DEFRA have confirmed that Sandgate, near Folkestone, has met the most stringent Guideline standards in testing of water quality over the past year, with one of the cleanest beaches on the Kent channel coast.
Remember the MPs' expenses scandal of duck houses, moats and mattresses? The public outrage has diminished since our MPs disappeared on their summer holidays. But MPs who do not wish to derail the gravy train hope that time will be a good healer and the public will forget. This long wait for MPs to sort out their own scandal should be finalised as soon as possible. Sir Christopher Kelly, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, attacked MPs for allowing themselves to scrutinise their own expenses. His first thoughts were, quiet rightly, that even if they did, it would not command full public confidence. There should be no doubt that Sir Christopher's expenses review should be accepted, in full.
Southeastern have reinstated direct peak time trains during peak hours from Folkestone to Charing Cross following a Lib Dem motion to Shepway Council calling for urgent lobbying to protect those direct train services to Charing Cross from Folkestone.
Every week people talk to me about health care and the NHS. The NHS is one of our most cherished institutions but its future is not in the hands of the people it is there to serve. Its future is at the mercy of the changing whims of politicians and unaccountable managers. Patients should come first and local people know what they need for their area. Having centrally imposed targets placed on doctors or hospitals has put the patients' needs in second place. Responsibility and accountability needs to rest with a Local Board - answerable to us through elections.
Everyone employed in the public sector - including Shepway's army of hard-working teachers, care assistants, librarians and social workers - is being asked to say where they think taxpayers' money can be saved.
Hythe Lib Dems have invoked little used council rules to stop the Council's final planning decision on the Hythe Imperial development being made in a sub-committee of the council. Cllr Darren Briddock has used a veto to force the final council decision to be made at the next meeting of Hythe Town Council instead of in a planning sub committee.
Local photographer Dan Desborough has produced a YouTube video showcasing Folkestone through his evocative photography, which can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKuxGWkF1Jc
As Ramadan comes round once more, I'd like to wish all Muslims observing the month my very best wishes.
At 3pm on Tuesday 25th August, families are welcomed to a FREE showing of "Alice Through the Looking Glass" by Quantum Theatre at the Amphitheatre, Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone.
The right to a trial by jury has been a cornerstone of our democracy for over 800 years. Liberal Democrat members have passed a new plan to tackle court backlogs without scrapping juries.
Learning to drive is a vital life skill. Liberal Democrat members passed a new plan to clear the backlogs, end the rip-offs, and get the next generation moving.
Big tech companies should not be allowed to profit at the expense of children’s wellbeing.
Ed Davey is a husband, a father and a carer. He is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
It is Ed’s experience of caring that drives much of his politics, and motivates his tireless campaigning for a fair deal.
Meet our representatives and candidates.
