The first proposed draft boundaries for Folkestone and Hythe constituency are the current Folkestone and Hythe District Council boundary minus Elham Valley (North Downs East and North Downs West wards).

Folkestone and Hythe constituency is currently the full district plus Saxon Shore ward from Ashford BC, but population growth on the electoral roll was always likely to see the constituency at least revert to the District boundary. That there are now too many people in the district to fit in one constituency (on the Government's rules) so a part of the district needs to go to a neighbouring seat.

As a part of a piece of casework for a local resident, I've been on the trail of a missing hedge...

When 7 years ago, Folkestone West Train Station got its shiny new car park by Shorncliffe Road, one of the planning conditions was planting along the new fence by Shorncliffe Road. This would over time soften the border, reduce light spill from the car park, create a habitat, provide more oxygenators, food for animals: all the good things.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council are piloting a park and ride service in Folkestone this summer.

The service - which will be operated by Stagecoach - will run from the Motis Business Centre in Cheriton near J12 of the M20, CT19 4 QJ. Users can enjoy hassle free parking paying just £5 per car to park all day. Shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes between 9am and 6pm to Folkestone Harbour via Folkestone Central Station. The park and ride service will operate every weekend until October and daily from 19 July to 31 August.

Antony Hook has made his first speech to Kent County Counci in his role as Leader of Kent Liberal Democrats.

In his four-minute speech Antony:

• Congratulated members elected to Kent County Council
• Introduced new Liberal Democrats members Mike Sole and Richard Streatfeild
• Called on the council to work together to achieve recovery after the pandemic
• Highlighted the gulf between seats allocated to the Conservatives versus the much smaller share of votes they received from Kent's people
• Set out liberal values that will guide the Liberal Democrat Group - such as belief in the open society with equal opportunity for all
• Called for people to be "liberated from poverty, ignorance and conformity"
• Said he is optimistic about Kent's future
• Called on Kent to become the leading council in the UK for embracing new technology

Antony Hook has been elected as new Leader of Kent Liberal Democrats.

He will lead the Liberal Democrat Group at County Hall and was elected unaniously by Liberal Democrat county councillors.

Antony Hook is 41, married with two daughters and represents Faversham on Kent County Council.

He is fomer Member of the European Parliament for South East England.

Folkestone and Hythe District Councillors have up to £3,000 per Councillor they can agree as ward grants during the course of a year.

The forms and guidance notes to make an application to a Councillor are online at:

https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community/community-funding/ward-budget

....however, if you'd prefer a Word (so editable) copy of the application form, the Member Ward Budget Grant 2021/22 Application form is available here.

I know this is part of a regular series of emails from me, but there are a lot of things not well in the world of bin emptying and rubbish collection in Sandgate at the moment I'm afraid.

The seafront is currently regularly getting strewn with rubbish *again*, and although I have local residents crying out for bigger bins. The issue is that AGAIN they are being emptied too infrequently, and AGAIN the system seems to have reverted to someone who empties and leaves the bags on or by the bin, and then some hours later, sometimes the next day, the bags are being collected.

There is a virtual event to launch the White Cliffs Community Rail Partnership next Thursday, 20th May, at 2pm. The partnership covers the nine stations between Westenhanger and Sandwich (including Folkestone West and Folkestone Central), and you can hear their exciting future plans and ideas.

The event is open to all with an interest in trains, railways, tourism, sustainable travel or has ideas how stations can play a bigger role in our community.