As the schools break up for their summer holidays I’d like to give you a date for your diaries, for when they come back in September. On Tuesday 26th September I’ll be holding my fifth annual jobs fair at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone. As in previous years this is open to students in the final years of education, as well as anyone who is either looking for work or a new job opportunity.
Although there are still two months to go until the jobs fair opens its doors we are already attracting strong interest from many local businesses and organisations who are looking to take stalls to promote themselves to local job seekers. Many major local employers like Border Force, Eurotunnel and Nusteel will be back at the Jobs Fair. We also have some new companies, like Swiss Re, and Alcaline International Transport and Haulage, who are taking stands for the first time. If your organisation would like to take part in the jobs fair and hasn’t yet got in touch, you can do so by contacting my office in the House of Commons on 0207 219 7072 or by email at damian.collins.mp@parliament.uk
As well as businesses attending the jobs fair, we also have different training providers and recruitment agencies who are there to give help and advice on what you can do to try and secure the opportunity you are looking for. There are a number of construction projects planned in Shepway district over the next few years, from the Folkestone seafront development to the proposal to create a new garden town at Otterpool, to the south of junction 11 of the M20. These developments will mean there is significant and growing local demand for vacancies to be filled by people looking to work in the construction industry. Shepway District Council will be attending the jobs fair to set out its proposals for Otterpool and the local employment opportunities that it will create.
Last Saturday I was pleased to see the formal opening of the new play facilities and the restored fountain in Radnor Park. This has been a result of the work and support from a number of local organisations including the Radnor Park Community Group, the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Folkestone Town Council, the Folkestone Parks and Pleasure Ground Charity, and East Kent College. This project has not only greatly enhanced Radnor Park but also created a fantastic new facility for local families. It is great to see this, alongside the Radnor Park tea rooms which opened last year in the converted Radnor Park lodge, which had previously stood empty for 15 years. These improvements to the use and appearance of our public spaces are a great enhancement of the town both for residents and visitors.
Finally, I would like to add my congratulations to Kent’s Tammy Beaumont and Laura Marsh who helped England win the Women's Cricket World Cup at Lord's on Sunday. This was a fantastic achievement for the whole team, and in particular for Tammy Beaumont who was named the player of the tournament.