Drugs, crime but not rock n roll were discussed at a Question Time event held in the Imperial Hotel on October 16.
Members of Shepway Youth Forum put their questions to a panel including Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Damian Collins, Labour PPC Donald Worsley, District Council Leader Robert Bliss, Leader of Shepway Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont and Shepway District Police Commissioner Martin Bradley.
Members of the panel listened to questions covering subjects such as ASBOs, crime, travel issues, drug laws and school pressures for over 2 hours, giving their opinions and offering to help.
Learning that Stagecoach bus service charge full fares to anyone over 14 years of age, Cllr Beaumont promised to help, “I think this is wrong. I will write them a letter and let’s start a campaign,” she said.
Damian Collins supported concessions for students “I think it’s reasonable to have lower fares for under-18s who are in full time education.”
Other areas provoked lengthy debate, with the audience unafraid to challenge their elders and highlighting differences of opinion. The issue of legalising drugs split the panel. Mr. Worsley and Mr. Collins were against changes to the law, reasoning that making soft drugs more available could lead to abuse of harder drugs. Cllr Beaumont disagreed, arguing that “if alcohol was invented today it would be banned.”
The last similar event was held was over three years ago. Hoping in increase youth involvement and interst in politics as part of Local Democracy Week, organiser and Shepway Youth Development officer Tamasin Jarret said “Unfortunately attendance was slightly down on last time but I am happy with the event. The feedback was very positive. The Youth Forum meets fortnightly at the Civic Centre and we aim to hold an AGM in November."
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Monday, 5 October 2009
Shepway Cycling on a Roll
Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum will hold an open meeting this Thursday (October 8) at the Civic Centre in Middleburg at 7pm.
The group has been working with Kent County Council to influence Shepway’s Cycling Strategy. On September 12 the group had a successful awareness raising day in the centre of the town with representatives from Sustrans and Spokes organisations. To gather information for the Cycle Strategy, over 50 questionnaires were collected, which will be passed to KCC.
The group is proposing a cycle lane running North – South along Cornwallis Road and Earls Avenue, incorporating the existing path which runs under the railway bridge by South Kent College. Also proposed is an east – West route, taking in many schools along the way, hopefully making cycling to school a more realistic option for schoolchildren.
The group has already had some success, working with Folkestone Town Council to increase the number of bike stands in Cheriton and Folkestone.
The group has been working with Kent County Council to influence Shepway’s Cycling Strategy. On September 12 the group had a successful awareness raising day in the centre of the town with representatives from Sustrans and Spokes organisations. To gather information for the Cycle Strategy, over 50 questionnaires were collected, which will be passed to KCC.
The group is proposing a cycle lane running North – South along Cornwallis Road and Earls Avenue, incorporating the existing path which runs under the railway bridge by South Kent College. Also proposed is an east – West route, taking in many schools along the way, hopefully making cycling to school a more realistic option for schoolchildren.
The group has already had some success, working with Folkestone Town Council to increase the number of bike stands in Cheriton and Folkestone.
Get in the Road!
Recently there has been much in the letters page of the local press concerned with cyclists on pavements, and cyclists on the Leas. A keen cyclist myself, I agree with many of the points raised in the letters. I am surprised by how many cyclists I see on the pavement. I am surprised at how many cyclists I see bombing down a busy Leas on a nice afternoon. I am less surprised that many of them seem to be teenagers.
Rather than assume it is another example of ‘Broken Britain’ and our ASBO laden ‘yoof’, could it be a failure of education? Like most of my peers, I was given basic cycle safety instruction while at primary school, with someone extolling the virtues of luminous green polystyrene ‘Tuff Tops’ helmets. My secondary school had bike racks and a teacher was present to ensure we had the relevant safety gear before setting off.
It seems this is a thing of the past. Speaking to the Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum I was told that despite offers of Sustrans officers to visit schools and give basic cycling proficiency instruction, only 2 schools had expressed any interest and none had been visited.
