Attendees: Richard Wallace (Chairman), David Noble (Vice Chairman) Deryn Cutting, Patty Key, Marie Helene Hunter, Jo File, Jenny Barraclough, Mick Williamson, Alison White, Jan McNeil, Linda Bauer, Pam Keeling, Elizabeth Halstead, Penny Shepherd, Nicky Tolson

Apologies: Tony Quarrington, Dan Keeling, Eddie & Rita Lee, Dorothy Douse, Tony Hill, Belinda Walker, Tony & Brenda Gilbert, Ian Gordon, Matt Jones

Meeting started earlier than normal due to football semifinal in which England were playing.

Richard Wallace informed meeting that Penny Shepherd is involved in the background with the recycling project due to her partner being ill.   Richard will give her a monthly update on recycling, and she will comment for the meeting.

Folkestone Brighter Future is going ahead with Forresters Way being adopted as a depot in September and work starting in October.   Jenny Barraclough continues to have concerns and along with others would prefer that money was spent on upgrading and refurbishing the existing bus station. Meeting with new labour MP. Tony Vaughan mooted and agreed.   Members would like to bring to his attention our priorities

  • Linda Bauer and Elizabeth Halstead had received memo saying Polly Blakeman was forming a focus group to discuss bus services.
  • Jan McNeil suggested a petition at the bus station.
  • Linda Bauer suggested that there could be a person at the bus station to help direct people into the town.
  • 3500 Signatures needed for Council petition.  Linda Bauer doesn’t want to waste efforts if things have got quite far down the line.  Petition not going ahead, but one may be made available should things not work out.
  • Richard Wallace will contact council to ask whether commitments made by the previous party will be honoured.
  • Marie Helene Hunter suggested emailing new Labour MP Tony Vaughan secretary with copy of magazine and a list of points that we would like to address in the town centre such as homeless problem, antisocial behaviour, sea sewage, bus station repairing The Leas, recycling. Maybe not all in first email but focus on recycling scheme (FBF)
  • Stagecoach getting attention.  Polly Blakemore going to form focus group. Various representative groups will fit in.  Penny Shepherd said NHS should be contacted regarding buses available on Sunday to take people from villages for Sunday appointments.  She w make suggestions to Polly.

PLANNING

  • Land adjacent to 6 Westcliffe Gardens – Refused
  • Oriental Buffet to be redesigned into 6 shops
  • MacDonalds – Vehicle chargers have been provided
  • Eleto – Work going on
  • 5 /6 Pelham Gardens – Application to convert into house of multiple occupation – Refused
  • Tung Kiang, Cheriton Road – Repairs notice issued

Linda Bauer concerned about Browns encroaching on Sandgate Road with regards disabled people and hazards.

Jo File raised question of town centre management problems as there is currently no one or no where to go for information such as, no tourism information; if urgent medical attention or ambulance is required; if pick pockets create problems, no meet and greet, bogus charities.  Folca could have a booth?

RECYCLING 

Wheelie bins are coming!

Seeking willing volunteers to go onto rota which will be organised by Mick Williamson and Alison White.  Town council contacted about Go Folkestone involvement. Leaflets are progressing.  Cllrs Jeremy Speakman/Stephen Scoffham.  Alan Rush, Lead Officers, Angela Smith, Town Centre, Mike Blakemore – paternity leave.

Folkestone Fringe, Diane Devers, is organising a town centre reawakening over several weeks with different groups being main focus for a week or so at a time.

LITTER PICK

Disappointing turnout in June.  Next litter pick on last Friday 26th July at 2.00pm – meet by the arch.  All tools will be available for litter pickers.

Richard Wallace officially stepped down as Chairman and was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and David Noble has stepped into position as of August meeting.

NEWS ON ROAD OF REMEMBRANCE 

David Noble contacted Polly Blakemore.  She agreed with him.  KCC Have fallen down on signs indicating that there is only one route to the harbour due to the road closure of Road of Remembrance.  Signs will be in place by 9th September at the latest – just missing the main tourist season!

There have been nine landslips on Road of Remembrance.  Not likely to be opened this year.

Ann Berry requested volunteers to marshal service at Leas Arch for 110th anniversary of World War I, for about 1.5 hours. Patty Key, Richard Wallace and Nicky Tolson have already volunteered.

Next meeting Wednesday 14th August at Wards Hotel, Earls Avenue

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