tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66751026856042715792011-07-30T14:14:16.011-07:00A political perspective on life in FolkestoneTom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.comBlogger1611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-74541051806200885742011-02-22T04:41:00.000-08:002011-02-22T04:42:45.446-08:00

Have just come across this 'humorous'* pic while doing some other stuff. Originally meant as a cutting* comment on the state of the Lib Dems in Shepway, I can't be arsed to check if this has already been done to death regarding national politics. Not quite up to the levels of 'genius'* present in some past posts, I don't think it's too bad for a quick session with Photoshop attempting to avoid

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-71590414786787324062010-06-03T09:56:00.000-07:002010-06-08T22:38:45.955-07:00

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 /

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-5344774660691244162010-05-13T04:44:00.000-07:002010-05-13T04:44:33.651-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-9205272647495969422010-05-12T09:11:00.000-07:002011-02-22T04:30:42.975-08:00

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?

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-15044831811618395202010-05-07T13:20:00.001-07:002010-05-07T13:52:12.674-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-79338593835894798922010-05-05T16:27:00.000-07:002010-05-05T16:28:17.646-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-75009919022838789232010-05-05T00:55:00.001-07:002010-05-05T00:55:43.446-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-76719211192955265672010-04-29T13:36:00.000-07:002010-04-30T02:03:35.609-07:00

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.

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-33833013566982128432010-04-29T12:32:00.000-07:002010-04-30T01:56:49.504-07:00

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”

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-83187976406230568652010-04-21T15:06:00.000-07:002010-04-22T04:37:50.596-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-48720863547864121142010-04-18T16:36:00.000-07:002010-04-18T16:36:42.765-07:00

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.

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-10673760505373023782010-04-16T12:09:00.000-07:002010-04-16T12:10:28.751-07:00

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.

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-74171375270791154802010-04-16T08:18:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:53:03.317-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-12413328216481511142010-04-15T16:26:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:35:21.481-07:00

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,

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-22747490144410088552010-04-15T15:35:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:40:05.299-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-17607495354499421582010-04-14T17:22:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:51:12.967-07:00

Having handed in his passes and cleared his parliamentary office, and shortly before officially introducing candidate Damian Collins at The Grand hotel on Wednesday evening,  Mr Howard kindly spent several minutes chatting to FUTS before answering some brief questions over various aspects of his 27 years in power. Mr Howard gave several examples of local achievements he is proud of. ‘There are

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-79660999103487715902010-04-14T16:00:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:47:22.579-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-20021005184620803952010-04-13T15:07:00.000-07:002010-04-21T15:13:35.265-07:00

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 

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-13408275739029161482010-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:002010-04-09T12:40:50.579-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-60614202370113498842010-04-06T16:16:00.000-07:002010-04-21T15:12:32.064-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-31514441669144313372010-04-01T07:31:00.000-07:002010-04-01T07:31:58.959-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-293894560955593892010-03-30T15:06:00.000-07:002010-04-21T15:13:06.621-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-78602226457748771482010-03-30T14:53:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:53:33.504-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-12648402809410996492010-03-30T14:48:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:49:12.726-07:00

*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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-24256874043620886912010-03-28T16:52:00.000-07:002010-03-28T16:52:12.921-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-77602004061464904812010-03-28T16:48:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:48:51.916-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-22816782223864815862010-03-24T17:46:00.000-07:002010-03-24T17:46:27.645-07:00

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 ‘

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-23170700456110371182010-03-18T17:27:00.000-07:002011-03-11T05:55:26.448-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-67418686897831974042010-03-18T15:25:00.000-07:002010-03-18T15:25:51.195-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-15095892786326827922010-03-18T13:46:00.001-07:002010-03-18T13:46:29.876-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-36996764615691614362010-03-16T17:22:00.000-07:002010-03-16T17:52:28.470-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-81979425226247048912010-03-16T16:56:00.000-07:002010-03-16T17:53:58.050-07:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-27895146840297652802010-03-10T16:54:00.000-08:002010-03-11T01:21:27.293-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-65414205154983991412010-03-08T13:53:00.000-08:002010-03-08T13:54:17.396-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-55505461436017943432010-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:002010-03-08T13:54:52.037-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-19304461644437039162010-03-05T14:59:00.000-08:002010-03-05T15:01:12.367-08:00

Labour Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley will begin his campaign tomorrow in the town centre. 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.

