Eastcliff Promenade 13 June


The Promenade walk from King George VI park to the Marina is one of the most popular in Thanet, Eastcliff Councilors are working hard with County Councilor Elizabeth Green to improve many aspects of the walk.

King George VI Park Victoria Parade Wellington Crescent We are extremely disappointed and angry that the ugly fencing along the cliff-top is still there one year after being installed. The engineer's report called for urgent action to stop farther deterioration in the cliff face. We wonder who's vocabulary includes 12 months delay as "urgent'.

With the help of Ramsgate Charter Trustees we managed to install the new flagpole in lime to fly the Union Flag for the Queen's Birthday. We now have the means to commemorate special events, both local and National. We hope to dedicate the flagpole to Nelson on the anniversary of his death.

Another disappointment is the state of the Eastcliff lift. Once again this year it opened at Easter and promptly failed. We have queried why maintenance was not done earlier in the year, and why the ingress of water was not dealt with.

News in Brief
Your Councillors are investigating the possibility of Trust to administer Albion House. Moves to promote PAIRS. (Performing Arts in Ramsgate) are progressing well the election of a committee and adoption of constitution should take place shortly.

Planning Failure
Thanet Council Planning Committee failed hard pressed resident in Eastcliff at their meeting The Committee approved yet more social housing in the already high density area around Kennedy House and Trove Court lower blocks. A majority of Councillors ignored a plea from residents of King Street, Ramsgate and from Eastcliff Ward Councillors to delay approval whist a meeting took place. In not being prepared even to defer decision until after TDC and KCC officers have taken an overall look at the King Street area, the Planning Committee has confirmed the residents opinion expressed to me that the decision to approve was made when TDC sold the land to the Housing Association The immediate area around King Street in Ramsgate has a number of derelict properties and no amenities such as green spaces and parking. I asked the Planning committee to delay a decision for a week to allow a meeting to take place so that residents could explain to officers why they felt that packing even more social housing into the area would create social problems similar to those already reported in Cliftonville. I think the residents have a point and that the Council should examine their concerns.

Letter from the Mayor Cllr. Steve Ward
Most of the functions I perform as Ramsgate Mayor are reported in the local newspapers, and the work I do as a Thanet District Councillor is mostly confidential. So I would like to tell you about the things I do as one of the Charter Trustees.

The Charter Trustees are based in Albion House, and hold meetings there five times a year. It is also the home of the Mayor and provides a fitting venue for entertaining prominent visitors to the town

The Council chamber itself is used by many groups for meetings; these include, amongst many others, Eastcliff Residents Association, Friends of Ramsgate Library and Thanet Voluntary and Community Sector Forum.

Because I am to some extent the "face' of the Trustees, the "Ramsgate Fund" is often referred to as the Mayor's Fund, this is a complete misconception. The Charter Trustees administer the fund, which provides grants to organisations that provided services to Ramsgate residents. These grants are usually for capital projects, that is, for the purchase of tangible items.

During the last year we have provided camping equipment for local Brownies and Guides, a wheelchair for a lunch club, help with provision of disabled access to a variety of organisations, and recently money to provide a kitchen in a family resource centre.

Pleasurama Development 14 February

Our opposition to the current proposals for this site are well know locally, but there comes a time when one has to accept that the decision has been made, and as local Councillors, try to get the best for the local residents that one represents.
To that end, we have pressed for the TDC administration to meet with Eastcliff residents to explain how negotiations with the developer were progressing. In particular we wanted them to explain how our principle objections to the project; that is the height above the cliff top and the treatment of the roof landscaping, had been met.
In the event, TDC sent a Strategic Director, and the Head of Planning Services. We shared the platform with them.
The officers explained how the height had been reduced to below the cliff top, and gave the assurances that we wanted, that they treated the roof treatment seriously and would not approve the development until they had been shown examplcs of a suitable roof covering. They also undertook to inform residents when they had more information concerning the roof.

