Folkestone and Hythe Liberal Democrats

Could You Help your Community as a Volunteer Flood Warden?

Article: Sep 29, 2020

Flood Wardens are volunteers trained to help and prepare people in local communities that are at risk of flooding. They play an important role in the preparing a community flood plan and putting it in to practice.

Kent Resilience Forum are offering FREE online Flood Warden training on Zoom on Thursday 13th October from 7-9pm, open to all members of the public, including:

new flood warden volunteers;
existing wardens who would like to refresh their training;
the voluntary sector;
Parish Councillors.

Modules will include: the role of a flood warden, types of flooding, flood and weather warnings, catchment information, safety information and next steps.

The commitment

Training takes just 2 hours to complete (training is currently online, with the next FREE course on 13th October from 7-9pm).
Flood Wardens meet a few times a year to test their flood plan.

The Role

Help local people prepare for flooding.
Provide a vital link between your community and the emergency responders.

What you'll get

Comprehensive handbook.
Access to a whole host of resources.
Support from fellow Flood Wardens.

It's been a while since we've had a substantial flood in Sandgate, but that's no reason not to be prepared.

You would be making a real difference to your community, helping the ensure the safety of neighbours, for a few hours a year. From https://www.kentprepared.org.uk/flood-wardens the responsibilities of being a Flood Warden include:

Helping the community before, during and after a flood

…before

Identify problem areas within your community;
Identify vulnerable people and properties;
Write a community flood plan;
Monitor watercourses within the community;
Encourage sign up to free Flood Warnings.

…during

Communicate the risk of flooding within the community;
Help co-ordinate the community flood plan;
Heed emergency services advice at all times;
Share information from the Environment Agency and emergency services with residents;
Encourage residents to take action;
Collect flood event information.

…after

Assist in the post-flood clear up if required;
Continue to act as a communication channel;
Collect post-flood data and photos;
Assist in the review of the community flood plan.

If you are interested in becoming a Flood Warden, please contact the Kent Resilience Team to organise a training session at krf@kent.fire-uk.org or call 01622 212409.

Lib Dems challenge Govt's "power grab" planning proposals

Article: Sep 27, 2020

In a policy motion adopted today at the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Conference, the Party has warned that the Government's planning proposals will "disempower" councils and allow developers to "run roughshod" over local communities' wishes.

The motion lays bare the risks of the Government's proposals, which the Party argue amount to a Government "power grab" that will reduce investment in affordable housing, damage public scrutiny of planning decisions, and potentially undermine climate commitments.

Kent Access Permits are a threat to Kent residents and Kent businesses

Article: Sep 27, 2020

"The Government's proposal to require hauliers heading for Dover or the Channel Tunnel to obtain a Kent Access Permit has caused much amusement", says Rob Bird, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at County Hall. "But it's not a joke. It is another ill-conceived bureaucratic burden which will affect hauliers and businesses throughout the County."

Napier Barracks Round Table Question Time

Article: Sep 25, 2020

Folkestone and Hythe District Council have hosted a question time session on Friday 25th September with many of the people involved in the Napier Barracks migrant processing camp, including the Home Office. Speakers included:

Although it certainly did not answer all the questions that I and other residents have asked regarding the centre, it did answer some of them. A Q&A paper following on from the session will be posted soon on the District Council website.

Fight Lost on Romney Avenue Development

Article: Sep 23, 2020

A proposal to build 8 houses on a plot of land on Romney Avenue in Sandgate was given planning permission last night at Folkestone and Hythe's Development Control Committee.

The proposal was opposed by ward Councillor Tim Prater after discussions with a number of local residents, who said that while he accepted it was better than a previously rejected application for the site, there were still too many questions that remained unanswered.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council to leave Civic Centre?

Article: Sep 23, 2020

Yesterday Folkestone and Hythe dirtect Council (F&HDC) published an article on Facebook suggesting a move from the Civic Centre in Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone.

"We are to investigate a possible move from the Civic Centre as a way of reducing our impact on the environment."

So, what's the story? Has a decision been made? How much will this all cost?

Napier "A temporary measure, which we will reverse as soon as circumstances allow"

Article: Sep 18, 2020

Earlier this week, I co-signed letters alongside the Leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council David Monk and Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins to both Chris Philp Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Home Secretary Priti Patel demanding answers on the Government decision to open a migrant site at Napier Barracks at Shorncliffe.

F&HDC Ward Grant Funding and the Folkestone Channel Triathlon 2020

Article: Sep 18, 2020

Each year, Folkestone and Hythe District Councillors get £3,000 of grant funding that they can use to support organisations, activities and projects that benefit the area.

One of the events that Gary Fuller and I backed with grant funding in 2019-20 was the Folkestone Channel Triathlon, which we were delighted to see go ahead.