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-89037898208169329862010-03-05T14:32:00.000-08:002010-03-05T14:32:31.053-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-5818200019546811862010-03-04T14:44:00.000-08:002010-03-04T14:57:29.500-08:00

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. ‘

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-3228507439313226942010-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:002010-03-04T14:26:03.114-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-53285937341241486942010-03-04T14:04:00.001-08:002010-03-04T14:44:53.713-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-69925234098606229732010-03-03T18:15:00.000-08:002010-03-04T07:32:29.411-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-14461648496508671992010-03-03T11:26:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:27:05.996-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-71745223635358463862010-03-03T07:23:00.001-08:002010-03-03T07:23:10.988-08:00

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

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-58270461326560118812010-02-28T04:51:00.000-08:002010-02-28T04:51:27.552-08:00

Liberal Democrat Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Candidate Damian Collins are at odds over future development on the Marsh. Wednesday March 3 will see the council meet to determine the fate of two planning applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport. The expansion has been a highly contentious issue, with groups clashing over the need for jobs and infrastructure against the

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-29786710218994146922010-02-28T02:34:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:39:45.454-08:00

The two main contenders for the Folkestone and Hythe seat are giving mixed messages about a debate they took part in on the issue of student fees. The ‘Future of Fees’ debate, organized by student group Canterbury United and held on Feb 23 at Canterbury Christchurch University, featured Liberal Democrat Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Candidate Damian Collins. Speaking to FUTS, Ms

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-43331950517583557402010-02-26T15:18:00.000-08:002010-02-26T15:18:50.294-08:00

Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont has promised that thousands more leaflets will be delivered to homes in Shepway. The leaflet makes the most of Cllr Beaumont’s 25 years in the local area, presenting a clear contrast to her main opponent and favourite for the seat, Conservative Damian Collins. The large, glossy leaflet was the subject of a recent article in the Folkestone Herald, with

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-11984558961796023702010-02-26T14:48:00.000-08:002010-02-26T15:21:40.232-08:00

Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson has predicted victory for ‘mega-excellent’ candidate Damian Collins. However, in his Chairman’s Address to the Executive posted on the Shepway Conservative website, Cllr Tillson also appears to hint at branches not pulling their weight and internal differences. Cllr Tillson praises the ‘splendid’ efforts of some branches, but hinted at possible

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-68935642734033629852010-02-24T16:59:00.000-08:002010-02-24T17:01:42.959-08:00

Note – Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson kindly supplied this information. The two main contenders for the Folkestone and Hythe parliamentary seat restated near-polar opposite views on the future of the Marsh. Conservative parliamentary candidate Damian Collins and Liberal Democrat candidate Lynne Beaumont both spoke at public meeting on the future of Dungeness C power station,

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-78838998551474616862010-02-23T16:12:00.000-08:002010-02-23T16:13:48.174-08:00

If you are pissed off with the news and have half a brain, try these: Some excellent local news roundups on http://www.verypoor.co.uk/ Some excellent national news roundups - Newswipe on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwWXnXrY-XY

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-74301511219206612372010-02-23T16:10:00.000-08:002010-02-23T16:24:24.582-08:00

Shepway Council was accused of leaving ‘thousands of square yards of filth’ on the cliffs between the Leas Cliff Hall and the Road of Remembrance. In a question at the Full Council meeting on Feb 18, Mr Paul Kitson asked ‘when this disgusting filth going to be removed?’ In response, Council Leader Cllr Robert Bliss emphasised that the Leas and coastal park are cleaned daily, but the cliff ‘

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-46334812661189590042010-02-23T16:06:00.000-08:002010-02-23T16:06:03.084-08:00

Unfortunately having a job, a bizarre desire to attend council meetings and something approaching a social life means that there is only limited time I can really write and / or post. With that in mind, here is a roundup of recent goings on in the Development Control Committee. Holiday Village Application ‘Marshes’ Through Planning (apologies) Romney Marsh Sands Holiday Village was granted

