast-iron guarantee of a referendum on electoral reform with a ‘guarantee’ of support to push it through the Lords if the referendum returns a ‘yes’. That might be worth selling a Lib Dem soul for, but I haven’t checked the details yet and perhaps it isn’t. If not, surely the Lib Dems have sold themselves down the river, ripe for a crushing defeat at the next election which, despite the rhetoric and apparent guarantee date, might well come in the next few months.
Perhaps this really will usher in a new politics of compromise, discussion and decency - let's hope so.
I’m not holding my breath.
*apologies for the AP reference
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Open, Honest and Transparent Politics
Just a thought – in all the calls for open, transparent and honest politics, was there any info from any of the parties as they negotiated how to change their manifestos, pledges and promises in their attempts to get into power?
Friday 7 May 2010
Folkestone and Hythe Election Result
Conservative Damian Collins has been elected as the next Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe.
In an impressive result, Mr Collins polled 26,109 votes, which is 49.4% of the total cast. This is slightly lower than the Conservative vote of 2005, which was 26,161 votes which was a share of 53.9% of the vote.
The Conservative share of the vote compared to the 2005 election dropped by 4.4%, but the predicted drop of around 9,000 votes predicted by senior local Conservatives in last week’s Herald failed to materialise.
The Conservative majority from 2005 of 11,680 votes fell slightly to 10,122.
His main rival, Liberal Democrat Lynne Beaumont polled 15,987 votes, which is 30.3% of the total vote. This is a slight improvement on 2005 figures, which saw the Liberal Democrat candidate poll 14,481 votes, a 29.9% share.
Labour candidate Donald Worsley saw a fall in the Labour vote from 12.5% in 2005 to 10.8%.
Other candidates failed to break the 5% share needed for the return of their deposit. UKIP’s Frank McKenna got 2,439 votes, a 4.6% share. BNP candidate Harry Williams received 1,662 votes, a share of 3.2% . Penny Kemp of the Green Party and Independent candidate David Plumstead both polled less than 1000 votes.
The numbers of votes cast and share of the vote between the three main parties is almost identical to the 2005 election.
Mr Collins was the clear favourite for the seat. Countywide the Conservatives enjoyed a night of great success.
In an impressive result, Mr Collins polled 26,109 votes, which is 49.4% of the total cast. This is slightly lower than the Conservative vote of 2005, which was 26,161 votes which was a share of 53.9% of the vote.
The Conservative share of the vote compared to the 2005 election dropped by 4.4%, but the predicted drop of around 9,000 votes predicted by senior local Conservatives in last week’s Herald failed to materialise.
The Conservative majority from 2005 of 11,680 votes fell slightly to 10,122.
His main rival, Liberal Democrat Lynne Beaumont polled 15,987 votes, which is 30.3% of the total vote. This is a slight improvement on 2005 figures, which saw the Liberal Democrat candidate poll 14,481 votes, a 29.9% share.
Labour candidate Donald Worsley saw a fall in the Labour vote from 12.5% in 2005 to 10.8%.
Other candidates failed to break the 5% share needed for the return of their deposit. UKIP’s Frank McKenna got 2,439 votes, a 4.6% share. BNP candidate Harry Williams received 1,662 votes, a share of 3.2% . Penny Kemp of the Green Party and Independent candidate David Plumstead both polled less than 1000 votes.
The numbers of votes cast and share of the vote between the three main parties is almost identical to the 2005 election.
Mr Collins was the clear favourite for the seat. Countywide the Conservatives enjoyed a night of great success.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Last Gasp For Election Campaigns
Conservative Chairman Russell Tillson has posted a lengthy missive calling for one ‘final push’ for victory.
Although taking nothing for granted, Cllr Tillson predicts Conservative Candidate Damian Collins ‘will be a first class Member of Parliament’.
Attacking Labour and Liberal Democrats in equal measure, Cllr Tillson accuses ‘both Labour and the Liberal Democrats [of resorting] to advising voters to vote tactically to prevent a majority Conservative government from being elected’ and warns that ‘ a vote for the Liberal Democrats, or any other party could leave Gordon Brown in Downing Street for another five years, with all the damage that would do to our economy and our society.’
Meanwhile the Lib Dems seem a little subdued on their site, carrying a release from Nick Clegg but little in the way of local activism. Flyers looking like a handwritten note from Joanna Lumley endorsing candidate Lynne Beaumont have been dropping through Cheriton letterboxes, and probably in a few other areas too.
The text of the letter has appeared in Lib Dem promotional material 'Kent View' number two.
Whether this will counteract God’s endorsement of David Cameron as splashed across the front page of The Sun remains to be seen.
Although taking nothing for granted, Cllr Tillson predicts Conservative Candidate Damian Collins ‘will be a first class Member of Parliament’.
Attacking Labour and Liberal Democrats in equal measure, Cllr Tillson accuses ‘both Labour and the Liberal Democrats [of resorting] to advising voters to vote tactically to prevent a majority Conservative government from being elected’ and warns that ‘ a vote for the Liberal Democrats, or any other party could leave Gordon Brown in Downing Street for another five years, with all the damage that would do to our economy and our society.’
Meanwhile the Lib Dems seem a little subdued on their site, carrying a release from Nick Clegg but little in the way of local activism. Flyers looking like a handwritten note from Joanna Lumley endorsing candidate Lynne Beaumont have been dropping through Cheriton letterboxes, and probably in a few other areas too.
The text of the letter has appeared in Lib Dem promotional material 'Kent View' number two.
Whether this will counteract God’s endorsement of David Cameron as splashed across the front page of The Sun remains to be seen.
Labour Candidate's Campaign Goes Off The Rails
Labour Candidate Donal Worsley suffered a minor setback to his canvassing when asked to leave Folkestone Central station yesterday (Tuesday).
Handing out flyers with a colleague, Mr Worley was initially asked to leave the platform. Having complied moved to just outside the entrance doors, Mr Worsley was then asked to move down the slope to the junction with Cheriton Road.
Clearly upset, Mr Worsley protested that Labour had done more for the railways than any other party, but the Southeastern official insisted Mr Worsley and his colleague move.
Mr Worsley and colleague complied with the request.
Despite this minor setback, Mr Worsley remained upbeat about the result on Thursday, though conceded that Conservative Candidate Damian Collins would almost certainly win.
“I am sure the Labour vote in Shepway will hold up. We are getting a generally positive response from our canvassing.
“I am looking forward to Thursday evening as the results come in. I will congratulate Damian on his victory, and also offer my commiserations that he will be forming the opposition to a Labour government.”
Mr Collins is the clear favourite for the seat, with odds of around 1/100 being offered. According to a report in The Herald, Conservatives are expecting a drop in the Conservative vote due to incumbent Michael Howard standing down, but are still predicting a healthy majority of around 9,000.
Mr Collins’ main rival is Liberal Democrat Lynne Beaumont, with Mr Worsley predicted to come in a distant third.
Handing out flyers with a colleague, Mr Worley was initially asked to leave the platform. Having complied moved to just outside the entrance doors, Mr Worsley was then asked to move down the slope to the junction with Cheriton Road.
Clearly upset, Mr Worsley protested that Labour had done more for the railways than any other party, but the Southeastern official insisted Mr Worsley and his colleague move.
Mr Worsley and colleague complied with the request.
Despite this minor setback, Mr Worsley remained upbeat about the result on Thursday, though conceded that Conservative Candidate Damian Collins would almost certainly win.
“I am sure the Labour vote in Shepway will hold up. We are getting a generally positive response from our canvassing.
“I am looking forward to Thursday evening as the results come in. I will congratulate Damian on his victory, and also offer my commiserations that he will be forming the opposition to a Labour government.”
Mr Collins is the clear favourite for the seat, with odds of around 1/100 being offered. According to a report in The Herald, Conservatives are expecting a drop in the Conservative vote due to incumbent Michael Howard standing down, but are still predicting a healthy majority of around 9,000.
Mr Collins’ main rival is Liberal Democrat Lynne Beaumont, with Mr Worsley predicted to come in a distant third.
Thursday 29 April 2010
Differing Views on Debates in Folkestone and Hythe
Conservative and Labour parliamentary candidates have said the leadership debates have had a minimal effect on Shepway voters, while Lib Dems are unsurprisingly buoyed by Leader Nick Clegg’s good showing.
The staging of leadership debates has produced vast amounts of comment and speculation. Mr Clegg appears to have gained the most, although the he had the least to loose from the debates.
Riding high in opinion polls, with some showing the Liberal Democrats more popular than Labour, Mr Clegg regularly appears on the front pages of newspapers, has hit the number one spot in ‘trending’ on Yahoo and is getting exposure that previous Lib Dem leaders could only dream of.
An excellent report in today’s Herald, which carried out a poll of Shepway voters, appears to show a ‘Clegg effect’, although it is not thought to be decisive.
Shepway Lib Dems have remarked on Mr Clegg’s strong performances on their website and are the only local party to publicise the debates on their website, perhaps an indicator of how wary other parties are of Mr Clegg's performances.
Senior Lib Dem Tim Prater stated to FUTS that ‘the Lib Dems are already about 10% up in the polls from the start of the campaign and averaging around 30%. If we got to 38-39% on polling day (which is less of a rise than we've already seen) then we'd be looking not just at a big gain in seats, but Lib Dems as the largest party.
‘And that would include Lynne Beaumont as the next MP for Folkestone and Hythe.
‘Is it going to happen? Don't know. But I do know I've been a Lib Dem Party member and activist for 19 years. Until a fortnight ago, there had been literally 3 or 4 national polls in total in that time that had the Lib Dems as anything but third, and never ONE during a General Election campaign.
‘In the last fortnight, we've been fairly consistently 2nd and within 3-4% of the Tories, and occasionally even ahead of them. I've never seen that before. Something has changed.’
In response to questions from FUTS, Conservative Damian Collins stated; ‘To be honest, we've not seem any real impact from the debates one way or the other.
‘Our campaigning data shows that our support remains at the levels we would hope for it to be, so there doesn't appear to be any evidence that people are switching. We also get a positive response out on the streets.
‘Conservative supporters will often tell us that they think David Cameron did very well and that this wasn't reported strongly enough in the media.
‘There is more scrutiny of Lib Dem 'policy' now as well. I have had people bringing up the issue of keeping trident, and saying they don't agree with the Lib Dem position of getting rid of it.’
The Herald report also has the Conservatives predicting a reduced majority of 9,000 votes, down from almost 12,000. This is put down to Michael Howard’s standing down and the effect of this on voters in the constituency.
Labour Leader Gordon Brown is arguably the least media savvy of the three main leaders, and is the only of the three not to have worked in Public Relations.
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley decried the debates as reducing politics to a ‘Beauty Contest’ but feels the impact will be minimal.
‘Talent shows thankfully do not hold the final sway on the Election outcome. Policies do and now the initial novelty is starting to wear off people on the doorstep and at the Hustings are beginning to ask about policies and seeing through the veneer of presentation.
‘Yes people mention the debates but then when they ask about the Labour Party's policies the debates are very quickly forgotten.’
Labour Leader Gordon Brown is arguably the least media savvy of the three main leaders, is the only of the three not to have worked in public relations and yesterday suffered arguably the worst gaffe of the campaign when he called an elderly voter ‘bigoted.’
Recent polls show the Liberal Democrats moving into second place behind the Conservative party, although the Liberal Democrats forming the next opposition party seems unlikely without reform of the ‘first past the post’ voting system.
The staging of leadership debates has produced vast amounts of comment and speculation. Mr Clegg appears to have gained the most, although the he had the least to loose from the debates.
Riding high in opinion polls, with some showing the Liberal Democrats more popular than Labour, Mr Clegg regularly appears on the front pages of newspapers, has hit the number one spot in ‘trending’ on Yahoo and is getting exposure that previous Lib Dem leaders could only dream of.
An excellent report in today’s Herald, which carried out a poll of Shepway voters, appears to show a ‘Clegg effect’, although it is not thought to be decisive.
Shepway Lib Dems have remarked on Mr Clegg’s strong performances on their website and are the only local party to publicise the debates on their website, perhaps an indicator of how wary other parties are of Mr Clegg's performances.
Senior Lib Dem Tim Prater stated to FUTS that ‘the Lib Dems are already about 10% up in the polls from the start of the campaign and averaging around 30%. If we got to 38-39% on polling day (which is less of a rise than we've already seen) then we'd be looking not just at a big gain in seats, but Lib Dems as the largest party.
‘And that would include Lynne Beaumont as the next MP for Folkestone and Hythe.
‘Is it going to happen? Don't know. But I do know I've been a Lib Dem Party member and activist for 19 years. Until a fortnight ago, there had been literally 3 or 4 national polls in total in that time that had the Lib Dems as anything but third, and never ONE during a General Election campaign.
‘In the last fortnight, we've been fairly consistently 2nd and within 3-4% of the Tories, and occasionally even ahead of them. I've never seen that before. Something has changed.’
In response to questions from FUTS, Conservative Damian Collins stated; ‘To be honest, we've not seem any real impact from the debates one way or the other.
‘Our campaigning data shows that our support remains at the levels we would hope for it to be, so there doesn't appear to be any evidence that people are switching. We also get a positive response out on the streets.
