TRIAL OF SEAGULL PROOF BAGS AGREED
A new trial is to be carried out in the Eastcliff area of Ramsgate, to see how effective reusable seagull proof bags are, as an alternative to black sacks.It comes after the local PACT (Partners and Communities Together), residents’ groups and ward councillors in the area raised concerns about seagull attacks on the waste that’s put out in the area, which is especially severe during the breeding season in the spring and summer months. The option preferred by residents was the introduction of seagull proof bags, made out of polypropylene, which will protect the black sacks.Following a decision last night (Thursday 5 November), by Thanet District Council’s Cabine

BUDGETING FOR THE FUTURE
The grim financial future facing local government has been outlined in a report to Thanet District Council’s Cabinet.Cabinet Members were last night (Thursday 5 November) told that the council will need to save what was described as an “incredible” £5.9 million over the next five years. Next year’s budget for 2010/11 will need to achieve savings of £1.8 million. Around £1.07 million of this is as a result of losses in income from a range of sources, including planning fees, bulky waste, car parking and land charges. There are also some essential additions to the budget such as increased costs in the concessionary fares scheme and the cost of elections.The

NEWS RELEASE
Landlords who let their properties fall into a poor state of repair may find themselves charged by the council in the future, if an enforcement notice has to be issued against them.Cabinet Members last night (Thursday 5 November) agreed the plan, which would see landlords being charged when improvement notices, prohibition orders, emergency prohibition orders or demolition orders are issued or emergency remedial action is taken.Charges will be made on a case-by-case basis, with officer time charged for on a minute-by-minute basis. With improvement notices, a demand will only be issued, if the notice is not complied with.Surveys of other Kent authorities s

Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill speaking in Sandwich
Do join us at A buffet lunch with wineGuest Speaker, Celia Sandys,Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill.internationally acclaimed author, Churchill scholar,journalist and TV personality.At the Guildhall, Cattle Market, Sandwich.On Saturday the 21st of November 2009, 12:00 noon.Please RSVP to stca@btinternet.com Tickets: £ 10.00

SHOP LOCAL FIRST INTERACTIVE SHOPPING LAUNCH
Temporary tattoos, free food and drink, fortune readings and a photographic exhibition are just some of the many activities planned to celebrate the official launch of the Shop Local First incentive card on Saturday 14 November.Over 40 businesses are taking part in this interactive shopping event, which will be taking place in the five pilot shopping areas of Birchington, Broadstairs, Cliftonville's Northdown Road, Margate and Ramsgate, with local shops offering even more reasons shop locally.Amongst the activities planned are free temporary tattoos at the Emporium and an exhibition of Margate in the 1950s at the Helter Skelter Boutique, both in Margate.I