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-44797244245468229172010-02-22T15:18:00.000-08:002010-02-22T15:18:53.377-08:00

Friends of Lydd Airport Group (F.L.A.G.) remain confident planning applications to expand the airport will be approved despite district planners recommending refusal. In a supplementary report posted on Shepway District Council’s website on Friday 19, planners cited environmental concerns and worries over side effects such as noise as reasons to refuse the planning applications. Tim Crompton,

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-41622047425372538112010-02-19T08:40:00.000-08:002010-02-19T08:40:53.563-08:00

Shepway planners have recommended refusal of planning applications concerning the expansion of Lydd Airport in a supplementary report released today. The report released today, Friday 19, reveals that planners have received over three thousand representations, 80% of which are against the expansion plans. Planners recommend refusal mainly on environmental grounds, but also state that while some

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-91511517472710578772010-02-18T17:05:00.000-08:002010-02-18T17:23:53.859-08:00

Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont slammed KCC and Shepway Council’s performance during the recent spell of bad weather, saying she was ‘astonished at the mess we were left in'. In a question to Cllr Rory Love, Cabinet for Environmental Services, Revenue and Benefits, during the Council meeting of February 18, Cllr Beaumont asked what representations Shepway council had made to KCC. Cllr

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-987835432134335782010-02-18T16:27:00.000-08:002010-02-19T00:41:03.033-08:00

Shepway District Council Leader Robert Bliss has announced that votes cast during the next national election will be counted overnight, ending speculation that the Folkestone and Hythe count could take place the day after the election. The overnight count is a favourite of many political observers. Nationally and locally commentators, have expressed a desire to keep some of the excitement of

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-31729391491484593762010-02-17T16:27:00.001-08:002010-02-23T15:55:41.876-08:00

Retrospective permission for an ‘eyesore’ garage development in Hythe that has concerned residents was approved after councillors on Shepway Development Control Committee returned a split vote. In such a case, the planning officer’s recommendation must be followed. Local residents raised concerns the development, in Cannongate Road, is ‘far wider and higher than planned’ and feared a ‘future

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-76832736292543366202010-02-17T07:50:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:30:16.567-07:00

Musicians will be performing and an eclectic mix of raffle prizes will up for grabs tonight at Quarterhouse as part of a fundraising event for the DEC Haitian Earthquake Appeal. Musicians including country-blues singer and guitarist Pete Molinairi and Folkestone based ‘Tess’ are among the acts playing. Raffle prizes, including tickets to Folkestone racecourse, kitchenware and even a body

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-81649676523180556712010-02-16T16:19:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:29:53.043-07:00

Shepway Development Control Committee has given planning permission for a new bookmaker on Hythe High Street. Coming soon after the decision to allow Sainsbury’s to develop the old Smith’s Medical Site, a packed and occasionally vocal gallery listened to a lengthy debate at the Civic Centre on Tuesday night as councillors voted to allow the property at 88 High Street, the former Walter & Son

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-11136892537661650062010-02-15T13:10:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:30:04.691-07:00

Labour PPC Donald Worsley has reiterated his call for heads to roll at the highest level over the pre-Christmas chaos which engulfed the Channel Tunnel on the night of December 18 – 19. Hundreds of passengers were stranded in the tunnel as five trains to broke down in succession. The story made headlines across the UK, with most reports concentrating on the dire conditions endured by the

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-61742958483303124152010-02-11T14:35:00.000-08:002010-02-11T14:37:12.990-08:00

Took a few pics - feel free to take and use if you like , be nice and link back. On Wednesday night I tried to get to Whitfield, but by the time I set off travel around Folkestone was a no-no. The A20 / M20 had been jammed solid for hours, traffic was grinding to a halt on hills and causing severe problems in the town. The tailback from the A20 closure went right up Cherry Garden Avenue. Despite

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-62583050274222185082010-02-11T07:25:00.000-08:002010-02-11T15:10:08.913-08:00

Shepway politicians have slammed KCC for failing to prepare Shepway’s roads for the recent spell of bad weather. Parts of Folkestone were rendered impassable due to snowfall on Wednesday night. The A20 coast bound was at a standstill, leading to huge tailbacks along Cherry Garden Avenue and in Cheriton. This morning (Thursday), the roads were quiet. Vehicles that attempted to travel ground to a