There were many Eastcliff residents present, who wanted answers to genuine questions about parking, ownership of the proposed hotel, how access to the building site would be managed etc. We hope they managed to get the answers to their questions. If not, we are happy to pursue answers for them.

Eastcliff Local Board. 14 February


Just some of the topics discussed at the second Eastcliff Local Board meeting held at Albion House on Wednesday 1st February.
Representatives from residents, the District Council, Community Safety Wardens, Ramsgate Town Partnership, Housing Trust, Police, County and Ward Councillors, are meeting regularly to deal with these and other problems arising in the area. The group has a small budget from the council but just as importantly brings together all those concerned to make the Eastciff a safer secure place to live.
Any residents wishing to join us, please contact one of us.

Boundary Road

Would you be interested in helping us improve your local area?
Do you think the area needs more facilities for children?
Are there local issues you would like dealt with?
Your local Councillors would like to hear from you with a view to forming a Boundary Road Action Group. We would see the group covering the whole of the Boundary Road polling district. That is roads off both sides of Boundary Road.
Your Councillors would be pleased to meet with such a group on a regular basis to take on board any problems or positive ideas for imroving the area.
There is already such a group in the other half of the Eastcliff Ward, called ERA (Easteliff Resident's Association). This group advises us on Planning Applications, improvements to open spaces. problems with litter, dumped cars etc. etc. We would like something similar in your area.
If you are at all interested, please contact us using any of the contact details and we will arrange a meeting of all those interested. Boundary Road Recreation Ground 14 February

After complaints from local residents regarding problems with football being played on the Boundary Road Recreation Ground, your ward councillors have had somc goal posts erected on the field to move the footballers away from the local residences. This appears to have eased the problem.

It is proposed to have a "Teen Shelter" placed on the corner of the site to persuade those youngsters who, at present, congregate around the old public conveniences and elsewhere in the area, to move further away from the shops and residences. This should be finalised early in the year, Longer term possibilities are fot construction of an enclosed "Ball Court" and for supervised sports instruction.

Boundary Road Gas Works 14 February

You will notice that work is taking place around the now derelict gas works. This work will continue well into the year, and will consist of demolition of several of the buildings on the site. The main red brick building will not be touched as it is protected, nor will the Gas Container itself at this stage. It is possible that there will be noticeable odours coming from the site, if these persist or become too obnoxious please inform us.

New Licensing' Laws. 14 February

We've now had personal experience of the new licensing laws in action Along with a lot of other Thanet pubs, those in Ramsgate applied for extension of drinking hours and entertainment We and the Council had received a number of complaints about noise and rowdy behaviour from residents living near, and once the application for extension was posted they organised a petition against. We organised a meeting at which about 30 residents attended and asked us to represent their views. The licensing panel hearing took place a few weeks ago. One of the pubs had its application for any extension of hours refused. They appealed to the Magistrates Court and we gave evidence in defence of the Council's decision. We're pleased to say that the Magistrates upheld the decision with costs. We hope this shows that given a pro-active group of residents and proper representation the new laws can and will work to residents benefit.

Dumped Rubbish Problems. 14 February

We are not surprised that many residents despair at the attitude and performance of Thanet Council. For many months now, we have been reporting problem spots for dumping of litter in Eastdiff Ramsgate such as Abbots Hill, and have been complaining about the upkeep of our roads and footpaths. There appear to be people who regularly dump bags of litter at certain spots. We have asked for mobile CCTV to identify the culprits or for operatives to open the bags to look fbr addresses. So far, the bags have been eventually collected, but our requests for action to deal with the culprits have been politely ignored. If this is the response that we as a ward councillors get, we sympathise with members of the public! We have raised the issue with the highest levels at the Council, We shall see what responses we get.

