This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, announced a further major investment from the government in flood defences for Romney Marsh. £10million has been set aside by the government to fund the Broomhill Sands Coastal Defence Scheme from Camber to Jury’s Gap, along with schemes for the Romney Sands Coastal Defences, Denge Beach Management, […]
Over the last two years we've seen a strong performance from our local economy with new businesses starting, established firms expanding and big falls in unemployment. Excellent infrastructure like high-speed rail and the Channel Tunnel has undoubtedly made East Kent an attractive place for businesses to invest. We can't stand still though and further investment […]
The large number of local events and festivals over the summer months provide entertaining things to do, and are often a welcome distraction during the long school holidays. These events, like the Sandgate Sea Festival, the Hythe festival and the harbour festivals in Folkestone, and the Dymchurch Day of Syn, are also though a reminder […]
For many students and their families, as well as teachers, August can be the most nerve-racking of months as they await the news of exam results. Last week we had the results for A levels, AS’s and B-TEC’s and this week students will receive their GCSE results. I know how much hard work goes into […]
A serious report has been published this week by the Care Quality Commission which is highly critical of the hospitals in East Kent; including the Kent and Canterbury and William Harvey Hospitals. It is essential that we have a rigorous system of hospital inspections so that problems can be identified and addressed. Patients and their families […]
There is nothing more exciting in business than to see someone take an idea, turn it into a new venture, and then make it work. Start-up businesses have been one of the big success stories of the economic recovery so far. That's thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of the people who have set […]
The decision to allow the controlled expansion of Lydd Airport was given the green light by the High Court last week, ending years of speculation and debate over its future. The High Court’s decision upholds the approval previously granted by Shepway Council, the Planning Inspectorate, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and […]
GPs in Folkestone and Dover received a boost this week, with the granting of £1.89 million to improve access to their services for patients. The grant comes from Prime Minister David Cameron’s challenge fund, which has been set up to help give GPs the resources to offer a more flexible service to their communities. Folkestone […]
George Osborne recently announced the positive news of improved economic growth and employment. Our long term economic plan is helping to restore growth and stability, but there is more we need to do to secure the recovery. In his budget there were a variety of proposals which affect all us of differently, so below I […]
The Budget presented to the House of Commons last week by George Osborne, contained much to interest savers, pensioners and local businesses in particular. I know from speaking to a large number of retired residents over the last few months, that there has been considerable concern about the low levels of return they have been getting […]