‘Conservative supporters will often tell us that they think David Cameron did very well and that this wasn't reported strongly enough in the media.
‘There is more scrutiny of Lib Dem 'policy' now as well. I have had people bringing up the issue of keeping trident, and saying they don't agree with the Lib Dem position of getting rid of it.’
The Herald report also has the Conservatives predicting a reduced majority of 9,000 votes, down from almost 12,000. This is put down to Michael Howard’s standing down and the effect of this on voters in the constituency.
Labour Leader Gordon Brown is arguably the least media savvy of the three main leaders, and is the only of the three not to have worked in Public Relations.
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley decried the debates as reducing politics to a ‘Beauty Contest’ but feels the impact will be minimal.
‘Talent shows thankfully do not hold the final sway on the Election outcome. Policies do and now the initial novelty is starting to wear off people on the doorstep and at the Hustings are beginning to ask about policies and seeing through the veneer of presentation.
‘Yes people mention the debates but then when they ask about the Labour Party's policies the debates are very quickly forgotten.’
Labour Leader Gordon Brown is arguably the least media savvy of the three main leaders, is the only of the three not to have worked in public relations and yesterday suffered arguably the worst gaffe of the campaign when he called an elderly voter ‘bigoted.’
Recent polls show the Liberal Democrats moving into second place behind the Conservative party, although the Liberal Democrats forming the next opposition party seems unlikely without reform of the ‘first past the post’ voting system.
Worsley Apologises for Gordon's Gaffe
Folkestone and Hythe Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley has apologised unreservedly for Labour leader Gordon Brown’s widely publicised remarks about Gillian Duffy.
Mr Brown faced questions from Mrs Duffy while campaigning in Rochdale. Mrs Duffy asked Mr Brown about Eastern Europeans flocking to the U.K.
Whilst in his car after the encounter Mr Brown referred to the meeting as a “disaster” and called Ms Duffy “a bigoted woman”, comments which were picked up by a microphone still on his person, sparking a media firestorm.
In a press release sent out yesterday afternoon, Mr Worsley states:
‘On behalf of Folkestone & Hythe Labour Party I apologise unreservedly to the people of this great Constituency for Gordon Brown’s offensive remarks about Mrs Gillian Duffy.
‘His off camera remarks were unacceptable and shamed the whole Labour movement. Calling her a “bigoted women” was inexcusable, whether to an aide in the back of a car or in front of the cameras.’
Addressing the issues around Sangatte or illegal entry into the country by economic refuges is what we should all be concentrating on, not calling each other names or slagging off hard working foreign workers here lawfully to help our economy prosper.
Mrs Duffy and others that share her views have the right to be heard with respect at all times. To do otherwise would make us no better than Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia.’
This quickly became the lead story of the day. Mr Brown later visited Ms Duffy to apologise. This latest media frenzy will not help Mr Brown, who is noted for not having the smooth media presentation skills of rivals David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
Locally this may impact Mr Worsley’s share of the vote but his chances of winning in Folkestone and Hythe area at best remote, with Labour regularly finishing a distant third to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Conservative Damian Collins is the clear favourite for the seat.
Mr Brown faced questions from Mrs Duffy while campaigning in Rochdale. Mrs Duffy asked Mr Brown about Eastern Europeans flocking to the U.K.
Whilst in his car after the encounter Mr Brown referred to the meeting as a “disaster” and called Ms Duffy “a bigoted woman”, comments which were picked up by a microphone still on his person, sparking a media firestorm.
In a press release sent out yesterday afternoon, Mr Worsley states:
‘On behalf of Folkestone & Hythe Labour Party I apologise unreservedly to the people of this great Constituency for Gordon Brown’s offensive remarks about Mrs Gillian Duffy.
‘His off camera remarks were unacceptable and shamed the whole Labour movement. Calling her a “bigoted women” was inexcusable, whether to an aide in the back of a car or in front of the cameras.’
Addressing the issues around Sangatte or illegal entry into the country by economic refuges is what we should all be concentrating on, not calling each other names or slagging off hard working foreign workers here lawfully to help our economy prosper.
Mrs Duffy and others that share her views have the right to be heard with respect at all times. To do otherwise would make us no better than Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia.’
This quickly became the lead story of the day. Mr Brown later visited Ms Duffy to apologise. This latest media frenzy will not help Mr Brown, who is noted for not having the smooth media presentation skills of rivals David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
Locally this may impact Mr Worsley’s share of the vote but his chances of winning in Folkestone and Hythe area at best remote, with Labour regularly finishing a distant third to the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Conservative Damian Collins is the clear favourite for the seat.
Wednesday 21 April 2010
All Go For Googies Cafe Campaign / Knives Out For Googies / Last Supper for Googies? / etc.
Popular Googies Art Café in Rendezvous Street is warning it faces closure after Shepway District Council refused an application for a late license on grounds of noise pollution.
However, a highly organised fight against the council's decision is emerging, with local promoters and politicians supporting Googies.The campaign appears to be off to a good start, with events promoter Louie Burns telling FUTS that South East News may film a piece and that the story will be front page lead in the Herald on Thursday (tomorrow).
A fundraising day of live music has been planned for May 3. ‘Googie Fest’ will have music outside from 2pm-5.30pm, and the entertainment will continue inside the cafe until 9.30pm. A ‘Fight For Googies’ Facebook page has been set up which claims 'we want to cause the biggest stink Folkestone has ever seen.'
A press release states around 60 people attended a meeting at the cafe on April 17, organised and led by Louie Burns. Attendees were ‘clearly angry with the futility of the council’s decision and the clear disregard for them’ as speakers put forward the case for Googies. Louie Burns' promotions site 'Blueskypie' has held several events in Folkestone and has close links to Googies.
Mayor Janet Andrews spoke at the meeting, and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins both offered help. Although not part of the Creative Foundation, the cafe prides itself on promoting local art and acting as a hub for creative talents in Folkestone.
Mr Collins, an ardent supporter of the cultural regeneration of the town, emailed FUTS explaining that he fully supported the cafe, and had even taken Development Control Committee member Cllr Hugh Barker to the meeting to give advice to Googies owner Keith Holland.
‘Given that other bars and venues have late licenses, and there are many other restaurants in the area, I cannot see why the council can't resolve these issues with Googies, and I hope that they will work with them to resolve this,’ wrote Mr Collins.
Louie Burns agreed, stating; ‘With Stones bar playing music until 2am that rattles the windows, with fights, police and noise constantly outside, it seems totally ridiculous to refuse Googies’ request to play acoustic music.’
Ms Beaumont had not responded to questions about her support at the time of posting. FUTS understands Ms Beaumont sent a letter to council planners, though in the run up to the election council officials have to be extremely careful in responding to or promoting candidates and councillors.
It is known that several of the café’s licensing requirements have been broken, including playing loud music and cooking food on the premises. Complaints have been received from the residents above the café about the noise and it is thought relations with residents and a neighbouring café are fractious.
Writing to FUTS, Keith Holland admitted breaking licensing rules, but explained that ‘food and coffee are slow’ and the licensing requirements were forcing him out of business;
‘Initially we were breaking our licensed hours and remaining open until 12. It was reported to the licensing team and we immediately changed our hours to 10. After 2 weeks we noticed a huge drop in customers. Being asked to leave by 10pm has kept them away.
‘I am now in personal debt and cannot sustain not taking a wage, being able to stay open late is essential for the success of the business. If I have to close I might open another Googies, but not in this town.’
A well placed source told FUTS that there might be a chance the license could be granted, though Googies would have to stick rigidly to the license requirements ‘for a few months.’
Cautioning that alterations would have to be made to the premises, including soundproofing, the source warned that generating lots of negative publicity for the council may backfire.
The source said; ‘It is then with the licensing board - if they see he has done the right things, if they see he regrets the previous actions, if neighbours et al support his application then he may get it. But nothing is guaranteed. Making a big noise in the Herald will not make that easier to achieve.’
In a statement to FUTS Shepway District Council wrote; ‘Obviously we welcome businesses that bring colour and vibrancy to our town centre. However, we also have to consider how a business such as this may affect people living near it.
‘Unlike other restaurants and bars nearby, there are six flats above Googies and we have already received complaints about noise.
‘Googies, can of course, appeal against our decision not to extend weekday opening hours to mid-night.’
However, a highly organised fight against the council's decision is emerging, with local promoters and politicians supporting Googies.The campaign appears to be off to a good start, with events promoter Louie Burns telling FUTS that South East News may film a piece and that the story will be front page lead in the Herald on Thursday (tomorrow).
A fundraising day of live music has been planned for May 3. ‘Googie Fest’ will have music outside from 2pm-5.30pm, and the entertainment will continue inside the cafe until 9.30pm. A ‘Fight For Googies’ Facebook page has been set up which claims 'we want to cause the biggest stink Folkestone has ever seen.'
A press release states around 60 people attended a meeting at the cafe on April 17, organised and led by Louie Burns. Attendees were ‘clearly angry with the futility of the council’s decision and the clear disregard for them’ as speakers put forward the case for Googies. Louie Burns' promotions site 'Blueskypie' has held several events in Folkestone and has close links to Googies.
Mayor Janet Andrews spoke at the meeting, and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins both offered help. Although not part of the Creative Foundation, the cafe prides itself on promoting local art and acting as a hub for creative talents in Folkestone.
Mr Collins, an ardent supporter of the cultural regeneration of the town, emailed FUTS explaining that he fully supported the cafe, and had even taken Development Control Committee member Cllr Hugh Barker to the meeting to give advice to Googies owner Keith Holland.
‘Given that other bars and venues have late licenses, and there are many other restaurants in the area, I cannot see why the council can't resolve these issues with Googies, and I hope that they will work with them to resolve this,’ wrote Mr Collins.
Louie Burns agreed, stating; ‘With Stones bar playing music until 2am that rattles the windows, with fights, police and noise constantly outside, it seems totally ridiculous to refuse Googies’ request to play acoustic music.’
Ms Beaumont had not responded to questions about her support at the time of posting. FUTS understands Ms Beaumont sent a letter to council planners, though in the run up to the election council officials have to be extremely careful in responding to or promoting candidates and councillors.
It is known that several of the café’s licensing requirements have been broken, including playing loud music and cooking food on the premises. Complaints have been received from the residents above the café about the noise and it is thought relations with residents and a neighbouring café are fractious.
Writing to FUTS, Keith Holland admitted breaking licensing rules, but explained that ‘food and coffee are slow’ and the licensing requirements were forcing him out of business;
‘Initially we were breaking our licensed hours and remaining open until 12. It was reported to the licensing team and we immediately changed our hours to 10. After 2 weeks we noticed a huge drop in customers. Being asked to leave by 10pm has kept them away.
‘I am now in personal debt and cannot sustain not taking a wage, being able to stay open late is essential for the success of the business. If I have to close I might open another Googies, but not in this town.’
A well placed source told FUTS that there might be a chance the license could be granted, though Googies would have to stick rigidly to the license requirements ‘for a few months.’
Cautioning that alterations would have to be made to the premises, including soundproofing, the source warned that generating lots of negative publicity for the council may backfire.
The source said; ‘It is then with the licensing board - if they see he has done the right things, if they see he regrets the previous actions, if neighbours et al support his application then he may get it. But nothing is guaranteed. Making a big noise in the Herald will not make that easier to achieve.’
In a statement to FUTS Shepway District Council wrote; ‘Obviously we welcome businesses that bring colour and vibrancy to our town centre. However, we also have to consider how a business such as this may affect people living near it.
‘Unlike other restaurants and bars nearby, there are six flats above Googies and we have already received complaints about noise.
‘Googies, can of course, appeal against our decision not to extend weekday opening hours to mid-night.’
Sunday 18 April 2010
Labour Candidate Blog Online
Labour Candidate for Folkestone and Hythe Donald Worsley has started a blog.
This is the first started by the Labour candidate. His Conservative and Liberal Democrat opponents both have active webpages.
Recently the Herald's gossip column reported that Mr Worsley missed the chance to attend a debate as he was too difficult to track down.
This is the first started by the Labour candidate. His Conservative and Liberal Democrat opponents both have active webpages.
Recently the Herald's gossip column reported that Mr Worsley missed the chance to attend a debate as he was too difficult to track down.
Friday 16 April 2010
'Twit'ter
Perhaps tweeting after a few beers is not a good idea. Therefore this will be my last post for this evening - thanks Wetherspoon's Wifi!
Good to see the spirit of decency permeates the electronic ether.
Mum’s Probably Not Gone To Iceland (or anywhere else).
The dust cloud from the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano in Iceland has resulted in ‘travel chaos’ at Dover. With all flights grounded, Dover port and rail services have seen a huge increase in passenger numbers.
Extra staff have been drafted in at Dover Priory station to cope with the increased demand.
A member of staff said; ‘It was chaos in the morning. Normally I’m on the trains but have been posted here to help. The ticket office was snowed under. We’ve had people from all over Europe travelling through. Things aren’t so bad now.’
Taxis were doing a brisk trade carrying passengers to the ferry port, with a steady stream opting to walk to the docks.
The P&O website has been replaced with a single page due to heavy internet traffic as people look for alternatives to cancelled flights. P&O’s helpline is 08716 645 645 (Calls cost 10 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more)
A message warns travellers; ‘Dover-Calais - If you are planning on travelling as a foot passenger in the next 24 hours we have no space available. For bookings after this period, please call the contact centre for latest availability.