Ramsgate Cemetery Footpaths. 14 February

In October of last year, We started a campaign for improvements to the footpaths in Ramsgate Cemetery. They are in a very poor condition or non existent in the lower parts of the Cemetery, having had our initial request turned down by Thanet Council, we decided to try to raise the £20k needed ourselves. We hed pledges of support from many individual Labour Councillors including Wyrine Gore, Alan Poole and Elizabeth Green. At the same lime we continued to press Thanet Council to accept their responsility for access to the Cemetery. We're pleased to report that TDC have allocated £25k towards the footpaths. We hope they will be constructed very soon. Our thanks to our Labour Colleagues for their support.

Albion House & Albion Place Car Park 1 October

Eastcliff Residents gave a strong response to Thanet Council over moves to sell Albion Place car park. A strong case was made at a meeting with Planning bosses arranged by Easteliff Ward Councillors.

Even more residents, from all over Ramsgate turned out in protest over the possible sale of Albion House. Arranged by the Residents Association. and addressed by the Town Mayor Steve Ward, our MP Steve Ladyman and Ward Councillor David Green, the meeting was horrified by Council plans that would threaten Albion House as a centre for the community in Ramsgate.

Improving Boundary Road Recreation Ground. 1 October

Your Eastcliff Councillors are working with ArtWise and The Children's Society to try to obtain improved facilities on Boundary Road recreation ground.
Meetings are being arranged with local children to consult with them over the son of' equipment they would use and enjoy.
At the same time we are trying to identify' funding that could he used, and to draw up plans of where facilities could be placed.
We are conscious that many people use Boundary Road, and want to make best use of one of the few green areas in the Eastcliff.
At the moment ideas include a "Teen Shelter", a Ball Court, and Skateboarding. There is also support for more "supervised" sports and activities.
We would very much like your input and ideas, Please Contact us.

St. Lukes Avenue traffic calming. 1 October

Your ward Councillors have joined forces with County Councillor Alan Poole to respond to resident's concerns over speeding in St Luke's Avenue.
Resident's views have been collected and have been passed on to the police and highways department.
We are awaiting their response.

Herson Family Centre. 1 October

Residents may be wondering what is happening to the proposed Family Centre on the old Hereson School Site in Lillian Road.
Having persuaded the Council to reserve part of the site for a family/community centre, we are keeping a close interest.
We are pleased to report that plans are still on track and that building is due to start before the New Year.

Bandstand, Dancing in the moonlight. 18 September

Your local Councillors together with County Councillors Elizabeth Green and Alan Poole are pleased to have been able to support Eastcliff Residents in their event at the Eastcliff Bandstand. Hundreds of residents, young and old enjoyed the event, organised to launch the restoration of the Bandstand and its surrounding dance floor.

Ramsgate asset stripping. 1 October

What do the Pleasurama Site, Ramsgate New Port, Ramsgate Royal Harbour. Albion House, Albion Place Car Park, the Motor Museum, and the Ramsgate Tourism Office have in common? They are all public assets in Ramsgate and will all be sold off if Thanet District Council Tories have their way. All these, and more, are apparently to be sacrificed to ease the Tories self-inflicted financial crisis These public assets have been accumulated over many years, mostly by Ramsgate Borough Council. Thanet District Council acquired them through local government reorganisation. If the motive was to accumulate a fund to invest in Ramsgate's future, perhaps to build modern sports and recreational facilities, or to invest in the viability of the town centre, then a debate could be held. But this is not so, These sales are part of an "efficiency", cost cutting exercise, designed to release money to pay for expensive follies in other parts of Thanet. The Town Mayor and Labour District Councillors are leading hundreds of residents who are appalled at the lack of consultation over these sales.
Wake up Ramsgate this damage cannot be undone.

Albion House 16 August 2005

A meeting today between Richard Samual, Cllr. Bayford and Cllr. Ward has resulted in a proposal being put forward by TDC to sell Albion House and to move the Mayor and the Charter Trustees to the Visitor Information Centre.

The detail of the proposal will be discussed at the next Charter Trustee meeting on Monday 19th September at 7:00 in Albion House.

We dedicate this edition of Eastcliff Matters to the residents of Ramsgate's campaign to halt the proposed eyesore planned for the Eastcliff seafront.

