TODAY
YOUR DISTRICT
SPRING 2020
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS page 4
ANY BIN WILL DO FOR DOG POO page 4
OUR NEW PLACE BRAND page 6–7
GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION
Lawn lover? Join thousands of residents and sign up for our garden waste collection:Â
Great value Fortnightly collections Good for the environment Get rid of garden waste easily Sign up now for collections beginning in April at:
folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/garden-waste It's super convenient and I don't have to get the car mucky
Your District Today is produced twice a year and is distributed to over 50,000 households and businesses in the district. This magazine does not include loose inserts – any found inside have been placed there without the authority of Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Leader's foreword
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Folkestone and Hythe District Council
Cover story:
Cllr David Monk, F&HDC Leader, helps the Grounds Maintenance team with tree-planting – for more see page four.
As we start a new decade thoughts naturally turn to what we want to achieve.
council in the next 10 years will also be part of this new community. And with half of the Otterpool Park scheme designated as green space even biodiversity is being carefully considered (p8).
Two of our top priorities are the provision of social housing and tackling the issues of climate
In this issue we’re also looking at some of the things we’re doing to take steps to become greener as a council. We’ve set ourselves the ambitious target of having net zero carbon emissions by 2030. We’re keen to progress towards this goal and we’ve already started making progress (p15).
change. I've proposed new additional funding of £20 million to make sure that these areas are supported going forward (p9). Housing is an important issue for many people in the district. Improving our existing social housing stock, increasing provision and providing self-build plots are all significant goals for us now and in the future. You can find out more about signing up to our self-build register at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/self-build The proposed Otterpool Park Garden Town is an example of a sustainable development that will be created with environmental considerations influencing design. Our climate change agenda will be at the forefront of our design statement with energy efficiency built in to all types of homes. A proportion of the 1,200 social homes to be built by the
Dan in our waste team is going to be trying to go ‘zero waste’ for a week (p10). Visit our Facebook page to see his video diaries about how he’s getting on. It could even provide inspiration for some belated new resolutions. I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.
Councillor David Monk, Leader of the Council
In this edition 4–5 News
10 Zero waste week
6–7 A place like
12 Regeneration
Stories from across the district
no other
Find out all about our new place brand
Our man Dan prepares for a challenge
stations
Meet the latest business to get funded
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Otterpool Park
13 Keeping you safe
9
Funding for our future
15 Going green
Building for wildlife and people
New funding proposals unveiled
The latest community safety news
How we’re fighting climate change
and lots more... folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
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Any bin will do! Dog owners are being reminded of the negative health impacts caused by failing to clean up after their four-legged friends.
Cllr David Monk and Cllr Tim Prater of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC) joined forces to reinforce the message by applying “I’ll take poo too!” stickers on normal bins along The Leas in Folkestone. The district’s coastline – with its 26 miles of sand and shingle beaches – offers great walks for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Some wrongly think the waves will wash away dog waste left on beaches with no repercussions. Dog poo contains high levels of harmful
nitrates which can reduce the quality of our bathing water and harm local marine life. And people may not realise mess dropped down road drains can also make its way into the water. Cllr David Monk, F&HDC Leader, said: “We all love spending time at the beach with our friends, family and pets.
Cllr Tim Prater, ward councillor for Sandgate and West Folkestone, added: “We all want to see cleaner streets and beaches. “It is important dog walkers know they don’t have to hunt down a special bin to clean up after their dog – they can use any general waste bin.”
“But one dog poo has as much harmful bacteria as 300 human poos. This can make people and animals ill, and affect the water quality.
Future voters Pupils from Castle Hill Community Primary School got to see democracy in action at the parliamentary election held in December.
The youngsters visited the Canterbury Road polling station in Folkestone on the day of the vote to find out more about how the process works.
Damian Collins (Conservative) was re-elected as Member of Parliament for Folkestone & Hythe after securing 35,483 votes – a majority of 21,337. Turnout was 67.14%.
F&HDC officers organised the educational trip having spent weeks meticulously planning the election on behalf of the district’s near-90,000 electorate.
For the full results breakdown, visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/your-council/elections
Castle Hill’s learning mentor Fiona Godden said: “As always, our children were fantastic ambassadors for our school. They really enjoyed learning a little bit more about democracy.”