It seems reasonable to assume that most children have bikes, but with no instruction it seems unlikely that children would want to venture out on the roads. I would not be surprised if many parents advised their children to stick to the pavements and do not encourage them to cycle to school. Only the Academy has suggested cycle routes for pupils to follow. Existing cylce lanes offer little in the way of a transport network. At a time where children are portrayed as piling on the pounds, surely schools would jump at the chance to do something healthy?
Without education of cyclists, it seems likely that cyclists will be sharing the pavement rather than the tarmac for some time to come. Popular opinion will continue to decry the ‘degenerate yoof’ of today rather than think of a solution.
Rather than assume it is another example of ‘Broken Britain’ and our ASBO laden ‘yoof’, could it be a failure of education? Like most of my peers, I was given basic cycle safety instruction while at primary school, with someone extolling the virtues of luminous green polystyrene ‘Tuff Tops’ helmets. My secondary school had bike racks and a teacher was present to ensure we had the relevant safety gear before setting off.
It seems this is a thing of the past. Speaking to the Folkestone / Shepway Cycle Forum I was told that despite offers of Sustrans officers to visit schools and give basic cycling proficiency instruction, only 2 schools had expressed any interest and none had been visited.
It seems reasonable to assume that most children have bikes, but with no instruction it seems unlikely that children would want to venture out on the roads. I would not be surprised if many parents advised their children to stick to the pavements and do not encourage them to cycle to school. Only the Academy has suggested cycle routes for pupils to follow. Existing cylce lanes offer little in the way of a transport network. At a time where children are portrayed as piling on the pounds, surely schools would jump at the chance to do something healthy?
Without education of cyclists, it seems likely that cyclists will be sharing the pavement rather than the tarmac for some time to come. Popular opinion will continue to decry the ‘degenerate yoof’ of today rather than think of a solution.
Tabloid Hell 3
A recent blog post in Your Shepway had many cyclists spitting out their energy drinks in shock. Gary Wright, the mid-week editor, gave his two pence worth about ‘militant cyclists’ (http://www.yourshepway.co.uk/blog.aspx?bid=155&source=0). In a well researched piece, Mr. Wright gave a nuanced view of the problem of “the most dangerous green Nazi in existence.”
Predictably, the post got a huge response, mostly from irate cyclists.
But aren’t people missing the point here? In the digital age, the more clicks a website can manage the better. What better way to get people clicking than posting up an inflammatory article. Mr. Wright (and the company accountants) must be laughing, although probably not all the way to the bank. Turning digital visitors into profits is something yet to be perfected, hence Mr. Murdoch’s recent suggestions of making his online content paid for.
As I remember it, the section that Mr. Wright’s article appeared used to be for readers to send in their own columns. Presumably his appearance is not an indication that no-one can be bothered to send in stuff.
Looking down the list of previous blogs it seems that ‘shock blogs’ are posted fairly regularly, presumably to garner the same response. Mr. Wrights comedic tour de force is far from alone. “Immigrants – one rule for us and one rule for them” (http://www.yourshepway.co.uk/blog.aspx?bid=34&source=0) is another. Perhaps these ‘shock blogs’ are symptomatic of a nasty editorial line, and suspicion that this is a marketing ploy is actually the optimistic viewpoint.
Predictably, the post got a huge response, mostly from irate cyclists.
But aren’t people missing the point here? In the digital age, the more clicks a website can manage the better. What better way to get people clicking than posting up an inflammatory article. Mr. Wright (and the company accountants) must be laughing, although probably not all the way to the bank. Turning digital visitors into profits is something yet to be perfected, hence Mr. Murdoch’s recent suggestions of making his online content paid for.
As I remember it, the section that Mr. Wright’s article appeared used to be for readers to send in their own columns. Presumably his appearance is not an indication that no-one can be bothered to send in stuff.
Looking down the list of previous blogs it seems that ‘shock blogs’ are posted fairly regularly, presumably to garner the same response. Mr. Wrights comedic tour de force is far from alone. “Immigrants – one rule for us and one rule for them” (http://www.yourshepway.co.uk/blog.aspx?bid=34&source=0) is another. Perhaps these ‘shock blogs’ are symptomatic of a nasty editorial line, and suspicion that this is a marketing ploy is actually the optimistic viewpoint.