Council Climb-down over Pleasurama

It would appear that a combination of public pressure and the concerted opposition of Labour Councillors have forced Thanet Council to modify their policy concerning redevelopment of the old Pleasurama site.

The Conservative Council have caused outrage in Ramsgate by their decision to allow a development that breached Local Plan guidelines for the site. The Tory proposals would have destroyed the view from the Eastcliff Promenade, by allowing the development to rise above the Cliff top. Both Leader and Deputy Leader of the Tory group have previously backed the proposal, as has Planning Chief John Kirby.

Under pressure from Labour Councillors, Labour MP Stephen Ladyman and the Ramsgate Public, it would now seem that the Conservatives are admitting they were wrong. New proposals are being put to TDC Cabinet that would reduce the height of the development to below the cliff top, including the controversial lift tower and steps. There would also be improvements to the roof design to improve the view from the promenade. The new proposals appear to go some way towards restoring the design to that agreed by the previous Labour administration.

Ward Councillor for Eastcliff, Cllr David Green has said, " News of the climb-down by Bayford and the Conservatives is welcome, these plans should never have been passed and were opposed by Labour from the start. The Tories broke basic planning regulations by whipping their members to vote for the development and failing to report the application to the Government Office. Labour members will watch developments very carefully to ensure that the proposed roof enhancement is carried out, and the Ramsgate public have chance to have their say. We will argue that the proposed changes are brought back to Full Council so that they are properly scrutinised."

There are also questions concerning the valuation of the site, which is £1.2M higher than the amount being offered by the developer. This aspect is currently referred to the District Auditor. Cllr Green has said, "Labour Councillors will try to ensure that Thanet Council tax payers get the proper value for this site and that the money is used for the benefit of the people of Ramsgate."

Save Our Seafront

The campaign to persuade the Tory controlled Thanet Council to modify their plans for the old Pleasurama site continues. Thousands of residents have written protesting over the impact the proposed development will have on the promenade, views from the marina and Eastcliff's listed buildings.
It is hard to find anyone in support of the current proposals other than the Tory Council leadership of Cllrs. Ezekial, Bayford and Kirby. Support for the campaign has been received from our MP, Stephen Ladyman, our Labour MEP Peter Skinner, the Ramsgate Society, English Heritage and belatedly, even prominent local Tories. In their desperate support for the developer the Tory leadership have been prepared to break Planning Law, ignore the advice of English Heritage, under sell the land at £1M below market value, ignore the vote of the full Council, block proper scrutiny of the decision, and most importantly ignore the wishes of most of the residents of Ramsgate. They must know by now that the proposal is wrong for Ramsgate.

Tories are ignoring the Local Development Plan

The Thanet Local Development Plan is supposed to control all developments in the Local Authority area. It is arrived at after extensive consultation with developers, the public and other interested parties.
Any significant departure from the local plan is required by law to be reported to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, who will judge whether a public enquiry is required. The current local plan has two main requirements for the Pleasurama site. The first is that it is reserved for "Leisure and Retail" use. The inclusion of a majority of residential in the development breaks the local plan guidelines. The second requirement in the plan is an absolute requirement that any development is below the cliff top in height. Eastcliff Labour Councillors, David Green and Steve Ward spoke against the proposal as did the Ramsgate Society and English Heritage.

Save Our Seafront- What Now?

Dr. Stephen Ladyman
Member of Parliament for South Thanet
House of Commons
London, SW1A OAA

Constituency Office:
28 Newington Rd.
Ramsgate,
Kent,
CT12 6EE
Tel: 01843 852696
Fax: 01843 852689

Dear Constituent

As you will be aware, in 2002, Thanet Council advertised for people prepared to develop the old Pleasurama site. Various ideas were put forward and the Council unanimously agreed to pursue a mixed development that included some residential accommodation, a hotel and some retail / leisure operations.

