Tim Prater Reporting Back from KCC: August 2025
August is traditionally a slightly quieter month at most Councils, with less meetings to deal with people being on holiday. Not THAT quiet this year though…
As a Councillor I try to be properly responsive to communication and WILL reply to casework, questions etc (as long as they are polite!). Although voicemail, Messenger, WhatsApp and the rest I try to keep on top of, the best will be to email to me, preferably to tim@prater.uk from where I can send it to the correct one of my 5 Councillor email accounts for action!
If you haven't had a reply back from me in a couple of WORKING days please come back to me (the person that emailed me New Years Day with a casework peeve some years ago did get a reply that day, but my Christmas holidays have improved since!). Certainly if you've had no reply at all in 4 working days, please do check the address you sent it to and re contact me - that's not the way I roll, so something may have gone awry. Finally, although I answer to Mr Prater, Cllr and a few other names, I'd much prefer Tim!
I am planning to ensure an update from me goes through (almost) all doors in the division 3 times a year, but you can also find more regular updates from me online at http://www.prater.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/timprater
Finally - sign up on the form at the bottom of https://www.fhld.uk/news/prater to receive monthly Councillor Updates from me and the Lib Dem team in Folkestone & Hythe. It's fast and free! This will sign you up only to local news from the area, NOT campaigns and campaigning events.
August 2025 Action List
Chased faded double yellow lines that need repainting at the junction of Twiss Road and Princes Parade. Getting a positive response from KCC and F&HDC Officers.
Had a response from Southeastern on their HS1 service, and the opportunities to offer more services. They said:
"In response to your inquiry, the morning peak service from Dover to St Pancras is the same frequency today as it was pre pandemic. In the afternoon peak, pre-pandemic, we used to run a half hourly service from St Pancras to Dover in the high peak hours (departures at 1637, 1707, 1737, 1807, 1837, 1907 & 1937). All of these trains were formed of 6 cars, except the 1637 & 1737 that were 12 cars.
"Today the departures from St Pancras to Dover are at 1604, 1707, 1734, 1807, 1907. All of these are 12 cars (except the 1604 – but this is planned to be lengthened in the December 2025 timetable).
"There are less frequent services but, across the peak, there is the same capacity because the trains that run are longer, mostly 12 cars.
"Usage on HS1 is around 20% lower than the same day in 2019 – a similar trend with mainline routes - although it varies day-by-day and it’s true that some services are far busier than others.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to increase capacity on this route at the current time as our Highspeed fleet is fully deployed and we no spare units which are available.”
Thinking before responding!
Arranged a presentation from Toby Howe, the officer in charge of Operation Brock, to Hythe Town Council (and to invite other areas Councillors) on Brock, its impact, options, alternatives and answer questions in September. When we drive past Brock and its empty, it feels like a waste of space and time, but when in action, most weekends its holding lorries that would otherwise cause gridlock.
Had agreement that requested repair works to The Undercliffe in Sandgate would be going ahead, where the road is failing (especially at the verges). Works are now scheduled for 1 & 2 September.
Chased KCC to confirm what information they need from Creative Folkestone to further consider a bid from them to take on Grace Hill so it can be reopened as a library and creative and community space. Got that confirmation early August.
News of Interest:
KCC Budget Consultation 2026-27 – KCC’s annual budget consultation has now gone live which seeks the views of Kent residents and KCC employees to shape the decisions in setting the 2026-27 budget for KCC. The consultation closes on the 29th of September.
For further information: Budget Consultation 2026-27 | Let’s talk Kent
Government speeds up reforms to protect children from harm - An extra £18 million will be spent on rolling out early intervention child protection reforms to councils in England as part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change to prevent harm, and support vulnerable children earlier.
For further information: Press release - Government speeds up reforms to protect children from harm
UK-France treaty targeting illegal crossings comes into force - A new treaty between the UK and France has come into force which enables the immediate detention and return to France of migrants arriving illegally via small boats. Under the ‘one-in, one-out’ scheme, an equal number of migrants will be eligible to come to the UK through a new route if they have not attempted an illegal crossing before – subject to full documentation and security and eligibility checks.
For further information: UK-France treaty targeting illegal crossings comes into force - GOV.UK
Kent County Council Press Releases in August:
https://news.kent.gov.uk/articles/date-set-for-the-a249-bearsted-road-improvement-scheme-works
https://news.kent.gov.uk/articles/fastrack-kent-thameside-changes-coming-in-august
Folkestone & Hythe District Council Press Releases in August:
https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/news/article/353/coastal-flood-defence-work-funding-secured (Excellent news for Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe!]