The Eurostar site also warns; ‘We would ask that you only come to our stations if you hold a confirmed reservation for travel'.
Latest reports from the BBC are that some air traffic restrictions may be lifted tomorrow morning, though it may take several days for the backlog of travellers to be cleared.
Extra staff have been drafted in at Dover Priory station to cope with the increased demand.
A member of staff said; ‘It was chaos in the morning. Normally I’m on the trains but have been posted here to help. The ticket office was snowed under. We’ve had people from all over Europe travelling through. Things aren’t so bad now.’
Taxis were doing a brisk trade carrying passengers to the ferry port, with a steady stream opting to walk to the docks.
The P&O website has been replaced with a single page due to heavy internet traffic as people look for alternatives to cancelled flights. P&O’s helpline is 08716 645 645 (Calls cost 10 pence per minute from a BT landline. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more)
A message warns travellers; ‘Dover-Calais - If you are planning on travelling as a foot passenger in the next 24 hours we have no space available. For bookings after this period, please call the contact centre for latest availability.
The Eurostar site also warns; ‘We would ask that you only come to our stations if you hold a confirmed reservation for travel'.
Latest reports from the BBC are that some air traffic restrictions may be lifted tomorrow morning, though it may take several days for the backlog of travellers to be cleared.
Thursday 15 April 2010
More on 'Monk'eying Around In Conservative Cabinet
Coming back from holiday, FUTS was delighted to see that the Herald had added info on Cllr Monk’s ‘ousting’ as deputy leader of the council - juicy stuff!
According to the Herald article, Cllr Phillip Martin - with Cllr Monk’s full knowledge - contacted ‘around half’ the Conservative councillors to sound out support for a possible takeover bid by Cllr Monk against council leader Robert Bliss, but found none.
Council Leader Robert Bliss was told of the attempt, and surprised everyone by coolly replacing deputy leader Cllr Monk with Cllr Rory Love at the Council AGM.
Cllr Monk retains his finance portfolio as Cllr Bliss ‘likes to keep his enemies close.’
In response to questions over the unity of the group, Chairman Russell Tillson denied any problems; ‘As Cllr. Bliss's political adviser, I know of no political enemies in our ranks. I would speak frankly and sharply to any I came across! Indeed, Robert is revered throughout the Group for the masterly way in which he has led it over several years.
‘Certainly Cllr. Monk was not involved in organising any coup.
‘Indeed, he is currently campaigning on almost a daily basis with David Monk to secure the election of Damian Collins.’
Cllr Monk was not present at the official launch of Conservative Candidate Damian Collins’ campaign, although Cllr Tillson explained that Cllr Monk had longstanding commitments and was away in London.
A well placed Conservative source confirmed to FUTS there was an attempt to garner support for a leadership bid as per the Herald account, and even inferred this had happened before.
‘Cllr Martin phoned around, suggesting we need someone more forceful leading the group. I like David [Monk], but I’m not sure he has the skills to unite the group. Robert Bliss has a much softer style that unites, though he can be tough when he wants to be,’ the source said.
‘It was a shame as they are good friends. I’m not sure how Robert will take it, though they were together on the Saturday after the AGM and the story, and getting along fine. David’s replacing came as a total shock to everyone, but he took it well and congratulated Rory afterwards.’
All will have breathed a sigh of relief as the Herald described the attempt as a ‘bloodless coup’, as opposed to Cllr Monk storming the council chamber, machine gunning half the cabinet and imposing martial law across the district.
According to the Herald article, Cllr Phillip Martin - with Cllr Monk’s full knowledge - contacted ‘around half’ the Conservative councillors to sound out support for a possible takeover bid by Cllr Monk against council leader Robert Bliss, but found none.
Council Leader Robert Bliss was told of the attempt, and surprised everyone by coolly replacing deputy leader Cllr Monk with Cllr Rory Love at the Council AGM.
Cllr Monk retains his finance portfolio as Cllr Bliss ‘likes to keep his enemies close.’
In response to questions over the unity of the group, Chairman Russell Tillson denied any problems; ‘As Cllr. Bliss's political adviser, I know of no political enemies in our ranks. I would speak frankly and sharply to any I came across! Indeed, Robert is revered throughout the Group for the masterly way in which he has led it over several years.
‘Certainly Cllr. Monk was not involved in organising any coup.
‘Indeed, he is currently campaigning on almost a daily basis with David Monk to secure the election of Damian Collins.’
Cllr Monk was not present at the official launch of Conservative Candidate Damian Collins’ campaign, although Cllr Tillson explained that Cllr Monk had longstanding commitments and was away in London.
A well placed Conservative source confirmed to FUTS there was an attempt to garner support for a leadership bid as per the Herald account, and even inferred this had happened before.
‘Cllr Martin phoned around, suggesting we need someone more forceful leading the group. I like David [Monk], but I’m not sure he has the skills to unite the group. Robert Bliss has a much softer style that unites, though he can be tough when he wants to be,’ the source said.
‘It was a shame as they are good friends. I’m not sure how Robert will take it, though they were together on the Saturday after the AGM and the story, and getting along fine. David’s replacing came as a total shock to everyone, but he took it well and congratulated Rory afterwards.’
All will have breathed a sigh of relief as the Herald described the attempt as a ‘bloodless coup’, as opposed to Cllr Monk storming the council chamber, machine gunning half the cabinet and imposing martial law across the district.
FUTS Biased? A 'Dirty Red' Responds...
FUTS has been asked about bias / political leanings of the author – i.e. me! In a pleasant email, Cllr Sam Matthews (Hythe Town Lib Dem) writes;
‘I'm interested if you were going to declare your 'very conservative' political view as stated on Facebook. Although I think your blog is not a Conservative blog, I think the readers might be interested.’
How keen! FUTS is more than happy to set the record straight.
Firstly, the ‘very conservative’ line is a joke. On my profile this comes above my religious orientation which I ‘hilariously’ put down as ‘Communist’.
I have never set up an ‘official’ Facebook page for contacts that I blog about, though I did consider this - looks like I should have considered it more! This also means the politicians and councillors I have befriended on Facebook can probably find some ‘none too professional’ images of me without much hassle.
The thing is, would they use them out of context to discredit me? We’ll see. I wouldn't do it to them...
Anyhow, I hope that clears things up. Thanks to Cllr Matthews for getting in touch (apologies for the delayed response) and remember kids, I’m not a nasty Conservative, nor am I a dirty Commie - sleep easy!
*edited and marginally less dull version of longer previous version. Any questions please feel free to email.
‘I'm interested if you were going to declare your 'very conservative' political view as stated on Facebook. Although I think your blog is not a Conservative blog, I think the readers might be interested.’
How keen! FUTS is more than happy to set the record straight.
Firstly, the ‘very conservative’ line is a joke. On my profile this comes above my religious orientation which I ‘hilariously’ put down as ‘Communist’.
Neither is true. I am ‘very conservative’ perhaps only in dress sense (having lost an earlier taste for Hawaiian shirts), and I am not a Communist. My profile pics have included the following 5 images, none of which is particularly serious.
The thing is, would they use them out of context to discredit me? We’ll see. I wouldn't do it to them...
Anyhow, I hope that clears things up. Thanks to Cllr Matthews for getting in touch (apologies for the delayed response) and remember kids, I’m not a nasty Conservative, nor am I a dirty Commie - sleep easy!
*edited and marginally less dull version of longer previous version. Any questions please feel free to email.
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Howard - 'I was Treated Unfairly Over Expenses'
Mr Howard gave several examples of local achievements he is proud of. ‘There are so many battles I’ve fought and won. The battle to keep the magistrates court here, to keep the minor injuries unit open at the Royal Victoria Hospital open. I can’t pretend I won them all, but I won quite a few.’
Mr Howard rejected criticism over not giving enough time to Shepway as a result of being a top minister and having other directorships.
‘I don’t think you will hear that from ANYONE locally except my opponents. I think when they have made [these criticisms] they have been told in no uncertain terms by residents that it is simply not true.’
Talking about the 2005 attempt by the Liberal Democrat attempt to oust him, Mr Howard put his survival in that election and over the years to always working hard - ‘people recognise that'.
Mr Howard denied that his reputation may have fallen as a result of the expenses scandal. Mr Howard suffered embarrassing revelations in national newspapers that he claimed £17,000 on gardening and house maintenance. It was later revealed that Mr Howard had lost an appeal to Sir Charles Kennedy against a request to pay back £7,000, although at the time Mr Howard did not comment on the proceedings.
‘I don’t feel [my reputation] has fallen. I don’t know of any other walk in life where someone has put in a claim for expenses had it authorised entirely in accordance with the rules, and then been told we are changing the rules, retrospectively, and you have to pay some money back.
‘If it happened in any other walk of life there would be a complete outcry.’
Asked if he felt he was treated unfairly, Mr Howard said 'I do. When I appealed the person in charge of the appeals procedure said ‘I’ve got a great deal of sympathy with you and if my terms of reference allowed me to I would grant your appeal. It’s in the report.’'
Mr Howard was never accused of breaking any rules, though the rules themselves were criticised as suffering from a ‘culture of deference’ in the fees office awarding expenses to MPs.
Leaving the past behind, asked if he felt he was leaving the Shepway Conservative party in good hands, Mr Howard said; ‘I certainly do. Damian will do a great job.’
Conservative Campaign Kicks Off in ‘Grand’ Style
Shepway Conservatives officially kicked off their election campaign on Wednesday night at the Grand Hotel.
Attended by local party members, long-serving MP Michael Howard gave a speech thanking the local party for their support and friendship during his 27 years as MP for Folkestone and Hythe. Giving a glowing introduction to Damian Collins, Mr Howard said; ‘In Damian we have an absolutely first rate candidate who is going to be an absolutely first rate Member of Parliament.
‘I announced my decision to stand down 4 years ago to give Damian time to dig in and get to know the constituency. The way [Damian] has got to know the people and the area has been absolutely outstanding.’
‘There has probably never been a more serious time for the election of a Conservative government.’
Vowing to fight for the ‘law abiding, tax-paying, hard working people of our country...[who] feel the government cares least about them and looks to them to pick up the tab for government failures,’ Mr Collins repeatedly attacked Labour failures and outlined key Conservative pledges.
Thanking local activists for their hard work, Mr Collins vowed to immediately start working should he be elected, promising to continue Mr Howard’s scheduled surgeries without break.
To murmurs of ‘hear hear’ from the audience, Mr Collins said ‘Everything I do as a MP will be grounded in this constituency and the interests of the people here, which is why I will be lobbying the government for a new power station.’
Mr Collins vowed to support the council over their decision to grant permission for Lydd Airport expansion, saying ‘we must send a message that this council and constituency are open for business.’
Mr Howard and Mr Collins also highlighted the ‘absolutely key’ seat of Dover. Although Mr Collins is viewed as a near certainty for the Folkestone and Hythe seat, current Labour MP for Dover Gwynn Prosser is defending a slim majority of around 5,000.
Tuesday 13 April 2010
Lib dems Defend 'OK-Style' Leaflet
Senior Shepway Lib Dem Tim Prater has defended Lib Dem promotional material ‘Kent View’.
Containing promotional material about candidate Lynne Beaumont, 'Kent View' edition 2 is currently being delivered to Shepway residents and is appearing in cafes around Folkestone.
A ‘lighthearted’ letter posted on the Hawkinge Gazette website criticises the leaflet for ‘duping’ readers into believing it has been independently produced and asks ‘why can’t these Lib Dems be upfront and put ‘Shepway Lib Dems’ on the front page?’
Printed in the style of a glossy magazine, the Lib Dem logo and contact details are given at the foot of the last page. The editor is Season Prater, wife of Cllr Prater, although her membership of the Lib Dems is not given.
When tackled on the issue Cllr Prater defended the leaflet, stating; ‘The idea of magazines / newspapers has been used by all parties and is intended to present information about candidates, people and policies in a way that they will read, engage with, and feel comfortable with'.
Giving several examples of Conservative parties which do the same (though none from the Shepway Conservatives), Cllr Prater stated ‘in each case, I'm not in any way saying they were wrong to do so.
‘They are trying to get a message across, and not put off those people who might not open a "Labour" or "Conservative" branded leaflet immediately. I have no problem with that.’
This is not the first time the parties have clashed over promotional material. Recently accusations were thrown by both sides over materials produced for a by-election in Hythe.
Containing promotional material about candidate Lynne Beaumont, 'Kent View' edition 2 is currently being delivered to Shepway residents and is appearing in cafes around Folkestone.
A ‘lighthearted’ letter posted on the Hawkinge Gazette website criticises the leaflet for ‘duping’ readers into believing it has been independently produced and asks ‘why can’t these Lib Dems be upfront and put ‘Shepway Lib Dems’ on the front page?’
Printed in the style of a glossy magazine, the Lib Dem logo and contact details are given at the foot of the last page. The editor is Season Prater, wife of Cllr Prater, although her membership of the Lib Dems is not given.
When tackled on the issue Cllr Prater defended the leaflet, stating; ‘The idea of magazines / newspapers has been used by all parties and is intended to present information about candidates, people and policies in a way that they will read, engage with, and feel comfortable with'.