In my view that outline proposal was reasonably well balanced and, subject to a good design being developed, was in the best interest of the Town. Following the 2003 elections, the administration of Thanet Council changed. The 2002 proposal was for the old Pleasurama site but the newly elected Conservative Council agreed to significantly increase the footprint of the site by including the adjacent car-park. This in my view has distorted the balance between the leisure/retail/hotel elements of the scheme and the residential element The scheme now is far more intensive than the original and is overly dominated by residential accommodation.

Despite my reservations over the balance between public benefit and private profit in the new scheme, of far greater concern to me is that the Council also agreed to substantial design changes without, in my view, a proper consultation with the people of Ramsgate.

In the original concept all roof heights are below cliff level and views from the cliff top are preserved. Indeed the design at that time offered a view down onto a roof garden.

In the new design the roof height emerges above the clifftop, blocking the clifftop views in several places, the roof gardens where they exist will no longer be public spaces and in some places the view of the roof that will be most obvious from the clifftop will be a galvanised finish. My own view is that the developer should have been asked to return the design to something more in line with the 2002 concept Unfortunately, this has not happened, but even now he could be asked to review the design and ensure that the roof is below cliff height throughout its length and that the roof finish is improved.

These are points that Labour councillors and myself have repeatedly made to the Council's current leadership but we are being ignored. I accept that the development is going to go ahead and that it is now too late for dramatic changes to the plans but surely adjusting the roof height and finish is a very reasonable and moderate request?

Labour councillors moved a vote to this effect at Full Council which was agreed. Unfortunately, it has been ignored by the Council's cabinet who have executive power on this matter. Labour councillors have also asked for the project to be reviewed by the Scrutiny Committee of the Council, but the Conservative majority have over-ruled them and are allowing the cabinet to proceed without being held to account.

If you agree with me, why not write to Cllr, S.Ezeklal, Leader, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent, CT91XZ and tell him that even now It is still not too late for him to intervene? Only the voice of the people can now make him think again.

Please copy your letter to me at the above address, or ring to let me know you have written.

Beat Bobbies for Eastcliff

Beat Bobbies Your Eastcliff Councillors are responding to resident's concerns regarding antisocial behaviour. Though crime locally is low, the summer weather has brought a rise in complaints concerning anti-social activities such as drinking in public parks, with associated abusive language, illegal camping by travellers, graffiti, late night noise, dumping of litter etc. Details are still to be worked out, but agreement has been reach in principle and a formal announcement should be made soon. Eastcliff Councillors are also supporting a Council initiative to designate the whole of Ramsgate town centre a "no drinking alcohol in public zone" in order to assist the police to deal with problem drinkers.
Your Councillors would like to thank residents who have reported their concerns and the police for their co-operation.
Eastcliff Councillors are working with Superintendent Penny Martin of Thanet Police to arrange for high presence police patrols in Eastcliff similar to the successful operations in Newington and Millmead.

Money for Good Causes

Do you have a project or group that would benefit Eastcliff residents that could use a cash boost? There are a number of possible sources of funding becoming available including grants from Thanet Community Development Trust and the Ramsgate fund, administered by Ramsgate Charter Trustees. Also, your three Eastcliff councillors have £lk each they can allocate to local projects. We are minded to try to use these funds to benefit youth projects in Eastcliff. Your views would be very welcome.

Public Conveniences

Your Councillors are still pursuing the proposed demolition and replacement of the public convenience on Victoria Parade. They have voiced their concerns over the present use of the flat roof for skate boarders, as they believe that it is only a matter of time before someone gets severely injured. It would appear that the Conservative administration at TDC have put the matter on hold. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated via this newsletter.

Victoria fountain Victoria Parade Fountain

What do you call a fountain without water, an ornament? Replacement of the pump in the fountain was promised for the beginning of September. This unfortunately means that it has been out of action for the whole of the holiday season, but should be working for next year.

Access for Emergency

Restricted parking has been implemented in Camden Road, Camden Square, Elizabeth Road, Alliance Road and Kent Terrace, following the request from emergency services. Eastcliff Councillors have helped residents modify the proposals to maximise resident's parking whilst still allowing emergency access.

