Tim Prater Reporting Back from KCC: October 2026

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!

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. 

October 2026 Action List

Seabrook residents had asked me for a double yellow line extension on Seabrook Road at the junction with Battery Point. We have progressed this through various processes, including a required informal consultation including hand delivery (not be me!) of 110 leaflets to neighbouring households in Seabrook Road, Battery Point, Lower Corniche and Alexandra Corniche as well as publication for feedback online via the Hythe Town Council website. The consultation ran from 20^th August to Friday 18^th September allowing for summer holiday return.

There were 22 paper returns and 30 online. Of those 44 supported the new restriction with 6 against, and a number of more detailed comments submitted.

There are more Kent Highways processes, including taking through JTB and onto a formal publishing of the TRO before lines can be painted and enforced, but progress…

Chased drop kerbs promised in the Spring Lane (also Seabrook area) to improve the accessibility of the area with wheelchairs, prams and buggies promised by Kent Highways in April. We're still awaiting the job to be scheduled…

Been told that A259 Sandgate High Street around the junction with Military Road road repair and patching works twice delayed in September has now been booked for Wednesday 21^st October for 2 nights. The works should really be completed in one night, but placing an additional night gives some wiggle room. We'll see…

Received a really helpful briefing on the drainage scheme works such as installation of new rain gardens associated with the Folkestone Levelling Up Fund works. There is a lot of information on the intended impact, which is less rain at peak times into the road drains, and thus less into the sewage system, and thus less emergency sewage overflows, and therefore better bathing water quality. I've asked for a publishable version of the briefing; hopefully available soon.

Looking into the adoption of Skye Close in Cheriton by Kent Highways (or actually the non-adoption) for residents there.

Working with Saltwood PC to get signage confirming the prohibition of motor vehicles in Darke Lane, Saltwood replaced.

Liaised with Stagecoach, Hythe District Councillors, Saltwood Parish Council and others on trying to make sure if Sandling Road, Saltwood has to be closed AGAIN next summer for works that the rerouted bus services are the best they can be, better planned and better advertised, including at stops. Also asked Stagecoach for a new bus flag for the request stop outside Brockhill School.

News of Interest:

Ann Widdecombe Remembrance memorial, Maidstone Borough Council - All Saints Church Maidstone will host a service of remembrance for the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Maidstone, on Sunday 4 October at midday. The service is open to those wishing to pay their respects and give thanks for her life and public service. All Saints Church is located on Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6YE

Police-led running events to help women feel safer - Women are being invited to join a monthly evening running group in Ashford led by female police officers, to help women feel safer exercising after dark and build community connections. The free winter programme is open to all abilities and includes 5km and 2.5km routes.

For more information: BBC Kent

Sixteen English councils spend more than 80% of core funding on social care - Councils are spending a record share of their budgets on social care, with rising demand and costs placing increasing pressure on local government finances and reducing funding available for other services. For more information: The Guardian

Kent County Council Press Releases in October:

https://news.kent.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccinations-now-available-for-all-eligible-residents

Folkestone & Hythe District Council Press Releases in October:

A monthly bulletin from F&HDC. 

https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/news/article/456/flats-re-opened-following-folkestone-hotel-fire