Giving several examples of Conservative parties which do the same (though none from the Shepway Conservatives), Cllr Prater stated ‘in each case, I'm not in any way saying they were wrong to do so.
‘They are trying to get a message across, and not put off those people who might not open a "Labour" or "Conservative" branded leaflet immediately. I have no problem with that.’
This is not the first time the parties have clashed over promotional material. Recently accusations were thrown by both sides over materials produced for a by-election in Hythe.
Friday 9 April 2010
Lydd Airport Appeals Stalling?
The future of the Lydd Airport applications to enlarge the current airport remains in doubt.
The decision to approve the expansion was the most controversial planning application of recent times and any decision was widely tipped to be appealed to the secretary of State and go to public enquiry via the Government Office for the South East (G.O.S.E.).
The RSPB says (also linked on the Shepway Lib Dem site) that G.O.S.E. have received 'many letters requesting that the applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport are called in'. Calling in means a decision would be reconsidered by higher authorities.
However, the site then quotes correspondence from G.O.S.E. which appears to cast doubt on the possibility of an enquiry;
'The Secretary of State is currently considering whether or not to call in the applications and your comments and reasons for your requests will be taken into consideration.
'Parliament has entrusted [local planning authorities] with responsibility for the day to day planning control in their areas. It is right that in general they should be free to carry out their duties responsibly, with the minimum of interference.'
This could be a major blow to anti-airport campaigners. It is difficult to see that a Conservative government at the next election would lead to a change in approach. Conservative MP Michael Howard supports the application, Conservative candidate and favourite for the seat Damian Collins supports the application. The G.O.S.E. under a Labour government look unwilling to call-in the decision.
Local Lib Dems are campaigning strongly against the Lydd Airport but look unlikely to win the seat and less likely to return a national government.
The decision to approve the expansion was the most controversial planning application of recent times and any decision was widely tipped to be appealed to the secretary of State and go to public enquiry via the Government Office for the South East (G.O.S.E.).
The RSPB says (also linked on the Shepway Lib Dem site) that G.O.S.E. have received 'many letters requesting that the applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport are called in'. Calling in means a decision would be reconsidered by higher authorities.
However, the site then quotes correspondence from G.O.S.E. which appears to cast doubt on the possibility of an enquiry;
'The Secretary of State is currently considering whether or not to call in the applications and your comments and reasons for your requests will be taken into consideration.
'Parliament has entrusted [local planning authorities] with responsibility for the day to day planning control in their areas. It is right that in general they should be free to carry out their duties responsibly, with the minimum of interference.'
This could be a major blow to anti-airport campaigners. It is difficult to see that a Conservative government at the next election would lead to a change in approach. Conservative MP Michael Howard supports the application, Conservative candidate and favourite for the seat Damian Collins supports the application. The G.O.S.E. under a Labour government look unwilling to call-in the decision.
Local Lib Dems are campaigning strongly against the Lydd Airport but look unlikely to win the seat and less likely to return a national government.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
General Election Opening Announcements
Conservative and Lib Dem parties have been quick to react to Gordon Brown’s announcement that the general election will be on May 7.
Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson has posted a lengthy article on the Shepway Conservative's website, running to over 1,100 words.
Cllr Tillson urges members to ‘do everything in our power to evict this decomposing muck heap of a government and its failed prime minister’ and asks members to 'dig deep' to ensure Conservative Candidate Damain Collins wins the seat.
Towards the end of the article the Lib Dems are described as ‘the bindweed of politics – once they are allowed to invade territory, they are very hard to displace until people finally realise that empty cans make the most noise.’
The article also shows the Conservatives’ greatest worry - the danger of UKIP splitting the Conservative vote, as happened when Shepway District Leader Conservative Robert Bliss lost his Kent County Council seat to Lib Dem Tim Prater.
Shepway Liberal Democrats have posted a smaller press release, stating ‘Lib Dem Lynne Beaumont is predicted to be the only serious challenger to the Conservatives ... with bookmakers Ladbrokes rating both UKIP and Labour as 100-1 rank outsiders.’
As of April 6, Ladbrokes rate Ms Beaumont as 14/1 with Mr Collins the clear favourite at 1/100.
Ms Beaumont says ‘I've already pledged to be a full time MP for our area with no other paid job, and to accept no second homes expenses if elected: an MP can and should commute from here to Westminster.’
The Liberal Democrats are making the most of Ms Beaumont’s ‘local’ credentials over rival Mr Collins, who previously stood in Northampton North. Ms Beaumont has attacked Mr Collins for being a ‘wannabe MP’. Mr Collins has become involved in local issues and has told FUTS he believes an increase in the Conservative share of the vote is possible.
Funding appears to be a concern for both parties, with appeals made in Cllr Tillson’s article and by several prominent Lib Dems on Twitter. Labour, a distant third, appear to be in turmoil with not enough local members supporting candidate Donald Worsley's attempts to canvass and campaign.
It is unlikely the Conservative majority of over 11,000 votes will be overturned, but with the scandals of recent times reverberating around Westminster neither candidate is taking anything for granted.
Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson has posted a lengthy article on the Shepway Conservative's website, running to over 1,100 words.
Cllr Tillson urges members to ‘do everything in our power to evict this decomposing muck heap of a government and its failed prime minister’ and asks members to 'dig deep' to ensure Conservative Candidate Damain Collins wins the seat.
Towards the end of the article the Lib Dems are described as ‘the bindweed of politics – once they are allowed to invade territory, they are very hard to displace until people finally realise that empty cans make the most noise.’
The article also shows the Conservatives’ greatest worry - the danger of UKIP splitting the Conservative vote, as happened when Shepway District Leader Conservative Robert Bliss lost his Kent County Council seat to Lib Dem Tim Prater.
Shepway Liberal Democrats have posted a smaller press release, stating ‘Lib Dem Lynne Beaumont is predicted to be the only serious challenger to the Conservatives ... with bookmakers Ladbrokes rating both UKIP and Labour as 100-1 rank outsiders.’
As of April 6, Ladbrokes rate Ms Beaumont as 14/1 with Mr Collins the clear favourite at 1/100.
Ms Beaumont says ‘I've already pledged to be a full time MP for our area with no other paid job, and to accept no second homes expenses if elected: an MP can and should commute from here to Westminster.’
The Liberal Democrats are making the most of Ms Beaumont’s ‘local’ credentials over rival Mr Collins, who previously stood in Northampton North. Ms Beaumont has attacked Mr Collins for being a ‘wannabe MP’. Mr Collins has become involved in local issues and has told FUTS he believes an increase in the Conservative share of the vote is possible.
Funding appears to be a concern for both parties, with appeals made in Cllr Tillson’s article and by several prominent Lib Dems on Twitter. Labour, a distant third, appear to be in turmoil with not enough local members supporting candidate Donald Worsley's attempts to canvass and campaign.
It is unlikely the Conservative majority of over 11,000 votes will be overturned, but with the scandals of recent times reverberating around Westminster neither candidate is taking anything for granted.
Thursday 1 April 2010
Sounds of the Underground II
Update on previous post.
From a cursory glance of the cover of the Folkestone Herald while getting lunch it appears that current Folkestone mayor and People First councillor Janet Andrews has supported Lib Dem councillor Tom MacNeice as the next mayor of the town.
People First is a Lib Dem splinter group formed during the much publicised Lib Dem meltdown.
People First leader Brian Copping reportedly protested against her vote as it went against a previous agreement that would have seen Rodica Wheeler become mayor.
Sadly my skimming stopped at this point as I had to pay. If interested look in the Herald, also notable for not leading with a story about peeling tattoos.
From a cursory glance of the cover of the Folkestone Herald while getting lunch it appears that current Folkestone mayor and People First councillor Janet Andrews has supported Lib Dem councillor Tom MacNeice as the next mayor of the town.
People First is a Lib Dem splinter group formed during the much publicised Lib Dem meltdown.
People First leader Brian Copping reportedly protested against her vote as it went against a previous agreement that would have seen Rodica Wheeler become mayor.
Sadly my skimming stopped at this point as I had to pay. If interested look in the Herald, also notable for not leading with a story about peeling tattoos.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Web Wars Heating up in Folkestone and Hythe Campaign
A 12 second video of Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont's pledges has been posted on the Lib Dem Website.
In the video, Ms Beamont lists her three pledges as – “no other second homes allowance, I will commute to London like everybody else and no other paid employment.”
The use of ‘new media’, meaning freely accessible sites such as Facebook Twitter and blogs, is a relatively new development in English politics and is leading to some interesting interaction between politicians and voters.
Ms Beaumont’s Conservative rival Damian Collins appears to have the sharpest web presence, with regularly updated pages on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. His Facebook avatar is a nod to an iconic image of Barak Obama, who used new media to great effect in his campaign for the American presidency.
While these sites help raise candidates’ profiles, they can also allow very public comment and criticism, which becomes more likely as the site or page becomes more popular. Mr Collins appears to be dogged by one persistent commenter, although occasionally others step into defend him.
Ms Beaumont is beginning to post but has yet to achieve Mr Collins’ success - Mr Collins boasts 866 Facebook friends, while Ms Beaumont has 149.
In the video, Ms Beamont lists her three pledges as – “no other second homes allowance, I will commute to London like everybody else and no other paid employment.”
The use of ‘new media’, meaning freely accessible sites such as Facebook Twitter and blogs, is a relatively new development in English politics and is leading to some interesting interaction between politicians and voters.
Ms Beaumont’s Conservative rival Damian Collins appears to have the sharpest web presence, with regularly updated pages on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. His Facebook avatar is a nod to an iconic image of Barak Obama, who used new media to great effect in his campaign for the American presidency. 
While these sites help raise candidates’ profiles, they can also allow very public comment and criticism, which becomes more likely as the site or page becomes more popular. Mr Collins appears to be dogged by one persistent commenter, although occasionally others step into defend him. Mr Collins background in PR and advertising leads many to tip him to win the new media race although given Shepway’s elderly demographic and the history of the seat it is not clear what effect this will have on the result.
Ms Beaumont is beginning to post but has yet to achieve Mr Collins’ success - Mr Collins boasts 866 Facebook friends, while Ms Beaumont has 149.
Donald vs Adonis Ding Dong
Labour candidate Donald Worsley has again taken his own party to task over the Eurotunnel fiasco that disrupted travel over the Christmas break.
In a letter to Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis, Mr Worsley suggests Lord Adonis should visit ‘the Tunnel at Longport and passengers at Ashford Station to instill confidence in the travelling public that measures have been taken to ensure the chaos that reigned before Christmas will never be repeated on your watch.’
Mr Worsley had previously written to Lord Adonis to air his concerns that the independent review into the disruption was far from independent, that the board should be sacked and that the franchise should be taken under government control.
These suggestions were dismissed in a letter from Lord Adonis’ staff.
Mr Worsley has previously disagreed with his own party on the issue of a referendum over signing the Lisbon Treaty and the decision to not use Dungeness C as the site for a new power station.
In a letter to Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis, Mr Worsley suggests Lord Adonis should visit ‘the Tunnel at Longport and passengers at Ashford Station to instill confidence in the travelling public that measures have been taken to ensure the chaos that reigned before Christmas will never be repeated on your watch.’
Mr Worsley had previously written to Lord Adonis to air his concerns that the independent review into the disruption was far from independent, that the board should be sacked and that the franchise should be taken under government control.
These suggestions were dismissed in a letter from Lord Adonis’ staff.
Mr Worsley has previously disagreed with his own party on the issue of a referendum over signing the Lisbon Treaty and the decision to not use Dungeness C as the site for a new power station.
Sounds of the Underground*
*Scurrilous gossip alert - this might all be B.S. but makes a good story. Check Herald Thursday for details?
Hmm...what is happening in Folkestone Town Council?
Fresh from bumping into a fuming town councillor who remained admirably tight lipped after last week’s meeting, word is reaching FUTS that the Lib Dems have gone cloak and dagger.
Some spurious and as yet unproven allegations of a high profile defection TO the Lib Dems, as well as shenanigans over the choice of the next mayor - rumour has it a gentleman’s agreement has been reneged upon.
Tim Prater is not the most popular person in the chamber, at least with some people – but no change there then!
Still waiting for pistols at dawn on Sunny Sands.
Hmm...what is happening in Folkestone Town Council?
Fresh from bumping into a fuming town councillor who remained admirably tight lipped after last week’s meeting, word is reaching FUTS that the Lib Dems have gone cloak and dagger.
Some spurious and as yet unproven allegations of a high profile defection TO the Lib Dems, as well as shenanigans over the choice of the next mayor - rumour has it a gentleman’s agreement has been reneged upon.
Tim Prater is not the most popular person in the chamber, at least with some people – but no change there then!
Still waiting for pistols at dawn on Sunny Sands.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Mixed Response to Budget
Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour politicians in Shepway have criticised the Government’s budget, announced March 24.
Shepway Liberal Democrats posted an article ‘Stealth Income Tax Increase will hit Folkestone and Hythe hard’ which opens with; ‘The 2010 Labour budget has frozen income tax threshold limits, meaning a real terms rise in income taxes on tax payers across Folkestone and Hythe. The Lib Dems had announced plans to take all those earning under £10,000 out of income tax entirely by raising the lower tax threshold.’