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-65300775484707790692010-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:002010-02-17T01:12:55.034-08:00

If I were a betting man, my money for who will take the Folkestone and Hythe seat in the next general election would go on Damian Collins, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. In fact, anyone else winning seems so far-fetched I haven’t even troubled myself with finding out the odds. Mr Collins is standing for a seat which, since its inception in 1950, has always returned a

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-42516442771785717592010-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:31:52.978-07:00

Just an observations that it's good to see that the column in our local paper for our local MP is full of what he has been doing in the local area, which locals he has been meeting, helping, talking to, etc. Total mentions of Shepway, Folkestone and Hythe, the Marsh, Downs or any of the towns in the area? Zero. Mentions of David Cameron? One. But it isn’t a political column... right?

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-18466067729611837902010-02-06T05:15:00.000-08:002010-02-06T05:18:28.378-08:00

A few years ago the Lib Dems seemed to be on the cusp of great things. Controlling Shepway District Council with 29 seats, in the run up to the 2005 national election Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy visited the Folkestone and Hythe constituency in an attempt to unseat Howard. However, the last few years have been a torrid time for the local Liberal Democrat Party. but locally the group was

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-11475464340091494642010-02-06T04:08:00.001-08:002010-02-06T05:17:52.799-08:00

Liberal Democrat Town, District and County Councillor Tim Prater has dismissed suggestions that stories on the Liberal Democrat website are unfair and misleading. Shepway Lib Dems have a very active web presence, and commentators occasionally accuse the group of ‘spinning’, or using bad news to generate publicity. A story on the Lib Dem website titled ‘Councillors join beach litter pick’

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-34956296136255316172010-02-03T02:05:00.000-08:002010-02-03T02:05:54.479-08:00

WARNING - around 60% of this is a press release cut and paste - many thanks media team at the council. Shepway District Council is sending a ‘hard hitting’ response to the government over the decision not to include Dungeness as a possible site for a new nuclear power station. Citing incorrect employment statistics as ‘one of a number of errors that combined to ‘seriously understate’ the need

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-69799758160316212052010-02-03T01:11:00.000-08:002010-02-06T05:17:09.941-08:00

This is the first of a series of interviews with the Parliamentary Candidates from the three main parties. Interviews with Lynne Beaumont and Damian Collins will follow. Being the Labour parliamentary candidate for Folkestone and Hythe must be a thankless task. The seat was created in 1950, and has always returned a Conservative MP. Incumbent Michael Howard has held the seat for over 26 years,

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-2817112527628543692010-02-01T14:56:00.000-08:002010-02-15T13:18:34.383-08:00

Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont has reacted to suggestions that her comments to the Romney Marsh Times may have signalled a softening of Lib Dem opposition to a new-build nuclear power station at Dungeness. Having pushed for a tourist centered plan for the Marsh, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Beaumont stated these plans would not be an 'either/or situation ... but run

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-29751642335102738812010-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:002010-02-01T14:22:36.375-08:00

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley has called for Tony Blair to be 'prosecuted as a war criminal' after Mr Blair appeared at the Chilcot inquiry into the decision to go to war in Iraq. In a press release sent to all the main press outlets in the region, Mr Worsley says 'Tony Blair's evidence to the Chilcot Enquiry has confirmed my worst fears. 'He took the country to war

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-59217931257480047952010-02-01T13:30:00.000-08:002010-02-02T08:38:57.771-08:00

FUTS was delighted to receive a lengthy and unprompted missive from Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson, taking issue with a comment piece put up several days ago. Full of vim and vigour from the opening lines (which appear to call into doubt my sanity - fair enough), a peerless piece of political writing centered on the local scene unfolds. Please feel free to pore over, draw

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-22395980561128873992010-02-01T04:08:00.000-08:002010-02-15T13:18:59.774-08:00

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley has launched a sensational attack on Lib Dem plans for a tourism driven economy on the Marsh. Comparing tourists to 'locusts', Mr Worsley forsees 'population decline, a low wage economy and our children emigrating in search of work'. Never one to shy away from airing his views, Mr Worsley also criticises councillors in general for the '

