There are a number of reports of Vodafone signal being lost across Folkestone and Sandgate (much of CT19 & CT20) this morning. Reports have been made to Vodafone via Twitter, who say they are looking into it.
The Government has launched the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme to help householders across the country with funding towards the cost of installing renewable heating systems. The new £15 million initiative, which opens to applications today, will support up to 25,000 installations.
The Home Office has announced a new fund to stimulate innovative approaches to tackling community safety problems. They are looking for local groups to come up with creative new solutions to the crime issues that matter to them. The fund will be available to local people and voluntary sector organisations, and are particularly keen for the fund to reach grass roots community activists.
NatWest CommunityForce is offering three community projects in the area the chance to win awards of £6,000 each. Local residents will then have the chance to vote for the projects that will benefit the area most.
![Martello Tower 6 [Sandgate Escarpment]](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/f/csm_martello-tower-6-sandgate-escarpment_0705ed2186.png "Copyright Steve Popple and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence.")
Sandgate Councillors Gary Fuller and Tim Prater have launched a petition against a proposed development of Sandgate Escarpment. The "Sandgate Says No" petition is part of a cross-community campaign against the building of housing on the hills above Sandgate below Shorncliffe Camp. The proposed development Y11/0137/SH is for:
I am holding a Cream Tea Fundraiser and a BBQ on the same day (Saturday 13th August) at my House (19, Beachborough Road, Folkestone) to raise money for Alex and Duncan's Community Projects that they run in Shepway. 3pm and 7.30pm start times. £5 per person (Children under 14 = FREE).
A motion opposing the removal of free to school transport for pupils at selective and religious schools in Kent proposed by the Liberal Democrat group has been voted down by the Conservative majority on Kent County Council. The motion, moved by County Councillor Tim Prater, read:
Lib Dem Councillor Tim Prater has welcomed a Government announcement that local Council's will see benefits from business rates collected in their area. Tim Prater lobbied Communities Minister Andrew Stunell for the return of business rates to local authorities last year.
The Bill to create directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioners is currently before Parliament. The first elections of Police and Crime Commissioners are expected in May 2012.
Folkestone West County Councillor Tim Prater has welcomed the statement by Kent County Council Leader Paul Carter on Kent Schools and Academy status. Previously, Mr Cater had advised all schools to consider academy status, but in a letter to school governors issued today, he changed that position.
Before you break up for the summer holidays for some well-earned rest and relaxation, I thought it would be helpful if I dropped you a line to clarify Kent County Council's, and my own, thoughts on academy status.
The closure of Sandgate Road, Folkestone remains necessary for emergency repairs. It has now been established that the faults have been caused by leaking water joints.