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The elections team regularly engages with young people across the district to emphasise the importance of voting. Schools interested in organising such events can email elections@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
Customer service excellence Once again F&HDC has been recognised for excellent customer service – an important accolade we have held since 2013. Our customer services practices are assessed by an external independent expert who assessed 57 different areas relating to customer experience. Twelve of these areas were scored as ‘Compliance Plus’ – the highest possible category where customer service goes above and beyond what
is expected. To reach this standard, the practice also has to be innovative and something that could be shared and replicated in other organisations. We received great feedback from the external expert who also paid tribute to staff motivation levels.
Calling all litter warriors Tree-mendous
Our district is beautiful – but not everyone does their bit to help it stay that way.
Putting down roots in the Folkestone and Hythe district are 900 more trees. Semi-mature trees have been planted and 800 young, native trees (whips) took up position in the Morehall Recreation Ground which previously had fewer trees than other district parks. Trees have also been dug in to Fremantle Road Recreation Ground, Radnor Park, St Mary's Field, Canterbury Road Recreation Ground and the largest – a Dawn Redwood – next to the Royal Military Canal in Hythe. Some are replacing trees that previously had to be removed but others are the council’s effort to combat the climate emergency as it works towards becoming a carbon neutral authority. Councillors from all political groups are currently looking at ideas and potential action around energy use, transport, flooding and new housing in order to develop an action plan and long-term climate change strategy. The plan and strategy will be driven forward by a council officer who has been seconded to work on the climate change agenda.
Inconsiderate people drop litter without any thought for the environment, much to the annoyance of everyone who takes their rubbish home with them or places it in a street bin. Youngsters are becoming increasingly passionate about addressing the negative impacts dumped waste can have on our district and beyond. As a result, we will be engaging with local schools in the coming months to support their litter-picking activity. Other events for adults – many of which are supported by the council’s team of area officers – take place across the district on a regular basis and it is easy to get involved. For more information about litter-picks taking place where you live, visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/litterpicking To have your litter-picking event featured on our website, email the details to communications@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
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An extraordinary place... It’s time to spread the word about what you love about your district. A new campaign has been launched to showcase Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh as an outstanding UK location and to encourage new investment. It aims to tell the collective story of the district and show everyone from first-time visitors to potential corporate investors what makes the district a great place to live, work, visit and invest in. Following extensive research and workshops with residents, businesses and organisations, the new campaign was launched with a new public website and brand ‘toolkit’ for the area. And the core message is simple – Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh are extraordinary! Cllr David Monk, F&HDC Leader, said: “Our district is being recognised as a new cultural ‘hot spot’ on the south east coast, and we have a great opportunity to boost the local economy and increase investment.
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“People have told us how distinctive, different and special the district is and it’s the perfect time to get the message out there. We want as many people as possible to get involved and share their stories about our beautiful and unique district.”
I
A key part of the campaign’s strategy is sharing practical advice about the benefits of moving to the area or setting up a new business here – straight from the people who have done so.
Anthony Klokkou and Luke Quilter from Sleeping Giant Media in Folkestone
The new website includes case studies from residents about the benefits of living and, in some cases, relocating to the coast. They highlight the excellent quality of life, cultural scene and how the district offers them improved work-life balance. The website tells stories of local business owners who have relocated or launched new services in Folkestone, detailing why the district’s competitive start-up costs, proximity to London and collaborative community have brought them success. Contributors include Sleeping Giant Media, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and TedX Folkestone founder Liu Batchelor. The campaign’s goal is to attract more investment in the local economy either from new businesses or residents.
Increased footfall will result in more spending with local retailers while new businesses will bring new services, new jobs and new opportunities to grow the area’s vibrant social scene. By encouraging a steady flow of visitors, the campaign will also strengthen Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh as a year-round destination. Cllr David Monk added: “For the district to prosper, we need to reach new audiences and tell them why they should choose our area. We have the space for people to set up new companies, start a creative project or simply escape to the coast for a much better lifestyle. “We have an incredible year ahead of us, with the fifth Folkestone Triennial coming up and lots of amazing events that will bring even more visitors. It’s our time to shine.”