The article has a quote from leader Nick Clegg but little about the specific impact on Shepway’s economy and voters.
In a statement on the Shepway Conservatives website parliamentary candidate Damian Collins criticises the budget as offering ‘more of the same debt, taxes, and waste that have got the economy into the terrible mess it’s in.’
Mr Collins then offers opinions specific to Shepway around the changes to taxes on holiday lets, stating; ‘local businesses who offer self catering holiday accommodation could be particularly badly hit, and will lead to higher prices, putting off visitors.’
Shepway Liberal Democrats posted an article ‘Stealth Income Tax Increase will hit Folkestone and Hythe hard’ which opens with; ‘The 2010 Labour budget has frozen income tax threshold limits, meaning a real terms rise in income taxes on tax payers across Folkestone and Hythe. The Lib Dems had announced plans to take all those earning under £10,000 out of income tax entirely by raising the lower tax threshold.’
The article has a quote from leader Nick Clegg but little about the specific impact on Shepway’s economy and voters.
In a statement on the Shepway Conservatives website parliamentary candidate Damian Collins criticises the budget as offering ‘more of the same debt, taxes, and waste that have got the economy into the terrible mess it’s in.’
Mr Collins then offers opinions specific to Shepway around the changes to taxes on holiday lets, stating; ‘local businesses who offer self catering holiday accommodation could be particularly badly hit, and will lead to higher prices, putting off visitors.’
Mr Collins also criticises the 10% tax increase on cider, although his joining of the Kent Cider Company on Facebook was criticised as ‘shameless electioneering.’
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley has also criticised the budget, though he does not think it will lose the election for Labour. Talking to FUTS, Mr Worsley described the budget as ‘Too little, too late – this should have been done a year ago. It will not win the election – neither will it lose it.’
Mr Worsley has past form of disagreeing with Labour Government decisions such as Dungeness C and the failure to hold a referendum on ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, although he has maintained any disagreements with the national party are for the benefit of Shepway.
News, News, News...
What is going on at Yahoo News? Ok, I appreciate it isn’t the world’s greatest news service, but in addition to reporting that a new type of human had been identified from DNA extracted from a ‘pinky finger bone’, a story about those pesky Russkies flying bombers around the North Sea appears to be confused as to whether they entered British airspace or not;
“After being tailed for four hours, the Russians eventually left British airspace.
The Ministry of Defence stressed that there was no indication that the planes intended to enter British airspace.”
Eh?
Truly some of the oddest phrasing since the Herald a fortnight ago which referred to Lynne Beaumont’s ‘real life opponent Damian Collins.’
“After being tailed for four hours, the Russians eventually left British airspace.
The Ministry of Defence stressed that there was no indication that the planes intended to enter British airspace.”
Eh?
Truly some of the oddest phrasing since the Herald a fortnight ago which referred to Lynne Beaumont’s ‘real life opponent Damian Collins.’
Wednesday 24 March 2010
You Gotta Love 'im - Love Promoted to Deputy Leader
Conservative Cllr for Harvey West Ward Rory Love is deputy leader of Shepway District Council, replacing Cllr David Monk.
Shepway Liberal Democrats are claiming that Cllr Love has ‘ousted’ Cllr Monk. The Conservative website as yet has no comment on this issue. Cllr Love’s title on the Shepway District website is now ‘Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Services’.
This adds to the ‘Revenues and Benefits’ and ‘Environmental Services’ portfolios which were already under Cllr Love’s control. He also sits on six panels, committees and boards and represents the council on various issues including Rail for Folkestone.
Cllr Love has overseen an improvement in benefit payment, for which his team narrowly missed out on an award . He is an eloquent speaker in meetings, has a reasonably active webpage, stood for the Lewes constituency seat in 2005 and was previously council leader in 1999.
He has not escaped criticism. Cllr Love was singled out by Cllr Paul Marsh of the People First group as having awarded himself a 600% pay rise, and his expanding power base in the council led to an unfavourable comparison with Peter Mandelson.
*Cllr Love is surely waiting in the wings to take over as Leader of the Council. With the imminent election of young Conservative Candidate Damian Collins as MP, perhaps the Tories are seeking to have a younger, more dynamic and modern leader for the District Council to represent a break from the past.
Shepway Liberal Democrats are claiming that Cllr Love has ‘ousted’ Cllr Monk. The Conservative website as yet has no comment on this issue. Cllr Love’s title on the Shepway District website is now ‘Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Services’.
This adds to the ‘Revenues and Benefits’ and ‘Environmental Services’ portfolios which were already under Cllr Love’s control. He also sits on six panels, committees and boards and represents the council on various issues including Rail for Folkestone.
Cllr Love has overseen an improvement in benefit payment, for which his team narrowly missed out on an award . He is an eloquent speaker in meetings, has a reasonably active webpage, stood for the Lewes constituency seat in 2005 and was previously council leader in 1999.
He has not escaped criticism. Cllr Love was singled out by Cllr Paul Marsh of the People First group as having awarded himself a 600% pay rise, and his expanding power base in the council led to an unfavourable comparison with Peter Mandelson.
*Cllr Love is surely waiting in the wings to take over as Leader of the Council. With the imminent election of young Conservative Candidate Damian Collins as MP, perhaps the Tories are seeking to have a younger, more dynamic and modern leader for the District Council to represent a break from the past.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Shepway Lib Dems - Dead as a Dodo or Phoenix From the Flames?
Opinion piece for my own amusement - feel free to comment, email, etc.What to make of the Shepway Liberal Democrat party? Their spectacular and widely publicised fall from grace has seen them go from losing a 27 strong majority on the district council to a six councillor rump in a few years.
Disastrous policies, splits, defections and bitter spats have dogged the group. Chewing through PPCs like they were going out of fashion has left slim Liberal hopes of ending Conservative control of the parliamentary seat in tatters.Leader Lynne Beaumont has declined to give figures of how far membership has fallen. Six local councillors come from three families, perhaps a sign of of a seriously limited membership to draw candidates from, with other amid rumours circulating of the membership halving or worse in 3 years.
As if this wasn’t bad enough, at the time of writing several key aspects of Lib Dem policy seem destined to drive them further onto the rocks of Shepway politics. Opposing Dungeness C and Lydd Airport, the Lib Dems are accused of stifling development at a time when the area is crying out for jobs. While Lib Dem claims that their green eco-tourism initiatives will provide jobs are unproven, could they be playing a masterful long game, accepting crushing defeat this year in the hope of making headway in the long run and rising from the fallout of both issues (pun fully intended)?
The Lib Dems are adamantly opposed to Lydd Airport’s expansion. This is a contentious issue, and it is hard to see if any side really has the ‘silent majority’. If it goes ahead it is far from a guaranteed success, with no infrastructure to serve it, a possible third runway at Heathrow not far away and nearby Manston struggling. If more of the Marsh is concreted over for no discernable benefits the Lib Dems will be well positioned to make political headway.
The issue of Dungeness could represent a similar plan. Unlike the airport, it seems the majority of the population would like to see a new power station. No matter how strong this wish nor how doggedly the council fight, it is hard to see any government going back on the decision not to consider Dungeness – the national Conservative site does not return any results for a search of the word ‘Dungeness’ and the wisdom of building a nuclear reactor on a marsh barely above sea level with purported sea level rises is questionable.Therefore, in a similar vain to the Lydd Airport tactic, opposition to the power station now could see short term losses accepted for long term gains.
Politically, the Lib Dems are attacking local Conservatives for not having a plan B. Making ‘Green’ a centrepiece of her campaign, Ms Beaumont has pressed ahead with an ‘Eco-tourism’ initiative. A recent meeting of stakeholders had a somewhat low turnout and there was hostility to the ideas expressed in the room - hardly an impressive start.
However, should the council be unsuccessful in getting the Dungeness decision reversed and the Lydd Airport expansion be a disaster, no doubt the Lib Dems will crow about their Eco-initiatives till the cows come home and make some headway.
Several other factors should be borne in mid. Although a shadow of their former selves, they are hard to ignore.
In Ms Beaumont they have a PPC who is prepared to make it personal, dismissing rival Damian Collins as a ‘wannabe MP’ and highlighting her ‘localness,’ a tactic we can expect more of. Association Chairman Russell Tillson has answered these charges while Mr Collins remains tight-lipped – these may be uncomfortable home truths for the dead cert.
With no other job, Ms Beaumont can pour all her efforts into campaigning. She is unlikely to win, but she is raising the group’s profile ahead of the local elections of 2011.
The Lib Dems also appear to have the upper hand on the Web, with a regularly updated site. Cleverly mixing Lib Dem announcements and community news, the site acts as a newswire, bringing visitors to peruse the Pravda-like articles, which cut out opposition councillors from events and spin defeats into victories in a manner worthy of any AgitProp department.
Lib Dem web guru Tim Prater has said the site is simply about what Liberal Democrats are doing, which is clearly rubbish.
A story on the site about grants awarded to local groups cheerfully opens with the line ‘As a County Councillor, I've had no say in any of these bids or grants, but thought they may be of interest!’ This comes slightly before an announcement of a talk on the Apollo 13 mission (not given by a Lib Dem) and numerous announcements of roadworks (no info on which councillors are out in the road gangs).
In addition to the site, every household in Shepway is receiving fancy, glossy, colourful flyers. Rarely a week goes past without Lib Dem councillors staring angrily from the pages of the local rags. Their twittering is almost constant. All of this gives them a presence that far outweighs their six member minority on the District council.
The key is turning this into votes. There have been some successes. The Lib Dems just about retain control of Folkestone Town Council. Tim Prater now has a seat on the County Council, though a case of something nice should have been sent to UKIP for this – UKIP split the Conservative vote, allowing Mr Prater to squeeze to victory by 11 votes.
Real success, which would be control of the District Council or returning an MP is still some way off. Whether the Liberal Democrat group can increase members and councillors with the current incumbents in charge, or whether history will repeat itself with splits further splits in the groupremains to be seen.
Err...if anyone reads this post-election, I'd like to point out the date and this was written BEFORE the Lib Dems jumped into bed with the Conservative Party. In fairness Ms Beaumont, on a visit back home I noted Ms Beaumont has decried the U-turn on education fees.
Blinded by the Sun / News in Briefs
I was as upset as anyone at the terrible misfortune to befall David Beckham. I struggled for the words to encapsulate my thoughts when I chanced upon a copy of the Sun on the train.
On Page 3 Rosie, from Middlesex, said; “Like Achilles, son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons, Becks is a dashing warrior.”
Quite!
These wise words reminded me of the wisdom of the ancients used closer to home.
In four full pages of Remembrance Sunday coverage last year, the Folkestone Herald managed to include quotes from Plato (“Only the dead have seen the end of war”) and Mother Teresa (“If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other”), yet none from servicemen taking part in the ceremony.
Surely their reporters would have gone to the event rather than cribbing quotes from Wikipedia?
Still, the KM’s amazing attempt at giving the Leas Lift a brush with ancient glories lives on here.
On Page 3 Rosie, from Middlesex, said; “Like Achilles, son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons, Becks is a dashing warrior.”
Quite!
These wise words reminded me of the wisdom of the ancients used closer to home.
In four full pages of Remembrance Sunday coverage last year, the Folkestone Herald managed to include quotes from Plato (“Only the dead have seen the end of war”) and Mother Teresa (“If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other”), yet none from servicemen taking part in the ceremony.
Surely their reporters would have gone to the event rather than cribbing quotes from Wikipedia?
Still, the KM’s amazing attempt at giving the Leas Lift a brush with ancient glories lives on here.
Lib Dem Lynne Leads After Debate
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont proved more popular than her rivals at a public debate in South Kent College.
Around 100 students attended the event to hear the candidates’ views on jobs, education and the future of Shepway. In a ballot after the debate, Ms Beaumont polled 66%, Conservative candidate Damian Collins 19% and Labour candidate Donald Worsley 15%.
Mr Collins did not explain why he thought Ms Beaumont polled most votes, but did say he thought it was ‘a very good debate and enjoyed meeting with the students.’
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley took heart from the result, reasoning that it was an improvement on Labour’s disastrous showing in recent county elections and could represent a fall in Conservative support.
Mr Worlsey also stated ‘the meeting Shepway has had a Conservative MP for the last 27years yet unemployment continues to go against the national trend, in a District in that time which has also seen a Lib Dem administration but not a Labour one.’
This is one of several events where all candidates will be speaking. The result is interesting as it goes against all expectations of an easy Conservative victory. However, at the moment this result is an aberration rather than a trend and Mr Collins is still clear favourite to win the seat.
Around 100 students attended the event to hear the candidates’ views on jobs, education and the future of Shepway. In a ballot after the debate, Ms Beaumont polled 66%, Conservative candidate Damian Collins 19% and Labour candidate Donald Worsley 15%.
Mr Collins did not explain why he thought Ms Beaumont polled most votes, but did say he thought it was ‘a very good debate and enjoyed meeting with the students.’
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley took heart from the result, reasoning that it was an improvement on Labour’s disastrous showing in recent county elections and could represent a fall in Conservative support.
Mr Worlsey also stated ‘the meeting Shepway has had a Conservative MP for the last 27years yet unemployment continues to go against the national trend, in a District in that time which has also seen a Lib Dem administration but not a Labour one.’