Constitution Changes Branded ‘Nuts’ at Council Meeting
Changes to the Constitution of the Council were branded ‘nuts’ by Liberal Democrat during a full council meeting held on September 30. Proposed changes alter the way citizens can present petitions and affect the process of scrutinising council decisions.
The number of signatures required for a petition to be presented to Council will be increased from 50 to 250. Accusing the Conservatives of making the council more remote from the people, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont said “Since the start of this council we have had four petitions. Why make it more difficult? How will small groups of residents voice their concerns?”
The debate descended into angry scenes as Conservative councillors refuted this. Conservative Councillor Malcom Dearden responded that to allow petitions of only 50 signatories would be “counter-productive and counter-democratic.”
Liberal Democrat councillors were reminded that in 2004 a petition of over 20,000 signatures protesting against the closure of public conveniences was collected against a Liberal Democrat administration. Struggling to be heard over the ensuing cheers and jeers in the chamber, Cllr. Beaumont protested that the petition referred to a “different council”.
Changes to the call-in-procedure, which allows certain decisions to be reconsidered, provoked further sharp exchanges. Under the proposed changes to call in decisions at least two points from the following list will have to be fulfilled:
· the decision is claimed to be outside or contrary to the budget and policy framework.
· there was inadequate consultation with stakeholders prior to the decision.
· there was inadequate evidence on which to base the decision.
· the action is not proportionate to the desired outcome.
· there is a potential human rights challenge.
· there is insufficient consideration of the advice of the statutory officers.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Matthews expressed disbelief at the change noting the changes appear to mean that a possible human rights challenge is not enough for a decision to be called in. “This is nuts, and places the Council at risk” he said.
The changes to the constitution are part of a wider debate on democracy in the district and provoked strong comments from Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in letters to local papers and postings on internet homepages. Conservative councillors repeatedly deny Liberal Democrat allegations that they are attempting to stifle debate and limit the opportunities for scrutiny of decisions and public representations and have accused Conservatives of ‘ripping up the Constitution in an arrogant power grab’. (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/001543/shepway_conservatives_rip_up_council_constitution_in_arrogant_power_grab.html)
Edit 19 October - Responding to questions from 'From under the stone' for opinions on the changes after the meeting, Cllr Matthews stated that the change to rules on petitions "just pushes the public further away - its as if their views are just not wanted," and that the Council is "arrogant, uncaring, and bluntly, undemocratic."
The Conservatives have not responded to similar questions.
Report A/09/08 – Review of the Constitution.
http://www.shepway.gov.uk/webapp/service/cads/doc/council/Reports/rcoun20090930%20Review%20of%20the%20Constitution.doc?download=download
The number of signatures required for a petition to be presented to Council will be increased from 50 to 250. Accusing the Conservatives of making the council more remote from the people, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Lynne Beaumont said “Since the start of this council we have had four petitions. Why make it more difficult? How will small groups of residents voice their concerns?”
The debate descended into angry scenes as Conservative councillors refuted this. Conservative Councillor Malcom Dearden responded that to allow petitions of only 50 signatories would be “counter-productive and counter-democratic.”
Liberal Democrat councillors were reminded that in 2004 a petition of over 20,000 signatures protesting against the closure of public conveniences was collected against a Liberal Democrat administration. Struggling to be heard over the ensuing cheers and jeers in the chamber, Cllr. Beaumont protested that the petition referred to a “different council”.
Changes to the call-in-procedure, which allows certain decisions to be reconsidered, provoked further sharp exchanges. Under the proposed changes to call in decisions at least two points from the following list will have to be fulfilled:
· the decision is claimed to be outside or contrary to the budget and policy framework.
· there was inadequate consultation with stakeholders prior to the decision.
· there was inadequate evidence on which to base the decision.
· the action is not proportionate to the desired outcome.
· there is a potential human rights challenge.