Get involved! Spread the word about what makes the district extraordinary. Twitter @FHextraordinary Linkedin /fhextraordinary If you think your Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh experience would make a great case study for the campaign, get in touch with the team at folkestoneandhythe.co.uk
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Looking after nature at Otterpool Park Otterpool Park is being designed to provide homes for wildlife and nature as well as its human residents. Plans for the proposed new garden town show it could deliver a 20% increase in biodiversity (variety of plant and animal life) across the site. That’s double the emerging target of 10% set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for new developments across the UK. By definition, garden towns should provide housing and jobs — but also be beautiful, healthy and sociable communities. Otterpool Park is being planned to do just that. More than half of the planned development is green space. This includes protecting areas which are important for wildlife and the environment – specifically
woodlands, the East Stour river setting, ponds and hedgerows. Water voles, reptiles, amphibians, birds and other species live within the site and ecologists have looked at how they use the area. Their habitats will be managed carefully and new habitats have been factored into the plans. Proposals include large areas to encourage plants and wildlife. A new 14-hectare wildlife area in the northwest of the site between the East Stour, Barrow Hill and the railway will contain ditches, grassland and trees, providing habitats for water voles, birds, amphibians and more. Across the site, additional wooded areas and ponds will be created. The areas between important natural habitats and areas of housing and community facilities will be buffered by green areas to protect wildlife from being disturbed.
Funding news In January 2020, the Government pledged an additional £580,000 of funding to Otterpool Park, as part of its commitment to delivering garden communities across the UK. This follows a £100m funding commitment agreed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council in November 2019 to deliver the early stages of the project, which will be drawn down from over a period of five years. The planning submission for Otterpool Park was submitted in 2019 and can be viewed on the Folkestone & Hythe District Council website.
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Some of the green spaces at Otterpool Park:
• Parkland at Westenhanger Castle
• Allotments and community orchards
• Woodlands and hedgerows
• Sports pitches
Could you volunteer to be a Folkestone Flood Warden? Folkestone, like other areas, is at risk of devastating flash flooding, which could destroy property and livelihoods, and put lives in danger. It is therefore essential that Folkestone is prepared for such eventualities.
Warden can be a really good way to give back to your community.
The Environment Agency and the Kent Resilience Forum are on the lookout for local people who would like to volunteer as Flood Wardens and make a real difference to Folkestone.
As a Flood Warden you would have a key role in helping to develop a Community Flood Plan for Folkestone, as well as playing a crucial part in implementing that plan in the event of flooding.
Your commitment: • A training course that takes just two hours to complete in the evenings or weekends • Meeting a few times a year to test Folkestone’s flood plan The role: • Help local people prepare for flooding before, during and after a flood • Provide a vital link between your local community and the emergency responders
Some people gain huge rewards in helping others, and becoming a Flood To find out more information about becoming a Flood Warden visit kentprepared.org.uk/flood-wardens. Email the Environment Agency floodresilienceksles@environment-agency.gov.uk to register your interest. What else can you do? Check your flood risk – visit gov.uk/flood. Sign up to the free Environment Agency Flood Warning Service.
What you’ll get: • A comprehensive handbook • Access to a whole host of resources • Support from fellow Flood Wardens
Future funding Housing and climate change targeted through idea for new forward-thinking investments. Funding of £20 million has been proposed to help combat two of the biggest challenges facing the district – housing and climate change. Half of the money will be used to refurbish the council’s social homes over the next three years. It will also help to build a further 1,000 residential
properties, bringing the total to 1,200 in the next decade. The other £10 million will fund green initiatives which will help us achieve our net zero carbon targets by 2030.
If approved this funding will be allocated from the council’s reserves and through prudential borrowing, with the loan being repaid from future land sales at Otterpool Park.
Cllr David Monk, F&HDC Leader, said: “I’m delighted that we’re planning to invest in our future to address these top priorities. This is something all our councillors – regardless of party – are in favour of. ”
folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
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Green fingers? Tending to the garden can be fun and rewarding – but disposing of the cuttings can be a bit of a pain sometimes. Let us take away the hassle (and your leaves and cut flowers!) by signing up to our garden waste service. We offer convenient fortnightly collections for everyday green cuttings – usually on the same day as the rest of your recycling is picked up.
Assisted collections are also available to those who need it. The collected waste – grass cuttings, leaves, cut flowers and plants, small branches, twigs and hedge trimmings – is then turned into high-quality compost. The annual subscription begins on 1 April. For details and pricing, visit folkestonehythe.gov.uk/garden-waste
Could you be zero waste for a week? Hi, I’m Dan and I work for the council’s waste services team – and that's exactly what I'm going to try to be! We all make a conscious effort to recycle as much as possible, but I jumped on the computer and found out lots of little tips for reducing, recycling and reusing waste. It made me realise how much of avoidable rubbish I generate but – more importantly – what I can do about it, so I’ve already made a few changes: Making my own lunch: It’s so easy to buy a meal deal from the local supermarket, but how often do you end up buying a drink you don’t need? So instead of getting five new plastic bottles of water every week, I now refill my new
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thermal bottle (it keeps your drink cold for hours…) and I’ve become a dab hand at making sandwiches too! Ditching the kitchen roll: As a new homeowner, I’ve been pretty determined to keep the worktops clear of any food spillages. But it didn’t take too long to realise my bin was stacked high with used kitchen roll paper. Using a wet cloth instead works an absolute treat. Not buying everything I see: How often do you end up adopting the old ‘better to be safe than sorry’ approach when out shopping and then getting through
the front door with ridiculous amounts of groceries? Writing a shopping list has helped me stop clearing half of my fridge into the food waste bin on a weekly basis. Having cracked these small changes (most of the time!), I’ve decided to go big and take on the challenge of having a zero waste week. You can see how I get on by watching my video diary on F&HDC’s Facebook and Twitter pages from 17 February. Wish me luck!
