Having written about the launch of the new click2cycle service covering Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe last week, I've been prompted to mention that Folkestone Harbour Bicycle Hire has been operating from their base near the Folkestone Harbour Arm since 2017.

They rent adult bikes from 2 hours up to full days, and also offer a range of child trailers and "tag a long" child trailer bikes.

We achieved an amazing result in Lewisham East - a 19% increase in our vote share!

Thank you so much to absolutely everyone that came to Lewisham to help us here, or made calls from home, and thank you so much to everyone who helped fund my campaign.

The last time we achieved such a big swing from Labour was in the 2004 election in Hartlepool - the year after Iraq and when Blair was at his most unpopular.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council have published details of an "Urgent Decision" to purchase various pieces of land in the Otterpool Park area without discussion by Councillors.

Former Shepway District Councillor, and former Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Tim Prater has asked why this decision is being taken as an "Urgent Decision" rather than being discussed and decided by Councillors. Tim says:

Kent Highways report that it will be necessary to close Sandgate Road, Folkestone from 14 June 2018 for up to 2 Days.

The road will be closed between the junctions of Shakespeare Terrace and West Terrace.

The alternative route is via Shakespeare Terrace, The Leas and West Terrace.

This is to enable carriageway maintenance to be carried out by Kent County Council.

A new "Pay As You Go" or monthly subscription cycling service click2cycle serving Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe launches on 16th June.

To rent a bike, you need to download an app to your smartphone. You then set up an account, sign in, and find your nearest bike using the app. You then use the app to unlock your bike from the collection point at pick up, and again when you drop it back off. Pay As You Go rental cost £6 for the first hour, but a variety of price options are available.

In 2015, I posted about the inability of Shepway District Council to accept an online debit / credit card payment for the renewal of a parking permit.

In 2016, I posted about the inability of Shepway District Council to accept an online debit / credit card payment for the renewal of a parking permit.

Long term Folkestone resident Chani Sanger has challenged Council Leader David Monk over the number of vacant shop units blighting Guildhall Street and other areas of Folkestone. Although there has always been a number of empty units in the area, a recent visit showed it's worse than ever, and action is now long overdue.

Folkestone Lib Dem Campaigner Chani Sanger has written to Stagecoach asking them to take action to improve the look of Folkestone Bus Station and enhance our environment.

Chani says:

"At Folkestone Bus Station the wall next to the old kiosk is in disrepair and needs fixing up. The slabs are still nearby - it's a cheap fix, and a little work there would make a real difference to the look of the area.