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-438485756475332612010-01-27T11:30:00.000-08:002010-02-01T13:35:25.190-08:00

Note - This is pure speculation for my own entertainment. Please feel free to comment, discuss, agree, disagree. (Please see riposte from Conservative Association Chairman Russel Tillson) One might infer from the opening lines of Local Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson’s New Year statement that Conservatives had celebrated hard welcoming in 2010, and who could blame them? 2010

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-48308750562173074082010-01-26T15:19:00.000-08:002010-01-28T01:40:57.511-08:00

Another classic from Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Donald Worsley. While this post is essentially given over to an irate letter of the highest order, there is a counterpoint from Damian Collins at the end. Not a traditional article but frankly it's too late and I need to get to bed! Get me to the Tax Collector The Tories' proposals to lavish £5 billion in tax relief on married

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-22553411634857756032010-01-26T08:23:00.000-08:002010-01-26T08:23:59.163-08:00

Conservative Chariman and Shepway District Councillor Russell Tillson has reiterated Shepway Conservatives’ commitment to a new Dungeness C power station following a recent announcement by Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont to hold an ‘Eco-Tourism summit’ to discuss alternative plans for Romney Marsh. In an email to FUTS, Cllr Tillson says ‘There is little that Cllr Mrs Beaumont has

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-77140893482716351752010-01-25T03:40:00.000-08:002010-01-25T03:40:27.181-08:00

Interesting article on Romney Marsh Times about the Lib Dem plans for an 'Eco-Tourism summit' on the Marsh. Shepway Lib Dem leader and Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont is quoted as saying 'This is not an either/or situation whether or not the Government decides Dungeness C should go ahead, but to run alongside any decision that is made.' This could signal a softening of the Lib Dem line

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-26835799384286687262010-01-24T14:47:00.000-08:002010-01-24T14:47:59.503-08:00

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont has called for a meeting to bring together 'all those with an interest in developing environmentally sustainable tourism on Romney Marsh'. Scheduled for Monday,1st March 2010 at 2 pm at the RSPB reserve at Dungeness, Kent, Ms Beaumont hopes that 'local businesses, the RSPB, Natural England, Town and Parish Councils, Kent and Shepway

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-32698211126344892572010-01-19T14:16:00.000-08:002010-01-24T14:48:49.474-08:00

Toby Philpott has still not declared whether he will run for parliament,and his latest tweet "is developing ideas to crack some tough nuts and regenerate Shepway in a sustainable way" is ambiguous. Philpott could be something of a vote wrecker for the Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont. Senior Lib dem sources have told FUTS they feel that as an independent he would have next to no effect and they

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-65523844623704872852010-01-18T03:08:00.000-08:002010-01-18T03:08:39.644-08:00

The future of Romney Marsh and the Kent County Council’s (KCC) care of Shepway’s roads are to be debated at a Council meeting this Wednesday. These and other motions, which include congratulating Hythe Council for an honour bestowed on Michael Howard, look likely to generate heated debate in the Civic Chamber. For Opposition Business the Liberal Democrat group has raised ‘The future of tourism

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-65794714101618060682010-01-16T03:11:00.000-08:002010-01-16T05:55:31.054-08:00

Folkestone and Hythe was almost left without a Labour candidate for the seat after socialist hopeful, Donald Worsley, survived a harrowing near-death experience on the county's roads. Mr Worsley's car cut out on the A20 between Folkestone and Dover as Mr Worsley was returning home. Unfortunately for Mr Worsley, Kent's roads and ports were free of ice, snow, operation stack and other closures,

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-14670716236012494652010-01-12T15:28:00.000-08:002010-01-12T15:50:38.039-08:00

Following the selection of Lynne Beaumont as Lib Dem PPC, 'Liberal Legend' Toby Philpott has been pretty quiet. A few tweets here and there and a good dollop of speculation and gossip from interested observers, but as yet nothing posted on any of his blogs since Feb last year despite earlier warnings. Of the messages getting to FUTS, one eagle-eyed observer from the 'sixth continent' noted that

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-39758978549182392772010-01-10T03:01:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:29:03.808-07:00

