We have experienced an Easter weekend like no other in peacetime. Whereas last year there were complaints during the bank holiday weekends that heavy traffic made it difficult for visitors and residents to get into or out of Folkestone, this year the roads, like the beaches and parks, are quiet. We have now endured three […]
We have all been concerned over the last week with the rising numbers of people across the country falling victim to the coronavirus. Nationally more than 5,000 people have died as a result of contracting COVID-19, with more than 70 deaths being recorded in Kent’s hospitals. Amongst these, we have lost some of the brave […]
Over the last week the Government has been focused on restricting the spread of the coronavirus by introducing new social distancing measures and urging people to stay at home as far as possible. The early indications are that this may be starting to slow the rate of new infections of the virus, so whilst this […]
Over the last week I have had meetings, conference calls and contact through digital media with many local organisations and businesses to discuss the impact the Coronavirus is having on our daily lives. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has offered to help in the community, and for the work of our councils […]
Whether or not we have suffered from the coronavirus directly, all our lives will now be touched by its consequences. The latest guidance from the Department for Health is that if you believe you have the symptoms of the coronavirus, which are a high temperature where you feel hot to touch on your back or […]
The official breaking of the ground to mark the start of the construction of the new Turner Free School in Cheriton took place last Friday. I was delighted to be able to support the event, along with Councillor Ann Berry, the Chairman of Folkestone and Hythe District Council. The Turner is the successor school to […]
The nuclear industry has been one of our largest local employers for many decades. Over one thousand people either work at the power stations at Dungeness or in the supply chains that they rely upon. The advanced decommissioning of the Dungeness A station, which ceased energy production in 2006, will continue into the 2030s. Dungeness […]
We have seen big investments over the last ten years in the sports facilities across the district. Much of this has been led by the Shepway Sports Trust, of which I am a trustee, in particular with the creation of the Three Hills Sports centre in Folkestone, providing excellent all-weather facilities for cricket, hockey and […]
Although this has been a relatively mild winter in east Kent we have now seen another major storm break on our shores. Storm Dennis has caused loss of life and brought more disruption to homes and services across the country. It has had a major impact on travel plans with the temporary closure of the […]
This weekend our coastline was battered by Storm Ciara with heavy rain and winds up to eighty miles per hour. Whilst some disruption to travel and everyday life is inevitable with this kind of event, we should be thankful for the excellent work of our highways engineers, the environment agency and the emergency services, especially […]