Boost for High Streets The first recipients of our innovative £3m High Streets Fund say they are excited about bringing their projects to fruition. Folkestone’s Big Boys Fine Burger Co. and Market Square have both been awarded match funding for improvement works as part of the scheme aimed at increasing the vitality of our community retail heartbeats. Plans for Big Boys Fine Burger Co. in The Old High Street includes refitting the front-of-house area, refreshing the decking and adding outdoor heating – as well as installing new signage. Guy Meurice, who runs the restaurant alongside brother Gareth Attwell, said: “The funding will allow us to rebrand and reconfigure our counter area to make it more efficient. We will also be updating the front of the restaurant. “It will result in a place that will look and feel more up-to-date, run better during the busy periods, stand the test of time and be serviceable for at least another 10 years. “We’re impressed by the High Streets Fund and believe it will boost the ever continuing regeneration of Folkestone and the district as a whole.”
The High Streets Fund panel has also agreed to match fund Market Square’s plans to provide space for artisan market stalls and a bakery in its Rendezvous Street restaurant basement. Property owners, leaseholders and external organisations can apply for grants between £5,000 and £50,000 to help fund projects which futureproof our high streets before March 2021 – or until the money has been allocated. Folkestone will benefit from up to £2.2 million of the fund. The remaining £800,000 allocated to other high streets including Hythe, New Romney and Elham. For more information, visit the folkestone.works website.
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Folkestone Town Centre boost With the High Streets Fund taking off across the district, the future is looking good for our high streets. But there’s even more of a boost in store for Folkestone town centre. We’ve hired an independent retail expert to work with us to evaluate, advise and implement strategies to revitalise the area. Her approach has been successful in a number of towns across Kent – something we’re hoping to replicate with the addition of Folkestone town centre’s unique character. You may start to notice a change in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting initiatives currently in the pipeline!
Folkestone Community Works The Folkestone Community Works Programme is part-funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds 2014 - 20 and is managed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Folkestone Community Works is an ambitious programme that aims to help hundreds of people into work or training. It was set up in February 2018 after F&HDC successfully secured £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. The money is helping people in the East, Central and Harbour wards of Folkestone build businesses and increase employment. Here is another example of how Folkestone Community Works is making a difference.
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Brushing up talent
Image credit: Matt Rowe
Some people believe art is an exclusive medium, but an organisation in Folkestone is helping to open the doors and break down such barriers. Tomas Poblete and Nina Shen-Poblete started HOP Projects in Tontine Street just over two years ago, having fallen in love with the town during a national search for a studio space. And while the pair have become a part of the Creative Quarter’s blossoming art scene, they have also helped engage local artistic talents thanks to Folkestone Community Works funding. “We try to do things differently,” Nina explains. “We’re not just an art space – we see the potential of art as a means to have an independent voice exploring local issues, connecting people, and creating a platform where discussions can happen.” Among those to have benefited is Joff Insole. He is described as being ‘down on his luck’ and known only for his local street artwork before HOP Projects reached out to him. Tomas adds: “We want to allow as many people as possible into the creative process – that’s the whole point of what we’re doing.”