Town, district and county councillor Tim Prater has revealed that Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont will be the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Folkestone and Hythe. In a tweet on January 9, Cllr Prater wrote 'Lynne Beaumont selected as Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Folkestone & Hythe. Congratulations @lynnebeaumont'. The position has been open since late October 2009

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-57030676956885497882010-01-07T16:24:00.000-08:002010-02-15T13:19:36.767-08:00

Shepway Liberal Democrat Leader Lynne Beaumont has expressed astonishment at plans to store Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) at the Dungeness A site. A statement posted on the Shepway Lib Dem webpage on Tuesday 5 says ‘The reactor itself is classed as ILW and will be the last bit to be removed, with no time scale yet agreed for that phase of the work. Over 40 years after the building of Dungeness

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-83613900228331039452010-01-06T16:45:00.000-08:002010-01-06T16:47:03.066-08:00

Another year rolls round, and 2010 already looks to be a corker for watchers of the Shepway body politic. Cllr Russell Tillson has produced a strong statement for the local Conservative association, the Lib Dems are getting stuck into Dungeness once again (more on this shortly) and the Lydd airport decision is only months away.* To cap it all, 'international man of mystery' Toby Philpott, ex

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-16509964739928440642010-01-06T15:03:00.000-08:002010-01-07T10:22:38.260-08:00

A snowfall this evening (Wednesday 5) is affecting travel in Shepway. The M20 and A20 were quiet with minimal traffic flowing freely presumably due to problems in areas to the north and west of Shepway due to earlier snowfall. Radio bulletins have carried news of jacknifed lorries and motorway closures near Ashford. From Under the Stone saw gritters out covering main routes. Drivers in the

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-46777945331156591222010-01-05T14:09:00.000-08:002010-01-05T14:09:12.830-08:00

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Folkestone and Hythe Donald Worsley has called on Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis to visit Kent and take action to prevent traffic chaos in the region caused by bad weather. Roads were blocked in a pre-Christmas cold snap, which was also blamed for causing trains to break down in the Channel Tunnel leaving hundreds of passengers

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-70270907240704638552009-12-22T05:11:00.001-08:002009-12-22T05:11:52.777-08:00

Having been suspiciously quiet in the letters pages of the Herald of late, FromUnderTheStone was beginning to worry that all was not well with our favourite Labour PPC, Donald Worsley. Fears were allayed on receiving this rather wonderful Christmas wish list. The timing is right, although it looks as though the ‘goodwill to all men’ sentiment has been lost along the way: Donald Worsley's

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-59203886620009441882009-12-17T16:41:00.000-08:002009-12-17T16:44:03.238-08:00

Liberal Democrats and Conservatives are each accusing the other of unfair campaigning during the run up to the recent by-election in Hythe held on December 10. Conservative Rosemary Griffiths won the seat with 556 votes, Liberal Democrat Neil Matthews being the only other candidate polling 466 votes. A statement on the Conservative website described Cllr Matthews as ‘some former Parliamentary

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-61267130158788171792009-12-15T16:29:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:29:42.654-07:00

Shepway Council’s Development Control Committee has passed a controversial application to build a Sainsbury’s supermarket on the old Smiths Industries site in Hythe. After almost 2 hours of heated and sometimes unruly debate, the committee voted to accept the application. A vocal public gallery gave support to those who spoke against the issue and repeatedly heckled those speaking in support.

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-6642188688383145372009-12-15T02:46:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:32:40.684-07:00

Shepway District Council has said that the introduction of car parking charges at Castle Road car park, Hythe, could net over £20,000 which will benefit the local community. Previously Sandgate Parish Council paid Shepway District Council £1800 to keep the carpark free. In a press release on the council website (http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200886/1922/), Conservative Council Leader

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-63153872521164268842009-12-11T02:42:00.000-08:002009-12-11T03:52:46.274-08:00

Conservative Rosemary Griffiths has won the Hythe West Town Council seat with 53.5% of the total votes cast. Neil Matthews of the Liberal Democrats polled 44.5%. A statement on the Folkestone and Hythe Conservatives website (http://www.shepwayconservatives.org.uk/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=452) carries the result and launches an astonishing attack on the Liberal Democrats for having a '