This is one of several events where all candidates will be speaking. The result is interesting as it goes against all expectations of an easy Conservative victory. However, at the moment this result is an aberration rather than a trend and Mr Collins is still clear favourite to win the seat.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Conservative Campaign Continuing Smoothly
Conservative Candidate Damian Collins is unconcerned at aggressive Lib Dem leafleting and campaigning in Shepway.
Large numbers of Lib Dem campaign flyers, in which Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont attacks Mr Collins for saying MPs having extra work is ‘fine’ have been delivered across Shepway.
The leaflets repeatedly stress Ms Beaumont’s long ties to the local area, a widely anticipated tactic against Mr Collins, who previously contested the Northampton North seat.
Speaking to FUTS after a meeting addressing Braebourne Lees and Smeeth residents at a public meeting, Mr Collins said;
“I wasn’t surprised by the Lib Dem leaflets.
“We have been out canvassing and are getting a good response. We are hopeful we can build on our share of the vote in this area, but I take nothing for granted and will be working hard in the campaign.”
Mr Collins also said that his recent video had proved to be extremely popular.
“There was a real spike in traffic when the video was posted. We will have more videos, and as the campaign progresses we hope to have one video per day posted online.”
The latest video to be posted by Mr Collins can be seen here. Mr Collins discusses how to support small businesses, touching on local initiatives and Conservative policies.
Large numbers of Lib Dem campaign flyers, in which Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont attacks Mr Collins for saying MPs having extra work is ‘fine’ have been delivered across Shepway.
The leaflets repeatedly stress Ms Beaumont’s long ties to the local area, a widely anticipated tactic against Mr Collins, who previously contested the Northampton North seat.
Speaking to FUTS after a meeting addressing Braebourne Lees and Smeeth residents at a public meeting, Mr Collins said;
“I wasn’t surprised by the Lib Dem leaflets.
“We have been out canvassing and are getting a good response. We are hopeful we can build on our share of the vote in this area, but I take nothing for granted and will be working hard in the campaign.”
Mr Collins also said that his recent video had proved to be extremely popular.
“There was a real spike in traffic when the video was posted. We will have more videos, and as the campaign progresses we hope to have one video per day posted online.”
The latest video to be posted by Mr Collins can be seen here. Mr Collins discusses how to support small businesses, touching on local initiatives and Conservative policies.
Lydd Airport Applications Grounded? (L.A.A.G.)
Government Advisory body Natural England has called on the Secretary of State to call the Lydd Airport Applications.
Both Kent Online and Shepway Lib Dem websites are reporting that the decision has been called in and that the Government Office for the South East will decide whether to refer the matter to the Secretary of State.
In a press release dated March 12, kindly passed onto FUTS by Conservative Cllr Russell Tillson, Natural England Area Manager Rob Cameron is quoted as saying;
“We [Natural England] have to be consulted by law because the proposed expansion at the LAA at Lydd may affect nature conservation sites of national and international importance. The scientific evidence supports the need for the ‘call in’.
“If the Secretary of State agrees to Natural England’s request, this would most likely result in a Public Inquiry,
“We believe the applicant has been unable to demonstrate that the sites of national and international importance for nature conservation would not be adversely affected by the proposed developments.”
Natural England, set up on 2006 to be an independent advisory body, is also concerned that the Bird Control Plan is insufficiently detailed and the potential reduction in air quality.
The Lydd Airport expansion applications are the most controversial of recent times. Strong views have been expressed both for and against.
Shepway planning officers recommended refusal. Councillors voted to combine the Shepway officers’ report with the London Ashford Airport report before passing the planning applications, after a 7 hour meeting on March 3, with 27 councillors voting in favour.
It was widely expected that any decision would lead to an appeal. Lydd Airport Action Group, the largest organised group against the applications, announced their intention to request a call in the day after the approval.
Both Kent Online and Shepway Lib Dem websites are reporting that the decision has been called in and that the Government Office for the South East will decide whether to refer the matter to the Secretary of State.
In a press release dated March 12, kindly passed onto FUTS by Conservative Cllr Russell Tillson, Natural England Area Manager Rob Cameron is quoted as saying;
“We [Natural England] have to be consulted by law because the proposed expansion at the LAA at Lydd may affect nature conservation sites of national and international importance. The scientific evidence supports the need for the ‘call in’.
“If the Secretary of State agrees to Natural England’s request, this would most likely result in a Public Inquiry,
“We believe the applicant has been unable to demonstrate that the sites of national and international importance for nature conservation would not be adversely affected by the proposed developments.”
Natural England, set up on 2006 to be an independent advisory body, is also concerned that the Bird Control Plan is insufficiently detailed and the potential reduction in air quality.
The Lydd Airport expansion applications are the most controversial of recent times. Strong views have been expressed both for and against.
Shepway planning officers recommended refusal. Councillors voted to combine the Shepway officers’ report with the London Ashford Airport report before passing the planning applications, after a 7 hour meeting on March 3, with 27 councillors voting in favour.
It was widely expected that any decision would lead to an appeal. Lydd Airport Action Group, the largest organised group against the applications, announced their intention to request a call in the day after the approval.
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Candidates Clash in Student Fees Debate – What Really Happened Part II
Following on from the earlier post, a second YouTube video has been brought to the attention of FUTS, courtesy of Lib Dem councillor Tim Prater.
Conservative Candidate Damian Collins and Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont took part in a debate on the Future of Student Fees, held at Canterbury Christchurch University.
Ms Beaumont told FUTS that Mr Collins had been heckled after advocating higher fees for top level universities. At the time Mr Collins admitted that some issues were ‘contentious’, but stated he only said colleges ‘should have to back up why they were charging more ... When I said this there wasn't a reaction.’
The video, with less than 30 views at the time of writing, shows one student accusing Mr Collins of ‘blatantly’ lying as Conservative policies would price people out of University.
Mr Collins clarifies that ‘I’m not saying [variable fees] is what I want. The principle is that institutions should give you much better information.’
The student then attacks rumoured Conservative plans for ‘ten grand tuition fees’ and graduate tax, to loud applause.
Mr Collins answers that everyone pays top rate tax regardless of university education and appears to say that this is not enough to pay for university, though speech is obscured by the noise in the room.
In an email, Cllr Prater states ‘I think that Damian doth protest too much on variable tuition fees - he laid out clearly the grounds on which universities would charge different fees.
‘If you don't agree with variable fees and wouldn't allow them, then you say so. He didn't.’
Given that Mr Collins was speaking to an audience of students, some heckling is unsurprising and his willingness to debate in this atmosphere is commendable.
However, it appears his initial statement of ‘when I said this there wasn’t a reaction’ was avoiding admitting the more uncomfortable aspects of the meeting.
Neither the party website nor Mr Collins appears to give a clear indication of controls on variable fees (should they be introduced), presumably leaving the door open for top universities to charge more for their courses.
Conservative policy states ‘We recognise that higher fees have brought benefits to universities, but we need to ensure that they are providing a better student experience in return’
Conservative Candidate Damian Collins and Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont took part in a debate on the Future of Student Fees, held at Canterbury Christchurch University.
Ms Beaumont told FUTS that Mr Collins had been heckled after advocating higher fees for top level universities. At the time Mr Collins admitted that some issues were ‘contentious’, but stated he only said colleges ‘should have to back up why they were charging more ... When I said this there wasn't a reaction.’
The video, with less than 30 views at the time of writing, shows one student accusing Mr Collins of ‘blatantly’ lying as Conservative policies would price people out of University.
Mr Collins clarifies that ‘I’m not saying [variable fees] is what I want. The principle is that institutions should give you much better information.’
The student then attacks rumoured Conservative plans for ‘ten grand tuition fees’ and graduate tax, to loud applause.
Mr Collins answers that everyone pays top rate tax regardless of university education and appears to say that this is not enough to pay for university, though speech is obscured by the noise in the room.
In an email, Cllr Prater states ‘I think that Damian doth protest too much on variable tuition fees - he laid out clearly the grounds on which universities would charge different fees.
‘If you don't agree with variable fees and wouldn't allow them, then you say so. He didn't.’
Given that Mr Collins was speaking to an audience of students, some heckling is unsurprising and his willingness to debate in this atmosphere is commendable.
However, it appears his initial statement of ‘when I said this there wasn’t a reaction’ was avoiding admitting the more uncomfortable aspects of the meeting.
Neither the party website nor Mr Collins appears to give a clear indication of controls on variable fees (should they be introduced), presumably leaving the door open for top universities to charge more for their courses.
Conservative policy states ‘We recognise that higher fees have brought benefits to universities, but we need to ensure that they are providing a better student experience in return’
Monday 8 March 2010
Silver Lining for Labour After 'Disapponting' Day Campaigning
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley took cold comfort from the opening of Labour campaigning in Shepway last Saturday.
Mr Worsley was disappointed that few Labour members turned out to help, but was positive about the reaction from members of the public.
Speaking to FUTS, Mr Worley said; ‘it was a bitterly cold day with leaflets blowing everywhere in the wind.
‘The main concerns expressed were the need for jobs and the need to protect the NHS. Given Shepway is a deprived ward we should be more successful here. We need to rebuild a Labour presence in Shepway.’
Labour are currently languishing in third for the seat and do not have any councillors sitting on District and Town councils.
Mr Worsley hopes to improve on previous Labour performances. In 2005 Labour polled only 12.5% of votes.
However, without an internet presence or a reliable party membership to call upon it is uncertain that he will be able to do this.
Mr Worsley was disappointed that few Labour members turned out to help, but was positive about the reaction from members of the public.
Speaking to FUTS, Mr Worley said; ‘it was a bitterly cold day with leaflets blowing everywhere in the wind.
‘The main concerns expressed were the need for jobs and the need to protect the NHS. Given Shepway is a deprived ward we should be more successful here. We need to rebuild a Labour presence in Shepway.’
Labour are currently languishing in third for the seat and do not have any councillors sitting on District and Town councils.
Mr Worsley hopes to improve on previous Labour performances. In 2005 Labour polled only 12.5% of votes.
However, without an internet presence or a reliable party membership to call upon it is uncertain that he will be able to do this.
Collins Campaigning on Small Screen
Conservative Candidate Damian Coillins has launched the first of what is promised to be a series of internet campaign videos.
Posted on his blog and on YouTube, Mr Collins says the videos will enable him to give instant reaction to news and events during the campaign.
In the clip, filmed in Broadmead village, Mr Collins voices his concerns that ‘too many people are missing out on opportunities,’ such as education and business ownership.
Mr Collins ends by promising to fight for the ‘hardworking, law abiding, tax-paying members of society who are the bedrock of communities.’
These videos will be uploaded on Mr Collins’ YouTube channel, ElectDamianCollins.
Mr Collins is widely expected to win the seat in the upcoming general election, but has stated he is taking nothing for granted.
He has extensive experience in PR, and it is perhaps surprising that although his YouTube channel was set up in May 2009, this is the first video posting.
The only other local party to have any real presence on the internet and to have posted videos is the Liberal Democrat Party. Recently a video of Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont addressing students was posted on YouTube and on the Shepway Liberal Democrat site.
Fellow Lib Dem councillor Tim Prater was also videoing Ms Beaumont’s address at the recent ‘Eco-tourism summit’ though none of this footage has yet surfaced.
Posted on his blog and on YouTube, Mr Collins says the videos will enable him to give instant reaction to news and events during the campaign.
In the clip, filmed in Broadmead village, Mr Collins voices his concerns that ‘too many people are missing out on opportunities,’ such as education and business ownership.
Mr Collins ends by promising to fight for the ‘hardworking, law abiding, tax-paying members of society who are the bedrock of communities.’
These videos will be uploaded on Mr Collins’ YouTube channel, ElectDamianCollins.
Mr Collins is widely expected to win the seat in the upcoming general election, but has stated he is taking nothing for granted.
He has extensive experience in PR, and it is perhaps surprising that although his YouTube channel was set up in May 2009, this is the first video posting.
The only other local party to have any real presence on the internet and to have posted videos is the Liberal Democrat Party. Recently a video of Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont addressing students was posted on YouTube and on the Shepway Liberal Democrat site.
Fellow Lib Dem councillor Tim Prater was also videoing Ms Beaumont’s address at the recent ‘Eco-tourism summit’ though none of this footage has yet surfaced.
Friday 5 March 2010
Labour Campaign Kicks Off on Saturday
Although Labour is a distant third in the district to the Conservatives and Lib Dems, Mr Worsley says his campaign will show the national Labour Government is delivering for Shepway, citing the High Speed rail link the Little Cheyenne Windfarm and the new academy schools among its achievements.
Talking to FUTS, Mr Worsley denied that this was part of a long term strategy and that he had little chance of succeeding in the forthcoming election. ‘This is about showing the voters we care about the constituency.’
Promising to ‘put employment at the heart of everything we do’ Mr Worsley emphasised the importance of existing technical colleges and academies of the area and road and rail network saying ‘all we need now is industry.’
When challenged that industry has either already established other bases in the country or died out in the face of global competition, Mr Worsley countered that ‘we need a council that will create employment rather than take it away.’
