Folkestone & Hythe District Council Monthly Update: September 2026
A monthly bulletin from F&HDC. This month: Top Award for Housing Standards, Play Areas, Local Government Reorganisation, Licencing Policy, Green Flags and Otterpool.
Monthly briefing – September 2026
Appeal for help following devastating flood in Nepal
Council leader, Jim Martin has appealed to the district to support the many thousands affected by the flooding on the Nepal-Tibet border.
Local support for the British Red Cross Nepal Floods Appeal is being coordinated by the Folkestone Nepalese Community.
Cllr Martin has urged support for the appeal, particularly as Folkestone has such strong links with the Nepalese community, including its role as regimental home of the Gurkhas.
Donations can be made via the Folkestone Nepalese Community website.
Exciting new play area design wins approval
A brand-new play zone in Folkestone town centre has been agreed by the council’s planning and licensing committee members.
A key component of Folkestone – A Brighter Future, the Bouverie Square area is to have a range of exciting equipment including a substantial climbing structure and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.
The main play structure will be made of highly sustainable Robinia hardwood and have tube slides, a series of different climbers and a chill zone.
The design features brightly coloured salamanders (as introduced as part of Folkestone Triennial 2025) and is the outcome of a collaboration between F&HDC, Creative Folkestone and the artist Monster Chetwynd.
Changing Tides given official opening
Residents have been settling into their beach huts and sampling delicious Reynolds Ice Cream at the new attraction on Coast Drive, Greatstone, which also has public toilets and a remodelled car park.
A seasonal watersports centre with access to showers, changing facilities and an education/training room is also planned.
Solar panels, a green roof system and suitable planting all form part of the development, while information boards highlighting the importance of the area as a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest are being installed.
Details on how to rent the last remaining beach huts can be found on the council’s website.
The scheme was funded by Folkestone & Hythe District Council with the support of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority through Nuclear Restoration Services.
Breakwater damaged by Storm Goretti is to be repaired.
Folkestone & Hythe councillors have agreed a budget of £200,000 to mend the damaged concrete sections of Folkestone’s Mermaid Beach breakwater.
The damage was cause when the coastline was battered by the fierce winds of Storm Goretti in January.
The breakwater’s rock structure remained intact and there were no reports of flooding or damage to homes thanks to the council’s bi-annual recycling and regrading of shingle carried out since 2004.
The repair works will be funded through an underspend in last year’s budget.
Housing tenants celebrate gardening skills
Council tenants have been recognised for their impressive efforts in the annual gardening competition.
Despite the intense weather conditions this year, green fingered tenants and leaseholders in the district braved the elements to tend to their gardens.
The event is run and managed by Strategic Tenant Advisory Panel.
Love Your Beach campaign
The hot temperatures this summer have brought many to enjoy the district’s beaches.
Unfortunately, some visitors needed reminding throughout the summer months about disposing of rubbish correctly and not leaving it on the beach or nearby walkways.
Veolia waste crews and council staff have been working hard to tackle litter with the support of increased collections, additional bulk and compactor bins.
Residents have also been supporting messaging and making their own appeals via social media urging use of bins or taking rubbish home if a bin is full.