· there is insufficient consideration of the advice of the statutory officers.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Matthews expressed disbelief at the change noting the changes appear to mean that a possible human rights challenge is not enough for a decision to be called in. “This is nuts, and places the Council at risk” he said.
The changes to the constitution are part of a wider debate on democracy in the district and provoked strong comments from Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in letters to local papers and postings on internet homepages. Conservative councillors repeatedly deny Liberal Democrat allegations that they are attempting to stifle debate and limit the opportunities for scrutiny of decisions and public representations and have accused Conservatives of ‘ripping up the Constitution in an arrogant power grab’. (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/news/001543/shepway_conservatives_rip_up_council_constitution_in_arrogant_power_grab.html)
Edit 19 October - Responding to questions from 'From under the stone' for opinions on the changes after the meeting, Cllr Matthews stated that the change to rules on petitions "just pushes the public further away - its as if their views are just not wanted," and that the Council is "arrogant, uncaring, and bluntly, undemocratic."
The Conservatives have not responded to similar questions.
Report A/09/08 – Review of the Constitution.
http://www.shepway.gov.uk/webapp/service/cads/doc/council/Reports/rcoun20090930%20Review%20of%20the%20Constitution.doc?download=download
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Step-Short Launch - Go to this!
Referred to briefly in the post below, the Step-short campaign is organising a packed weekend of exhibitions, talks, walks and meetings.
Sadly I will be away from the town this weekend (blame the girlfriend!), but I sincerely hope that good weather and a great turnout greets the organisers, all of whom should be commended for their efforts in organising and promoting this event.
Focusing on the Road of Remembrance and taking its name from the command given to soldiers descending the hill on their way to the battlefields of WW1, anyone interested in local history, the appearance of the Road of Remembrance, how the town could be promoted in the future or just Folkestone in general should attend.
For further details, a full timetable and contact details please follow http://www.gofolkestone.org.uk/events/step-short.html
Sadly I will be away from the town this weekend (blame the girlfriend!), but I sincerely hope that good weather and a great turnout greets the organisers, all of whom should be commended for their efforts in organising and promoting this event.
Heralding a New Bias?
Today (October 1) the Herald carried a Conservative response to Lib Dem Councillor Neil Matthews' incendary letter of two weeks ago which accused the Conservative administration of 'their intention to keep democracy in the dark.' (http://shepwaylibdems.org.uk/articles/000122/shepways_tories__frightened_of_democracy.html). Perhaps the only blight on this barnstorming performance was the ending which appeared more on message for the Conservatives with the clarion call 'It's time for change'. (http://www.conservatives.com/).
The response (http://www.shepwayconservatives.org.uk/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=427) is equally full of vim and vigour and worth a read, with counter examples and a sharp ending. Readers can (and of course should) decide themselves who wins this one.
What really caught this blogger's eye is that in addition to taking a swipe at the Lib Dems, Cllr Tillson also has a pop at the Herald. Next to the horrifically blown up head of Cllr Tillson (don't panic - I am referring to the terrible pixellation of his photo), the title bar and preamble are:
Sportingly the Herald have left off this rather bitter opening shot though the ususal 'anti-conservative bias' is in full force - directly opposite Cllr Tillson's letter is yet another 'Commons Touch' column from our-as-yet-unelected MP, Damian Collins.
The response (http://www.shepwayconservatives.org.uk/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=427) is equally full of vim and vigour and worth a read, with counter examples and a sharp ending. Readers can (and of course should) decide themselves who wins this one.
What really caught this blogger's eye is that in addition to taking a swipe at the Lib Dems, Cllr Tillson also has a pop at the Herald. Next to the horrifically blown up head of Cllr Tillson (don't panic - I am referring to the terrible pixellation of his photo), the title bar and preamble are:
Sportingly the Herald have left off this rather bitter opening shot though the ususal 'anti-conservative bias' is in full force - directly opposite Cllr Tillson's letter is yet another 'Commons Touch' column from our-as-yet-unelected MP, Damian Collins.
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