A rebirth of the harbour
AMBITIOUS plans to reinvent the harbour, seafront and creative quarter look set to become reality by 2009.In an exclusive interview with the Herald this week, Roger De Haan, the brains and backing behind the scheme, revealed how he hopes to bring to life his vision of a new improved Folkestone.Mr De Haan refers to the project as The Masterplan the comprehensive development and redevelopment of some of the town’s most valuable assets and he expects the people of Folkestone will be able to see results in time for the opening of the high-speed rail link in four years time. He said: Folkestone is one of the only towns I can think of where large sections of the seafront remain undeveloped. The plans, which have been a source of speculation, are certainly ambitious and include provision for homes, shops, restaurants and hotels as well as a university campus, possible marina and international sculpture park. But Mr De Haan is adamant that nothing will be decided without a thorough investigation of the effect the development will have on the town and its people.This holistic approach to the future of Folkestone is not just talk - Mr De Haan is prepared to put his money where his mouth is. The former Saga boss has employed a crack team of consultants to look into the viability of every aspect of all of the available options and has assured the people of Folkestone that they will be given the opportunity to have their say. Architects Foster and Partners are leading the team charged with the task of preparing The Masterplan and all the data collected will be passed on to Shepway for inclusion in their Local Development Framework before a public consultation is carried out.
Neighbours charged to get views back
NEIGHBOURS troubled by towering hedges may soon be able to bring their cases to the council - but it will cost them £135 for the privilege. Shepway council is proposing that new powers are given to the department of regulatory services ordering people to deal with tall hedgerows seen to be upsetting neighbouring properties. Under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, authorities can issue stop notices to deal with any line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs, two or more metres above ground level, affecting a property’s owner or prospective owner’s enjoyment of their house of garden.But for the council to take on the complaint, a provisional charge of £135 has been suggested to investigate the matter.The council may consider refunding the charge if grounds for complaint are found, though costs will still be applicable even if the investigation does not result in a stop notice. The report reads: The council has first to consider whether the complainant has tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving the dispute. If not satisfied that these have been explored, the council may decide not to proceed with the complaint.ÓIf the council decides to take action, then a remedial notice will be issued, requiring action to be taken to rectify it within a specific period. Failure to carry out the work is an offencep and can result in fines of up to £1,000.The development control committee will consider the proposed fee scheme at its next meeting on Tuesday.
Partners in crime fight
FOLKESTONE has been recognised as a leading light in the fight to keep town centres safe for shops and shoppers alike. Folkestone Area Partnership Against Crime was the proud recipient of two awards for its success in cutting crime.In a ceremony at the town’s Club Indigo, members of the Town Centre Management, Folkestone police, Shepway CCTV and traders gather to see the partnership rewarded by the British Retail Consortium. Consortium chief executive Michael Shuck said: Folkestone is streets ahead of everyone else and can be very proud. Boots security officer Mahesh Gurung was selected to accept the first Safer Socialising Award and Club Indigo manager Avtar Dhack took the Safer Business Award on behalf of the town.Both awards recognise attempts to reduce shoplifting, petty and violent crime and anti-social behaviour through the shopwatch radio scheme, CCTV and access to a database.Town centre manager John Barber paid tribute to town centre PC John Weller, Shepway councils CCTV team, and partnership co-ordinator Eloise Hassall. He said: We owe a great debt of gratitude to Eloise for her dedication, commitment and hard work. Folkestone is saying no to offensive behaviour and closing its doors to people who try to harm its economy. The partnership makes Folkestone a safer place, not just for retailers but for the public in the streets.