Emphasising the importance of Dungeness, Mr Worsley vowed to fight for the power station. Questioned that his Conservative rival Mr Collins had stolen a march on this issue, Mr Worsley countered that ‘he might have the high ground on publicity, but I think I win the argument when it comes to commitment and determination.’
Listing the granting of Gurkha settlement rights as one of Labour’s achievements, Mr Worsley countered the observation that in fact the Labour government initially went against this saying ‘Yes, we listened. Yes, we bowed to pressure. It wasn’t a Conservative or a Liberal Democrat that did it.’
When asked about his chances against his Conservative rival’s, Mr Worsley said ‘I accept he has a good chance of winning. Sadly he will be in opposition for the next decade or more, and we will show the people of Shepway that they made the wrong choice.’
It is almost certain that membership of the local Labour party is lower than that of the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. When asked if the local party had the resources for campaigning, Mr Worsley said ‘the journey of a thousand miles starts with the fist step.’
Mixed Messages at Lib Dem Eco Tourism Summit
Local interest groups and a small number of residents attended the ‘Eco –Tourism summit’ at the RSPB visitors centre on March 3.
Although only 24 people attended, the meeting was generally thought to be a success with important issues addressed and discussed.
Representatives from the wildlife organisations on the Marsh, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Angling Associations, Shepway Cycle Forum and several Conservative Councillors were among those present.
Many speakers were strongly in favour of the initiative, although sometimes the meeting was a fractious as attendees disagreed on several issues.
Concerns were raised that residents did not want extra tourists visiting the area and the current infrastructure, especially the lack of public toilets, would not be able to cope with an increase in numbers.
Chris Kirkham of Discover Folkestone cautioned against Dungeness becoming ‘tawdry and tacky’ if initiatives were not well managed.
The need to create jobs was repeatedly stressed and caused some of the sharpest exchanges.
Malcom Dyer of Romney Marsh regeneration Partnership said, ‘we have to provide something that will improve the economic wellbeing of the area.’ Conservative Councillor Russell Tillson echoed this point and cautioned that any plan would likely need a ’15 to 20 year timeframe.’
Resident Brian Godfrey raised the strongest concerns that the project would fail. Mr Godfrey criticised the speakers, saying ‘not one of you has talked directly about job creation.’
Lambasting Marsh-based organisations and councils for the lack of communication, Mr Godfrey also raised concerns that charitable organisations were taking over vast swathes of the Marsh and were stifling development and improvement of infrastructure.
Conservative Councillor Carole Waters criticised Cllr Beaumont for ‘sounding naive.’
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Beaumont admitted that the number of attendees was not as high as hoped, saying several organisations had expressed interest but were unable to send a representative.
Cllr Beaumont accepted the concerns raised but emphasised that an alternative plan was needed for the Marsh given that Dungeness C will not go ahead.
Cllr Tillson, who had previously called plans ‘cloud cuckoo land thinking’ said ‘I fully support any initiative to promote the Marsh,’ and added that he was pleased Ms Beaumont had been alerted to some of the difficulties faced by such projects.
The issue of the Marsh has become a major political issue in the area, and the Eco-tourism summit has so far been a key point in the Liberal Democrat’s green message.
Since the government decision not to consider Dungeness C as a site for new nuclear power station, Conservatives continue to fight for Dungeness C. This divide seems to be gaining in importance and could have a great effect on the national election this year and the District elections in 2011.
Although only 24 people attended, the meeting was generally thought to be a success with important issues addressed and discussed.
Representatives from the wildlife organisations on the Marsh, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Angling Associations, Shepway Cycle Forum and several Conservative Councillors were among those present.
Many speakers were strongly in favour of the initiative, although sometimes the meeting was a fractious as attendees disagreed on several issues.
Concerns were raised that residents did not want extra tourists visiting the area and the current infrastructure, especially the lack of public toilets, would not be able to cope with an increase in numbers.
Chris Kirkham of Discover Folkestone cautioned against Dungeness becoming ‘tawdry and tacky’ if initiatives were not well managed.
The need to create jobs was repeatedly stressed and caused some of the sharpest exchanges.
Malcom Dyer of Romney Marsh regeneration Partnership said, ‘we have to provide something that will improve the economic wellbeing of the area.’ Conservative Councillor Russell Tillson echoed this point and cautioned that any plan would likely need a ’15 to 20 year timeframe.’
Resident Brian Godfrey raised the strongest concerns that the project would fail. Mr Godfrey criticised the speakers, saying ‘not one of you has talked directly about job creation.’
Lambasting Marsh-based organisations and councils for the lack of communication, Mr Godfrey also raised concerns that charitable organisations were taking over vast swathes of the Marsh and were stifling development and improvement of infrastructure.
Conservative Councillor Carole Waters criticised Cllr Beaumont for ‘sounding naive.’
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Beaumont admitted that the number of attendees was not as high as hoped, saying several organisations had expressed interest but were unable to send a representative.
Cllr Beaumont accepted the concerns raised but emphasised that an alternative plan was needed for the Marsh given that Dungeness C will not go ahead.
Cllr Tillson, who had previously called plans ‘cloud cuckoo land thinking’ said ‘I fully support any initiative to promote the Marsh,’ and added that he was pleased Ms Beaumont had been alerted to some of the difficulties faced by such projects.
The issue of the Marsh has become a major political issue in the area, and the Eco-tourism summit has so far been a key point in the Liberal Democrat’s green message.
Since the government decision not to consider Dungeness C as a site for new nuclear power station, Conservatives continue to fight for Dungeness C. This divide seems to be gaining in importance and could have a great effect on the national election this year and the District elections in 2011.
Thursday 4 March 2010
Conservative Candidate says -Lydd Airport Affect Good (L.A.A.G.)*
Conservative Candidate Damian Collins has welcomed the expansion of Lydd Airport, stating in a press release;
‘Shepway has now sent a clear message that it is serious about attracting investment into the area to regenerate the economy and create new jobs. This investment is badly needed in Lydd and Romney Marsh ... particularly now that the future of nuclear power at Dungeness is uncertain.
‘The recession has made life harder for many people, and we cannot afford to throw away the chance of new jobs from the development of businesses that already exist – there has of course been an active airport at Lydd since the 1950s. This for me has always been an important consideration in supporting both the development of Lydd airport and building a new power station at Dungeness.
Noting that after the expansion flying time will be more controlled, Mr Collins also states he believes environmental issues ‘were answered in the presentations and that the members made the right decision in voting in favour of the development.’
Prior to the meeting, Mr Collins had stated that he ‘supported limited expansion depending on what the [planning officers’] report said,’ and subsequently expressed concerns that Natural England had too much power in the debate after officers recommended refusal.
* I know it's not the correct word but it was the best I could do
‘Shepway has now sent a clear message that it is serious about attracting investment into the area to regenerate the economy and create new jobs. This investment is badly needed in Lydd and Romney Marsh ... particularly now that the future of nuclear power at Dungeness is uncertain.
‘The recession has made life harder for many people, and we cannot afford to throw away the chance of new jobs from the development of businesses that already exist – there has of course been an active airport at Lydd since the 1950s. This for me has always been an important consideration in supporting both the development of Lydd airport and building a new power station at Dungeness.
Noting that after the expansion flying time will be more controlled, Mr Collins also states he believes environmental issues ‘were answered in the presentations and that the members made the right decision in voting in favour of the development.’
Prior to the meeting, Mr Collins had stated that he ‘supported limited expansion depending on what the [planning officers’] report said,’ and subsequently expressed concerns that Natural England had too much power in the debate after officers recommended refusal.
* I know it's not the correct word but it was the best I could do
Liberals' Airport Anger Greatens* (L.A.A.G.)
The Liberal Democrat group, in an article titled ‘Vote Blue, Go Green, Feel Sick,’ have lambasted the decision to approve expansion of Lydd Airport.
Wondering how much money has been wasted the piece, authored by Lynne Beaumont, slams local and national Conservatives.
‘For many years now, the [Shepway] Conservatives have hidden behind the view that there should be a public enquiry, and this is what they have said to people. They gave their sympathy to people who are going to be affected.
‘People didn't want their sympathy, they wanted their councillors’ support’
‘David Cameron, only 4 days ago said;
"It was you (conservative activists and councillors), who campaigned at local election after local election, under the slogan Vote blue, go green, that have demonstrated our councils are the greenest and the best in Britain, and that we are the new environmental party in Britain, and you should be proud of that.."
‘The Conservatives who voted for Airport expansion last night in Shepway obviously didn't listen to their leader. They have proved once again that they don't care about our environment, and they do what they want to do in Shepway.’
*not great but the best I could do
Wondering how much money has been wasted the piece, authored by Lynne Beaumont, slams local and national Conservatives.
‘For many years now, the [Shepway] Conservatives have hidden behind the view that there should be a public enquiry, and this is what they have said to people. They gave their sympathy to people who are going to be affected.
‘People didn't want their sympathy, they wanted their councillors’ support’
‘David Cameron, only 4 days ago said;
"It was you (conservative activists and councillors), who campaigned at local election after local election, under the slogan Vote blue, go green, that have demonstrated our councils are the greenest and the best in Britain, and that we are the new environmental party in Britain, and you should be proud of that.."
‘The Conservatives who voted for Airport expansion last night in Shepway obviously didn't listen to their leader. They have proved once again that they don't care about our environment, and they do what they want to do in Shepway.’
*not great but the best I could do
Lydd Airport Appeal Guaranteed (L.A.A.G.)
Lydd Airport Action Group (L.A.A.G.) are expecting a long legal battle to overturn the planning applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport which were approved last night (March 3).
In a press release seen by FUTS and believed to be distributed to all councillors and probably other outlets, L.A.A.G. state ‘Our legal advisor Matthew Horton QC has confirmed that the decision is contrary to European Law as the councillors have not correctly interpreted the Habitats Regulations.
‘We have requested the Government Office of the South East to call in this planning application for a public inquiry as it fulfills four of the five criteria used to assess whether a public inquiry is applicable. We are confident that the decision will be overturned in a public inquiry on the correct interpretation of the European Habitats Regulations.’
L.A.A.G. also claim the nuclear safety issue was ‘dismissed by Shepway and say they can show the methodology used to assess crash damage risk was flawed.
Before the meeting last night groups for and against the expansion had vowed to take the case appeal. In the local press L.A.A.G. figurehead Louise Barton had spoken of her expectation that the case would go to appeal whatever the outcome.
In a press release seen by FUTS and believed to be distributed to all councillors and probably other outlets, L.A.A.G. state ‘Our legal advisor Matthew Horton QC has confirmed that the decision is contrary to European Law as the councillors have not correctly interpreted the Habitats Regulations.
‘We have requested the Government Office of the South East to call in this planning application for a public inquiry as it fulfills four of the five criteria used to assess whether a public inquiry is applicable. We are confident that the decision will be overturned in a public inquiry on the correct interpretation of the European Habitats Regulations.’
L.A.A.G. also claim the nuclear safety issue was ‘dismissed by Shepway and say they can show the methodology used to assess crash damage risk was flawed.
Before the meeting last night groups for and against the expansion had vowed to take the case appeal. In the local press L.A.A.G. figurehead Louise Barton had spoken of her expectation that the case would go to appeal whatever the outcome.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Lydd Airport Expansion - Cleared For Takeoff!
Shepway Council has approved applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport, under the banner of London Ashford Airport.
At 1:40am, after a mammoth six and a half hours of meeting, including three adjournements, the council voted to approve the recommendation having combined aspects of reports produced by the council’s consultants and the Lydd Ashford Airport group’s consultants.
Conservative Cllr Malcom Dearden then proposed accepting the revised application, which also involved him listing almost all planning policies in existence and gaining a round of applause for doing so. A last ditch attempt by the Lib Dems to stop the vote on account of unfamiliarity with the policies was quashed, and the motion passed.
This overturns the recommendation of the council’s officers, which was for refusal.
Over 15 speakers, including representatives of environmental groups, ward councillors and current MP Michael Howard spoke for and against the applications.
The majority of speakers were from environmental groups and spoke against the applications. Mr Matthew Horton QC, speaking for Lydd Action Airport Group (LAAG) the most vocal group against the application, called the proposals ‘damaging, dangerous and dispiriting.’
Concerns over the nuclear power station were occasionally raised. Mr Paul Black of Greatstone School Governors raised concerns over the effect on pupils’ education, as the school is only 600m from the site.
Speakers in favour of the application repeatedly highlighted the need for expansion to generate jobs. In a gutsy speech Caroline Chambers, formerly of the Channel Chamber of Commerce but speaking as a resident, asked ‘since when did newts become more important than people?’
A series of local ward councillors spoke of the importance of jobs and claimed that the ‘silent majority’ were in favour of expansion. Michael Howard MP spoke to assure councillors that they could vote against the planning officers’ recommendation without fear of legal challenge.
Not until 10:15 did the applications become open for debate by members of the council.
Conservative councillors generally supported the applications citing the need for jobs. Early on in the debate Conservative Cllr Malcom Dearden gave a long list of statistics highlighting the dire economic performance of Shepway and the Marsh in particular, before proposing that the council accept the applications subject to conditions.
As previously expected the Liberal Democrat group were strongly against the development. Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Lynne Beaumont repeatedly stated that some of the evidence presented was misinformation, and that consultants used by Lydd Ashford Airport had been ‘paid to sell their story.’