Save Ramsgate Library

Eastcliff Councillors share the horror at the devastation caused by Ramsgate's latest fire. We are pursuing several issues whilst supporting the many members of the public in their determination to see the building and its contents restored as far as is possible. Immediate concern is to make the site safe and secure, to find an alternative building to house a library, and to ensure the problems over water pressure are investigated

Labour Launches "Your Street Matters'

We are receiving many complaints that the "street scene" in Eastcliff is deteriorating. Street Scene is Council jargon for litter, weeds, broken pavements, graffiti, street lamps and signs etc. Many suspect that the Tory Council has withdrawn resources from Ramsgate for use elsewhere. Your Councillors are determined to improve the situation, if you have comments please use the feedback facility on the main page.
"Your Street Matters", let us know about the street scene in your locality and we will set about getting things fixed and cleaned up.

Pleasurama

Your Labour Councillors wish to thank all those Eastcliff residents that supported the effort to reverse the decision on building a highly unsuitable development on the old Pleasurama site. On the 1st April , the decision was reversed. We now await resumed negotiations to approve something more suitable to the location next to Ramsgate Sands
Your Eastcliff Ward Councillors have been prominent in assisting residents groups defend views from the Eastcliff Promenade threatened by proposed development on the old Pleasurama site.
Cllrs David Green and Steve Ward, attended a packed public meeting, called to mobilise opinion following the failure of Thanet District Council Planning Committee to restrain the development to below cliff-top height.
The appeal to residents has resulted in a massive response with many hundreds of letters received by the Council together with petitions containing thousands of names.
Many residents attended the 1st April meeting of Thanet Council to pose questions to the Conservative administration, asking why they were supporting the development. They heard the Leader of the Labour Group propose that the development plans be curtailed, restoring permission to that granted in December 2002. Eastcliff Labour Councillors are watching developments closely to ensure that the spirit of the Council's decision and the public's wishes are carried out.

TKB Residents Association

Residents in Trove Court, Kennedy House and Bellevue Avenue have formed a residents association to improve living conditions in ithe area. Eastcliff Councillors have been supporting ithe association whilst officers are elected and meetings arranged. First steps are to improve the security of the buildings, deal with problem residents, speed up repairs and improve contact with the Council.

Improving Access for Emergency Vehicles

Following recent fires, the Emergency Services have asked KCC Highways Authority to restrict parking on many roads in the Eastcliff.
Eastcliff Councillors have found most residents supportive of this, but concerned over the effect on parking, which is already a problem in the area. Roads affected are Camden, Belle Alliance, Elizabeth, Alliance, Hibernia and Kent Place. Concerned residents should contact their Councillors.

Victoria Parade Traffic Calming

Labour Councillors in Eastcliff have been working with Highways Officers to devise improvements to Victoria Parade. Responding to resident's concerns, top priorities are: Working with Eastcliff Residents Association, the preferred scheme involves building out "shoulders" from each road junction to create road narrowing to slow traffic and aid crossing.

The Ramsgate Fund

A New £40,000 fund has been set up by Ramsgate Charter Trustees to give grants to residents to help fund projects in Ramsgate. Any group in Ramsgate can apply for a grant as long as it is sustainable and benefits Ramsgate residents. Application is through the Ramsgate Town Mayor's Office at Albion House, Albion Gardens Ramsgate

Cleaning up Thanet

Rubbish accumalating in Eastcliff Thanet District Council spends over £1M keeping our streets and open spaces clean. The service itself is contracted out, but the level of service is negotiated and paid for by TDC. The contracts vary according to the type of area, from daily in the Town Centre streets to weekly, usually the day after the dustbin collection, in other areas. It is an uncomfortable fact that it is we, the residents who produce the rubbish and us the council tax payer who have to pay for its collection and removal. This year the Council is setting aside an extra £125,000, ring-fenced purely for rubbish collection.

Please let your Councillors know of any bad spots or failures in service.