Joff has since been commissioned for further works and is establishing himself in the art scene. HOP Projects has benefited from £7,494 of funding which they used to purchase equipment that is being used to help to deliver events including public dance pieces based on Folkestone’s heritage, film screenings and a series of workshops. The money has supported a “wealth of local talent” including young local artists and videographers – most of which have had their first opportunity to properly express themselves in the town’s booming creative industries. For more information about HOP Projects, visit hopprojects.org
Come chat about safety in your community Residents are being invited to special meetings to have their say about community safety issues where they live. The regular meetings are being organised by the Folkestone & Hythe District Community Safety Partnership whose members want local residents to share ideas and help identify priorities for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities. A meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 26 February is being held for those living in New Romney, Romney Marsh, Wallend and Denge Marsh at the Marsh Academy, Station Road, New Romney, TN28 8BB. On Thursday 26 March those living in North Downs East and North Downs West are invited to a meeting at 7pm in the Hawkinge Community Centre, Heron Forstal Avenue, CT18 7FP. The first Local Engagement Meeting for those living in Folkestone East, Folkestone West, Folkestone Central, Folkestone Harbour, Broadmead, Cheriton, Sandgate, Hythe and Hythe Rural was held at the end of January. Further meetings for all areas have been planned for this year and all dates can be found by visiting folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/communitysafety The Folkestone & Hythe District Community Safety Partnership is made up of statutory representatives from Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Kent Police, Kent County Council departments, including public health and children and adult services teams, Kent Fire and Rescue, the National Probation Service and non-statutory members from the health sector, charities working with substance misuse and other partner agencies. The Community Safety Partnership’s main aims are to tackle crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse and reduce re-offending whilst supporting those who are most vulnerable. Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/communitysafety for more information on the CSU and CSP, including partnership updates and activities.
Push to protect public spaces New signs will be going up across the Folkestone and Hythe district advising of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in public areas. The measures address a range of activities and were decided upon following public consultation, during which residents and businesses identified those behaviours which concerned them the most. The seven measures cover anti-social alcohol consumption; unauthorised street fundraising and marketing (known as chugging); begging; urinating, spitting and defecating in a public area; unauthorised camping; anti-social street entertainment and using intoxicating substances. They are part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and enable police and council staff to issue a £100 fixed penalty notice if anyone fails to comply. A PSPO aims to ensure that a public space can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour such as harassment, aggression and any other behaviours which may have a detrimental effect. The content of the signs going up will vary according to the nature of previously identified problems in different areas.
YOU ARE IN A PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDER (PSPO) AREA
NO URINATING, SPITTING OR DEFECATING Failure to comply with this order is a criminal offence. AN AUTHORISED OFFICER CAN ISSUE YOU WITH A £100 FIXED PENALTY NOTICE. IF UNPAID, YOU COULD BE FINED UP TO £1,000. For detailed information about our PSPO visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/PSPO
FOLKESTONE & HYTHE DISTRICT
COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP
PSPO_no_urinating_v2.indd 1
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Keeping safe at home and on the road Chief Inspector Nick Sparkes for Ashford, Folkestone and Hythe said: “By now Christmas is a distant memory to most of us as we settle into 2020. As this time of year is perfect for sorting out your home and giving it a spring clean, why not start a new habit to look after your belongings and get them security marked? “Should you ever find yourself in the awful position of being a victim of theft or burglary, marked goods are harder for criminals to sell on than unmarked things. The marking will also make it easier for officers to identify the rightful owners when they recover goods from thieves. “Marking kits are available to buy online, and you can either etch or use pens which are visible under UV lights to mark your details on items like bicycles, tools and electrical items. “Other good crime reduction steps to take, include making a note of the serial numbers on your electrical goods and keeping receipts, but store this information separately away from the actual items themselves. “If you have unusual or valuable jewellery, photograph it as the photos will prove invaluable in making your goods too hot for criminals to handle. “Finally consider using a safety deposit box at the bank or investing in a good quality safe to store valuables in, and bolt it to a floor. “Habits like these are definitely worth starting if it means your home is made safer from crime!”
Drive safe “It isn’t just your home you should check is safe, remember to take time to ensure your car is roadworthy. While we can’t control the weather and the difficult driving conditions it may bring, we can be prepared for it. Regularly check your tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and lights are all in working order and meet legal requirements. “Speed limits don’t mean you have to drive at the maximum speed all the time, and you should instead aim to drive below the limit wherever possible. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. “Ultimately everyone has a responsibility to ensure the roads remain safe for all, so ensure you play your part by driving within the law and to the conditions of the road.”
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GREEN TEAM We all know that climate change is a huge threat globally. Here's the lowdown on we're doing locally.
Last year we declared a CLIMATE EMERGENCY
We're taking steps to reach our target
NET
zero
CARBON EMISSIONS BY
2030 Employing an officer working to make us – and the district – greener via an action plan and long term strategy.
Here's how we've started... Planting wildflower meadows and banning certain pesticides.
Installing electric car chargers in the district.
Encouraging staff to recycle and to think about the greenest way for them to get to work.
We all need to FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE Find out how you can do your bit at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/climatechange
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR
FREE VALUATION
01303 255 335 milesandbarr.co.uk