Cllr Beaumont raised concerns that councillors should be in the chamber with pre-prepared notes and speeches in favour of the application. Council Officer Jeremy Chambers clarified that this was acceptable as pre-prepared briefings did not mean councillors could not change their mind during the debate.
Cllr Beaumont also questioned if any of the jobs in the plans were full time or not and whether the airport would lead to a net loss of jobs on the Marsh due to the negative effects of airport expansion.
Lib Dem Councillors repeatedly expressed concerns that to accept the applications would go against legal guidance. Lib Dem Tim Prater concentrated on this, saying the decision was not about weighing up pros and cons, but about a test on the issue of reasonable doubt, a point which appeared to have little impact on the debate.
Later in the debate the Council’s legal adviser cautioned that if councillors were not satisfied beyond reasonable scientific doubt that environmental regulations were not going to be broken they would have to reject the applications.
These points were repeatedly clarified to members, showing a great deal of concern in the chamber over the legal constraints and risk of appeals.
Conservative Cllr Gane asked how up to 500,000 passengers would get to the airport given the poor infrastructure in the area and the lack of a direct rail link.
Most questions followed similar themes with some colourful interjections. Most Conservative Councillors spoke of the need for jobs in the area and it was repeatedly claimed that the ‘silent majority’ were in fact in favour of the application.
Conservative Cllr Ewart-Jones noted often objectors make the largest noise, and many letters objecting to the development are ‘round-robin’ letters (wasn’t this mentioned somewhere before?) and added that councillors, like King Canute, ‘cannot stop the tide of progress.’
Conservative Cllr Carole Waters said she felt ‘very aggrieved’ and ‘worried’ that Natural England were designating large areas as ‘special interest’ and holding up development on the Marsh, although she expressed concern for Greatstone school.
Cllr Beaumont later said the council had voted for the expansion of protected zones, after consultation with Natural England.
Conservative Cllr Love, emphasised the need to have a more holistic view of what is good for the district as a whole. Conservative Russell Tillson said he needed assurances on the net number of jobs, the quality of jobs and that jobs would go to local people and expressed concerns that development scare tourists away from the Marsh.
Comparing the relationship between nature and airports to the relationship between John Terry and Wayne Bridge, Cllr Tillson appeared to be the most cautious Conservative speaker on the night, and was in the minority that voted against the application.
Although the applications have been approved, the decision is likely to be looked at by the Government and could be the subject of lengthy appeals processes.
At 1:40am, after a mammoth six and a half hours of meeting, including three adjournements, the council voted to approve the recommendation having combined aspects of reports produced by the council’s consultants and the Lydd Ashford Airport group’s consultants.
Conservative Cllr Malcom Dearden then proposed accepting the revised application, which also involved him listing almost all planning policies in existence and gaining a round of applause for doing so. A last ditch attempt by the Lib Dems to stop the vote on account of unfamiliarity with the policies was quashed, and the motion passed.
This overturns the recommendation of the council’s officers, which was for refusal.
Over 15 speakers, including representatives of environmental groups, ward councillors and current MP Michael Howard spoke for and against the applications.
The majority of speakers were from environmental groups and spoke against the applications. Mr Matthew Horton QC, speaking for Lydd Action Airport Group (LAAG) the most vocal group against the application, called the proposals ‘damaging, dangerous and dispiriting.’
Concerns over the nuclear power station were occasionally raised. Mr Paul Black of Greatstone School Governors raised concerns over the effect on pupils’ education, as the school is only 600m from the site.
Speakers in favour of the application repeatedly highlighted the need for expansion to generate jobs. In a gutsy speech Caroline Chambers, formerly of the Channel Chamber of Commerce but speaking as a resident, asked ‘since when did newts become more important than people?’
A series of local ward councillors spoke of the importance of jobs and claimed that the ‘silent majority’ were in favour of expansion. Michael Howard MP spoke to assure councillors that they could vote against the planning officers’ recommendation without fear of legal challenge.
Not until 10:15 did the applications become open for debate by members of the council.
Conservative councillors generally supported the applications citing the need for jobs. Early on in the debate Conservative Cllr Malcom Dearden gave a long list of statistics highlighting the dire economic performance of Shepway and the Marsh in particular, before proposing that the council accept the applications subject to conditions.
As previously expected the Liberal Democrat group were strongly against the development. Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Lynne Beaumont repeatedly stated that some of the evidence presented was misinformation, and that consultants used by Lydd Ashford Airport had been ‘paid to sell their story.’
Cllr Beaumont raised concerns that councillors should be in the chamber with pre-prepared notes and speeches in favour of the application. Council Officer Jeremy Chambers clarified that this was acceptable as pre-prepared briefings did not mean councillors could not change their mind during the debate.
Cllr Beaumont also questioned if any of the jobs in the plans were full time or not and whether the airport would lead to a net loss of jobs on the Marsh due to the negative effects of airport expansion.
Lib Dem Councillors repeatedly expressed concerns that to accept the applications would go against legal guidance. Lib Dem Tim Prater concentrated on this, saying the decision was not about weighing up pros and cons, but about a test on the issue of reasonable doubt, a point which appeared to have little impact on the debate.
Later in the debate the Council’s legal adviser cautioned that if councillors were not satisfied beyond reasonable scientific doubt that environmental regulations were not going to be broken they would have to reject the applications.
These points were repeatedly clarified to members, showing a great deal of concern in the chamber over the legal constraints and risk of appeals.
Conservative Cllr Gane asked how up to 500,000 passengers would get to the airport given the poor infrastructure in the area and the lack of a direct rail link.
Most questions followed similar themes with some colourful interjections. Most Conservative Councillors spoke of the need for jobs in the area and it was repeatedly claimed that the ‘silent majority’ were in fact in favour of the application.
Conservative Cllr Ewart-Jones noted often objectors make the largest noise, and many letters objecting to the development are ‘round-robin’ letters (wasn’t this mentioned somewhere before?) and added that councillors, like King Canute, ‘cannot stop the tide of progress.’
Conservative Cllr Carole Waters said she felt ‘very aggrieved’ and ‘worried’ that Natural England were designating large areas as ‘special interest’ and holding up development on the Marsh, although she expressed concern for Greatstone school.
Cllr Beaumont later said the council had voted for the expansion of protected zones, after consultation with Natural England.
Conservative Cllr Love, emphasised the need to have a more holistic view of what is good for the district as a whole. Conservative Russell Tillson said he needed assurances on the net number of jobs, the quality of jobs and that jobs would go to local people and expressed concerns that development scare tourists away from the Marsh.
Comparing the relationship between nature and airports to the relationship between John Terry and Wayne Bridge, Cllr Tillson appeared to be the most cautious Conservative speaker on the night, and was in the minority that voted against the application.
Although the applications have been approved, the decision is likely to be looked at by the Government and could be the subject of lengthy appeals processes.
Webcast / Eating Words Latest
Credit where credit's due - the webcast is thus far clear, crisp and not splitting up or stalling. Well done Shepway!
Case officer currently going through report and late representations. Video window is showing details of maps, pics when they are referred to - nice touch.
Didn't the Lib Dems call for more of this? Get ready for more calls for web broadcast from the Lib Dems - shame normally it's only the press and 3 others that attend, including myself.
I'm wondering what the old guy that turns up just to read his book must be doing now. Such is the interest in local politics!
Case officer currently going through report and late representations. Video window is showing details of maps, pics when they are referred to - nice touch.
Didn't the Lib Dems call for more of this? Get ready for more calls for web broadcast from the Lib Dems - shame normally it's only the press and 3 others that attend, including myself.
I'm wondering what the old guy that turns up just to read his book must be doing now. Such is the interest in local politics!
D-Day for LAA
After years of debate and delays, tonight’s the night for Shepway Council to approve or reject the applications for Lydd Ashford Airport.
Planning officers recommend refusal though there are plenty of precedents from the Development Control Committee to show councillors will not slavishly follow their officers’ recommendations.
What can we expect?
The Lib Dems will surely vote to reject the applications. With ‘green’ and ‘eco-tourism’ being current Lib Dem buzzwords, and repeated articles on their website AGAINST the application, it seems unlikely that the arguments put forward tonight will change their minds although of course they are prepared to listen to both sides of the argument.
Shepway Lib Dem Leader Lynne Beaumont told FUTS she has taken legal advice to ensure that the group’s votes will not be challenged. Fellow Lib Dem Peter Carroll will not be able to vote, having previously stated the expansion would go ahead ‘over my dead body.’
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley is strongly in favour of the expansion, as a hub for jobs and apprenticeships, yet with no councillors Labour’s influence on the decision at this stage is non-existent.
The key lies with Shepway Conservative’s overwhelming majority on the council.
Statements and clues as to how they will vote are somewhat sparse. Were there any Labour councillors, headway could have been made here. Conservative councillors have been notably tight-lipped on this issue. The news section of the conservative website has little mention of Lydd save for noting that Michael Howard MP, who will speak at the meeting, is in support of limited expansion.
Conservative Candidate Damian Collins has previously stated he would support limited expansion depending on officers’ recommendations, yet after officers’ recommendation of refusal he now wants to look at the power of the Natural England veto. Some observers see Mr Collins perching on the fence as delicately as any protected species on the Marsh. Surely the key point here is that Mr Collins is not willing to reject the airport.
The Conservatives have presented a united front over Dungeness, campaigning hard for it to ensure jobs are on the Marsh. Although numbers are contentious, there is no doubt some jobs would come from the airport – should it be a success.
Whether the airport is a success or the jobs materialise is another matter and will surely be the crux of the Conservative debate against the Liberal Democrat stand. The debate will no doubt be fierce at times, but will those outside the chamber ever know what happened? The meeting is being relayed over the web, though there are concerns that the link will crash. Good for poor taste puns but not so good for following how our elected representatives are controlling our area.
Tonight the Conservative councillors will have to pin their colours to the mast. Given their stand on Dungeness and their Westminster men’s views, if I were a betting man I would take a long-odds punt on the application being approved.
Such a highly contentious issue on such a large development has polarised opinions. An extremely vocal pressure group, Lydd Airport Action Group, (L.A.A.G.) is against the application and garners more publicity than the groups supporting the application – most notable Friends of Lydd Airport (F.L.A.G.). Does it represent the feelings of Marsh residents? This is difficult to answer as any poll is denounced as biased, unfair or representative of a small sample of residents.
The only point of agreement in the debate is that any decision will be subject to an appeal. Peter Carroll may have to wait some months before he lies down before the bulldozers.
Planning officers recommend refusal though there are plenty of precedents from the Development Control Committee to show councillors will not slavishly follow their officers’ recommendations.
What can we expect?
The Lib Dems will surely vote to reject the applications. With ‘green’ and ‘eco-tourism’ being current Lib Dem buzzwords, and repeated articles on their website AGAINST the application, it seems unlikely that the arguments put forward tonight will change their minds although of course they are prepared to listen to both sides of the argument.
Shepway Lib Dem Leader Lynne Beaumont told FUTS she has taken legal advice to ensure that the group’s votes will not be challenged. Fellow Lib Dem Peter Carroll will not be able to vote, having previously stated the expansion would go ahead ‘over my dead body.’
Labour Candidate Donald Worsley is strongly in favour of the expansion, as a hub for jobs and apprenticeships, yet with no councillors Labour’s influence on the decision at this stage is non-existent.
The key lies with Shepway Conservative’s overwhelming majority on the council.
Statements and clues as to how they will vote are somewhat sparse. Were there any Labour councillors, headway could have been made here. Conservative councillors have been notably tight-lipped on this issue. The news section of the conservative website has little mention of Lydd save for noting that Michael Howard MP, who will speak at the meeting, is in support of limited expansion.
Conservative Candidate Damian Collins has previously stated he would support limited expansion depending on officers’ recommendations, yet after officers’ recommendation of refusal he now wants to look at the power of the Natural England veto. Some observers see Mr Collins perching on the fence as delicately as any protected species on the Marsh. Surely the key point here is that Mr Collins is not willing to reject the airport.
The Conservatives have presented a united front over Dungeness, campaigning hard for it to ensure jobs are on the Marsh. Although numbers are contentious, there is no doubt some jobs would come from the airport – should it be a success.
Whether the airport is a success or the jobs materialise is another matter and will surely be the crux of the Conservative debate against the Liberal Democrat stand. The debate will no doubt be fierce at times, but will those outside the chamber ever know what happened? The meeting is being relayed over the web, though there are concerns that the link will crash. Good for poor taste puns but not so good for following how our elected representatives are controlling our area.
Tonight the Conservative councillors will have to pin their colours to the mast. Given their stand on Dungeness and their Westminster men’s views, if I were a betting man I would take a long-odds punt on the application being approved.
Such a highly contentious issue on such a large development has polarised opinions. An extremely vocal pressure group, Lydd Airport Action Group, (L.A.A.G.) is against the application and garners more publicity than the groups supporting the application – most notable Friends of Lydd Airport (F.L.A.G.). Does it represent the feelings of Marsh residents? This is difficult to answer as any poll is denounced as biased, unfair or representative of a small sample of residents.
The only point of agreement in the debate is that any decision will be subject to an appeal. Peter Carroll may have to wait some months before he lies down before the bulldozers.
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