News

Prepare for Easter weekend

10 April 2017 0 Comments

Ashford Clinical Commissioning GroupThe NHS is urging east Kent residents to make sure they are prepared for Easter by checking they have the medicine they need and downloading Health Help Now to their smartphones.

The long weekend can be one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS, but with a few simple steps people can avoid an unnecessary trip to A&E.

Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “GP surgeries will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday so we’re urging people who take regular medication to check they have got enough to last until at least the week after Easter.

“Please make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked too – no one wants to spend the holidays driving around in search of paracetamol, plasters or children’s medicine.

“There are local pharmacies open on Good Friday, Saturday as usual, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday and, to find them, people can use Health Help Now which is available on the web at www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or it can be downloaded from the Google Play and the App Store.” (more…)

Health, News

Tougher measures to target rogue landlords

9 April 2017 0 Comments

New rules in force from 6 April 2017 will help crackdown on rogue landlords that flout the rules and improve safety and affordability for renters.

Announcing the measures, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell confirmed the powers will give local authorities the tools to crack down on the small minority of rogue landlords who shirk their responsibilities.

This comes as part of the government’s plan set out in its housing white paper to create a bigger and better private rental sector that meets the needs of tenants and landlords alike, giving those who rent a fairer deal.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/fixing-our-broken-housing-market

Councils are now able to impose fines of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for a range of housing offences. They will be able to retain all of the income to make sure it is used for private sector housing enforcement purposes.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-penalties-under-the-housing-and-planning-act-2016

Rent repayment orders, which can be issued to penalise landlords managing or letting unlicensed properties, have also been extended to cover a wider range of situations. These include the illegal evictions or harassment of the occupiers of a property, using violence to secure entry and the breach of a banning order.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/rent-repayment-orders-under-the-housing-and-planning-act-2016 (more…)

Consumer, Government, Housing, News

Banning letting agent fees paid by tenants

9 April 2017 0 Comments

Department for Communities and Local Government

Opens: 7 April 2017
Closes: 2 June 2017

This consultation seeks views on the implementation of a ban on letting agent fees paid by tenants.

The government announced at the 2016 Autumn Statement that it would consult on introducing a ban on letting agent fees paid by tenants, to improve competition in the private rental market and give renters greater clarity and control over what they will pay.

This consultation paper invites views and comments on how the ban on letting agent fees paid by tenants in England should be implemented and enforced.

To support the consultation process, the government has organised a series of workshops. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and the workshops will be tailored to different parts of the sector. Find out more details on the workshops and book your place. (more…)

Consultation, Consumer, Government, Housing, News

KCC Election candidates announced

5 April 2017 0 Comments

The candidates for the Kent County Council elections on 4th May have been announced.

The candidates for Ashford South Division (includes Beaver and Victoria district wards) are:

  • Dara Farrell – 38 Luddenham Close, Ashford, Kent, TN23 5SE – Labour Party
  • James Galloway – 21 Jemmett Road, Ashford, TN23 4QD – Liberal Democrats
  • Ryan Macpherson – 105 Beaver Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 5NU – UKIP
  • David Robey – The Old Farmhouse, Faversham Road, Throwley, Faversham, Kent, ME13 0JN – Conservative Party
  • Claire Wallington –  12 Baileys Field, Ashford, Kent, TN23 4XE – Green Party

The Candidates for Ashford East Division (includes Norman district ward) are:

  • Steven Campkin – 7 High Trees Close, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0ND – Green Party
  • Martin Chandler – 88 Christchurch Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 7UZ – Labour Party
  • Garry Harrison – 2 The Haven, Appledore Road, TN29 9UB – UKIP
  • George Koowaree – 28 Tadworth Road, Kennington, Ashford, TN24 9LA – Liberal Democrats
  •  Larry Krause – Stable Cottage, Church Lane, Hothfield, Ashford, Kent, TN26 1EL – Conservative Party

You must register by 13th April to vote in this elections

http://gov.uk/register-to-vote

For more information about the KCC elections, visit the KCC website
www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/kent-county-council-elections

Democracy, Kent County Council, News

Beware of Bogus Trading Standards Officer

5 April 2017 0 Comments

Kent County Council Trading Standards are warning the public to be aware of a bogus ‘Trading Standards Officer’ who has recently called at a resident’s home in Kent.

The criminal claimed that he had received the resident’s money from a recent court case and in order to retrieve the money the resident must pay a release fee of £10,000.

Trading Standards Officers would never contact residents and ask them to hand over money, or transfer money into another person’s bank account.