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-12553967704607549422009-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:002009-12-09T15:51:03.146-08:00

OK, it's not strictly 'local news' but FromUnderTheStone was delighted to receive another missive from Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Donald Worsley with his reaction to Mr. Darling's pre-budget announcement. Praising Mr Darling as 'courageous' and 'the people's chancellor', Mr Worsley has some choice words for the '10,000 plus mercenaries in the City of London.' This also caught

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-39836802360610948092009-12-09T04:09:00.000-08:002009-12-23T13:09:15.820-08:00

Conservative councillors and other observers have attacked Cllr Prater’s vision of the future of Romney Marsh without the power station In response to questions from FromUnderTheStone Conservative Councillor (and Kent County Councillor for Romney Marsh) William Richardson wrote ‘The community at Dungeness does not accept the government’s decision as quickly as Cllr Prater has done, ‘We are

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-64504077386096452852009-12-08T16:46:00.000-08:002009-12-08T16:46:30.780-08:00

Discover Folkestone have produced a video showing the more pleasant aspects of life on the South Kent coast. featuring video and still photography, anyone interested follow the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HheVJt92OM

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-14382644618522878962009-12-05T02:52:00.000-08:002009-12-05T02:56:43.193-08:00

Souvenir Circus event tonight features local band Higher State are at the Bar Below tonight. Expect avant-garde short films and awesome 60s tunes. £3 on the door, 9 till late. Higher State - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmBpTuB5qHw Souvenir Circus flyer and info - http://www.souvenirshowbox.co.uk/

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-71649106612596299862009-12-04T16:12:00.000-08:002010-01-10T03:28:52.612-08:00

Over the course of the last few weeks, since Neil Matthews stepped down, the future Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Lib Dems has been the source of much discussion for those interested in local politics (all three of us). Not since the iron curtain was up and members of the Politburo lined up to oversee the victory parade has there been such furtive speculation as to who is in which

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-22219676694895338672009-12-03T16:30:00.000-08:002009-12-03T16:39:19.772-08:00

Guests of the latest Blueskypie ‘secret party’ enjoyed a wide variety performances encompassing mime, music and even a bit of stand-up comedy in Googies Arts Café in Rendezvous Street on Wednesday night. Featuring acts either based in or with ties to the area, the entertainment ranged from the bizarre to the thought provoking. The Subterraneans, performing for the first time, produced an

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-23852476590240902392009-11-29T02:40:00.000-08:002009-11-29T02:40:00.261-08:00

Christmas shopping today? If you need a break from the crowds and the weather, Googies cafe, Rendezvous Street, has an acoustic jam session this afternoon (Sunday). Just sit back and listen or take part, great atmosphere, food and drinks, all levels welcome.

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-37559413965688406772009-11-26T17:34:00.000-08:002009-11-26T17:37:20.741-08:00

The Conservative group came under fire over their proposal to freeze councillors’ expenses and allowances in a Council meeting held on November 24, at the Civic Centre. The motion was passed unanimously, but not before Liberal Democrat councillors questioned why the Conservative group had not agreed to this earlier in the year when suggested as an amendment by Liberal Democrats  (see minutes

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-78338829020268142092009-11-25T16:28:00.000-08:002009-12-04T04:37:23.085-08:00

Temperatures ran high at a full council meeting on Wednesday 24 when a proposed motion about the decision to not consider Dungeness as a possible site for a new nuclear power station was discussed. At one point Chairperson Councillor Susan Carey had to stand to force Councillor Lynne Beaumont (Lib Dem) to sit down after she had suggested Cllr Alan Clifton-Holt (Cons) ‘get his ears checked’

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6675102685604271579.post-66963282940064209242009-11-24T16:21:00.000-08:002010-03-18T15:30:59.692-07:00

Liberal Democrat town, district and county councillor Tim Prater has set out his vision for a tourist-centered Romney Marsh, without a new power station at Dungeness. In a post at http://www.prater.org.uk/articles/000013/dungeness_the_real_nuclear_option.html on November 24, Cllr Prater questions whether the news is a ‘hammer blow to the local economy … is the best we can do [with the unique

Tom Weatherleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104534802671433105noreply@blogger.com0