Despite the Conservative controlled Shepway District Council (SDC) voting in favour of the expansion of London Ashford Airport (LAA) on March 3rd, the battle to stop this disastrous decision continues. The Government Office of the South East (GOSE) has deferred their deadline to contemplate SDC's decision until June 11th, after the General Election.
Three national opinion polls over the weekend have shown the Liberal Democrats surging into the lead in the General Election race nationally. Folkestone and Hythe Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont has welcomed the news, saying that although the polls will continue to change, it's clear that there is all to play for both nationally and locally.
This Council, believing in accountability to the taxpayer, notes the recent campaigns by the Taxpayers Alliance amongst others to ensure greater disclosure to the public of what their money is being spent on.
The Lib Dems are well aware of the stakes. For their moment in the spotlight, they chose a focused, costed and serious political message. The Guardian - 15th April 2010
Question to Cabinet Member for Strategic Services: Please could the Cabinet Member confirm what the arrangements are this year for identifying which households have paid for Garden Waste collection for 2010-11, and whether a sticker needs to be displayed on the brown-lidded bin to ensure collection?
The Creative Foundation is re-launching the Harbour Market as the Folkestone Arts, Crafts & Food Fair on Sunday 2nd May 2010, with a strong emphasis on quality goods, excellent atmosphere and local promotion.
I note with interest the recent newsletter distributed by the Conservatives to a few houses in Sandgate. It's always good to see the Sandgate Conservatives annual contact with residents, but am concerned that your normally genial mask has somewhat slipped with an attack on those pointing out Conservative Shepway Council's plans for pay and display parking in Sandgate.
Folkestone West County Councillor Tim Prater has personally funded the licence costs of a new postal service in Sandgate High Street from the increase in County Councillor Allowances he voted against last year.
At last night's Sandgate Parish Council meeting the council voted to introduce a new system to allocate grants to individuals or organisations. Previously the Council had no such system in place.
The recent "Kent View" magazines profiling Liberal Democrat candidate for Folkestone and Hythe Lynne Beaumont are now available online.
The Liberal Democrats have released an online "Pocket Guide to Policy" which summarises the party's key policies at a page per portfolio for anyone who is interested to know what the Party is proposing. You can download a copy at http://tinyurl.com/ydw73nw
Kent news report that Hunt masters are rallying the troops in a bid for Tory victory after David Cameron pledged to hold a free vote on foxhunting if he gets into Downing Street. Officials at hunting clubs have been calling on their members to help in the Conservative campaign.