If you receive a phone call or a visit from someone claiming to be from Trading Standards and asking for money, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 or the Police on 101.

Report it

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Kent County Council 04 April 2017

Crime, Finance, Kent County Council, News

Line-up for Create Festival announced

3 April 2017 0 Comments

Create Tree Logo
The line-up for Create 2017 is as follows:
Ashford College Main Stage:
The Paul Dunton Orchestra
Salvation Jayne
We Are Bandicoot
Origami Heart
The Step
Silent Crowd
Albert Man
Only Sun
Riskee & the Ridicule
The Selecter
The Revelation Ashford Stage
Hannah Richards
A Million Little Pieces
Charlie Tophill
Himali Blues
Rosie Pennie
Arcelia
The Scorchers
Chilè
The Gallerys
The Bay Rays
The County Square Community Stage:
Ashford Oaks Primary School Choir
Nini Westwood
4×4 Bhangra
Freya Cook
Ashford Community Choir
Jump Singers
4×4 Bhangra
Invicta Ukulele Club
4×4 Bhangra
Ashford Concert Band
Ashford Rock Choir

The line-up for Create Music Festival’s 22nd year has been announced.

Create 2017 is already lining up to be a big year with ska legends, The Selecter, announced as the headliner. More bands and acts have now been added to the packed programme of musical indulgence on Saturday 22nd July in Victoria Park.

The Create Main Stage, which is sponsored by Ashford College, will include popular local favourites Riskee & The Ridicule, Salvation Jayne, and the Paul Dunton Orchestra. They will be supported by a team of Ashford College Music Technology students who will be working behind the scenes.

Premier music and arts venue, Revelation Ashford, has once again programmed in an eclectic mix of high quality independent music for their stage, supporting some of the best bands, singer-songwriters, and emerging young folk artists emanating from Kent.

Headlining the Revelation Ashford stage are Kent’s garage rock band, The Bay Rays, who come fresh from their recent BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session with Huw Stephens, as well as their smash show at Revelation Ashford earlier this year. Also supporting this stage are The Scorchers, The Gallerys and Ashford’s Himali Blues.

The brand new County Square Community Stage will also showcase a whole host of local talented groups such as Ashford Rock Choir, Invicta Ukulele Club, Bhangra Dancers, and ‘Jump’ Singers.

Fans will have noticed that announcements are yet to be made for the legendary Create DJ stage, but can rest assured that an awesome line-up will be laying down the very best of house, EDM and club anthems.

What’s more, following on from last year’s memorable performance from David Live, the David Bowie tribute act will return for a special two hour show at Revelation Ashford the night before Create.

Create Festival Organiser, Chris Dixon, said: “We are delighted with the line-up so far.  Our ‘apply to play’ request once again exceeded all expectations, attracting hundreds of applications from all over the world.

“We believe this line-up is a good mix of high quality local bands, a few up and coming artists from further afield who have a genuine interest to play here, as well as providing a platform for some individuals to play in front of a crowd for the very first time.”

Ashford Borough Council 03 April 2017
www.ashford.gov.uk/news/lineup-for-ashford-create-festival-2017-announced-3rd-apr-1588/

Ashford Borough Council, Entertainment, News

How safe will your family be over the spring holidays?

2 April 2017 0 Comments

As the weather warms up and we begin to spend more time outside, it’s important to
remember to keep the family safe – protecting those we love the most.

Take the time to think about safety and the risks involved in all activities.

Just a simple reminder about safety can make the difference between family time full of great memories instead of memories you’d rather forget. A few small changes can ensure we all have fun in the sun without putting our loved ones at risk.

Learn with the Byrnes – to keep your family safe

(more…)

News, Safety

Woodland fires prompt appeal from firefighters

29 March 2017 0 Comments

Kent Fire and Rescue LogoKent Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to be extra careful not to start fires in woodlands and vegetation after several large incidents that damaged the countryside, and tied up firefighting resources yesterday (29 March).

Incidents included a large fire in woodland in West Blean last night that destroyed two hectares of shrubs, bushes and trees. Four fire engines and an all-terrain vehicle were required and crews spent over two and a half hours battling a multi-seated fire using a cold-cutting firefighting system and flexi packs.

Earlier in the day, three fire engines and an all-terrain vehicle were sent to fire in a large area of cleared woodland in Bekesbourne. Crews spent over two hours putting out the blaze and preventing further fire spread. Elsewhere, crews tackled a blaze in trees and shrubs in woodland near Lordswood, and a log store and conifer trees alight in Selling. (more…)

News, Safety