Questions on this topic will be invited from the audience.
Minutes:
2. Agency Representatives – Introductions and Verbal Updates
Cllr Sue Chandler advised that a multi-agency meeting would now be an annual event for the forums where agency representatives will be asked to come along and update the public on developments within their service and to answer any questions members of the public may have. After their brief introductions the representatives will select a table each and move around each table after approximately 15 minutes.
The meeting is due to end at 8.30pm but doors will be kept open until 9.00pm to give members of the public a further opportunity to look at displays and speak to individual representatives and councillors.
Toby Howe, Highway Manager for East Kent, Kent Highways Services
Provided a brief update of Highways issues in the Deal & Walmer and Sandwich areas. He explained how the service is nearing the end of a reorganisation and a new Dover district Manager and a new team working within Dover area are to be appointed. The East Kent Access road is due to be completed in February 2012. The main work carried out recently in the Dover area are pothole repairs after two severe winters and Highways is currently spending £200k in the Dover District alone. Other minor works being proposed – a new footpath at the Butts and Woodnesborough Rd to be discussed at the Dover JTB later in the week.
Gillian Gayton, DDC Project Manager for the Open Golf
36 days away from the Open Golf Championship to be held in Sandwich. Each household in Sandwich has been sent 2 resident access stickers plus an application form if additional parking/access permits are required for guests and additional cars. Permits for businesses will be issued week commencing 13 June 2011. The DDC website contains more information about the Open Golf including maps and application forms etc.
Nick Thistle, Area Supervisor, KCC Community Wardens
Work closely with Kent Police. Currently no Sandwich Warden, the nearest one is Bob Priestly who is based in Eastry. There are currently changes going on within the team, one of which will affect Sandwich because there will be a Support Warden from the Dover District Community Safety Unit Partnership, who will be working in Sandwich from time to time.
Mandy Pile, Waste Services Manager, Dover District Council
Explained that a new recycling and waste service would commence in September 2011. There will be a weekly food collection and new containers would be provided with an enhanced recycling service to collect more plastics and empty aerosols. Mandy intended to provide more information about these new containers being provided for collections as she moved around the tables.
Guy Thompson, Neighbourhood Inspector for Dover District, Kent Police
Present to represent both Kent Police and also the Community Safety Partnership, a partnership of a number of agencies, including Kent Fire & Rescue, DDC, KCC, Probation, Health Service and Neighbourhood Watch and was happy to answer questions on any of these services.
Andy Biggington, Watch Manager, Education, Community Engagement and Safeguarding, Kent Fire and Rescue
Manages the Community Engagement Team, Schools Team and Safeguarding. The service is introducing many new initiatives including new Home Safety and Advice schemes, a Vulnerable Peoples team, ward walks and a campaign against anti social behaviour.
Sheila Pitt, Locality Director – Dover, Deal and Shepway, NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent
Currently working with GPs in Dover, Deal and Shepway to prepare them for becoming a consortium which will take over the commissioning of services in April 2013. There is now a period of transition but the PCT will remain a statutory body until April 2013.
Bridget Owen, Manager, Dover District Volunteer Centre
Explained how there are currently 350 local voluntary groups all needing volunteers and 450 different things to get involved with. The centre can help with CRB checks, policies and procedures regarding volunteering and work closely with CASE Kent who provide those advice services not offered by the Centre. The Centre also provides a Community Transport Service where they can transport people to and from hospital and the East Kent Health Walk Scheme - 220 health walk leaders across Dover for those with mild mobility issues.