Your Swale, Issue 18, January 9, 2008

37.3 MB·English

by  KOS Media

yourswale
E K O S
yourswale.co.uk
E
R FAVERSHAM & DISTRICT EDITION
F
k
e
w e
m idw s p a p e r
n e Issue No 18
Available from Wednesday,
THE NEWSPAPER FOR SITTINGBOURNE, ISLE OF SHEPPEY, FAVERSHAM & DISTRICT January 9, 2008
JOB FEARS
LATE EDITION
AS COUNCIL
CUTS BACK
SWALE council bosses have (cid:1)BY GARETH ARNOLD A staffing moratorium is also being
considered, with vacant posts left
not ruled out redundancies in
empty. Members have expressed con-
a budget report due later this need to be considered in these cases.” cern at this, fearing posts left vacant
month which is expected to A decision on future staffing levels could result in a drop in service.
spell out tough times ahead. will be made clear in April. Agency workers may be used to plug
In November last year, the council the gap, but many members are
The crucial report is set to spell out was forecasting a deficit in excess of unhappy with the high turnover of
how the local authority can bridge the £600,000,blamed on a poor settlement staff dealing with sensitive informa-
expected shortfall in its budgets – and from the Government and the high tion such as benefit claims.
will send a chill down the spine of staff. cost of the national concessionary bus Budgets for some council depart-
Swale council’s head of finance David scheme. ments are to be slashed,with £50,000
Buckett said the council is “looking at In response, a specialist task force of savings identified in transport,plus
different value for money options” was set up in a desperate attempt to “at least”£100,000 from supplies and
when asked about the possible job cuts. reduce the over-spend, and put the services.Other departmental budgets,
The report reads:“The extent of sav- council finances back on track. designated as “softer targets”are also
ings required is significant,but must be A detailed report from the task force being considered.
achieved. It is estimated we need to suggesting ways of reigning in spend- Swale hope to raise an extra £93,000
save in the region of £1.5 million on an ing will be considered by the executive through increased car parking charges.
annual basis over the next three years. later this month. Planning fees – another significant
“There may be staffing implications In the meantime, an initial report source of income for the council – are
dependent on the choices made to has been presented, giving a taste of also expected to increase in line with
bridge the gap. Suitable options will things to come. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
FEELING THE PINCH
ALSO INSIDE
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
yourkenttv.co.uk STYLE & SHOPPING. . . PAGES 12-13 THEbudget problems facing Swale council are set to be brought into
LEISURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 20-28 sharp contrast later this month amid growing fears from staff over a
PROPERTY FOCUS PROPERTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 31-43 recruitment freeze and hints at job cutbacks. Meanwhile, the future of
Get the low down on the local market chief executive Mark Bilsborough is set to be resolved imminently as his
MOTORING. . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 44-52
disciplinary gets underway this week. FULL STORY – SEE PAGE 2
Win£100for best TV clip JOBS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 53-58
FURNITURE SALE NOW ON
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Usual Price Sale Price
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SEE PAGE 10 FOR MORE FANTASTIC OFFERS Sunday 11am - 5pm
yourswale.co.uk
2 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
Email [email protected]
Finally, council Resources shared
WHAT’S ON & WATCH
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
yourkenttv.co.uk Government guidelines, providing
more money.
Other ways of earning – and saving
– extra cash are also being considered,
chief will face
including giving more responsibility
to community trusts, and sharing
TOP TV CLIPS
resources with neighbouring councils.
Mr Buckett said:“We now run our
building control service jointly with
Medway and Gravesham, which is
called South Thames Gateway
disciplinary Building Control Partnership.
“Other potential joint enterprises
with Ashford and Maidstone are
under consideration,but will require
approval by councillors before they
can proceed.
“All Kent local authorities signed up
to the Kent Agreement,which is not
just about saving money on services,
but providing better,joined-up ones.”
(cid:1)BY SIMON ROBINSON
TOP-earning Swale council
chief executive Mark
yourswale
Bilsborough’s disciplinary
hearing is expected to start
NEWS IN BRIEF
tomorrow – more than a
The Kent Property Report 2007. Experts explain what
1 year after he was placed on
changed and why. See Business TV
fully paid ‘gardening leave’. No butts, pay a fine
Mr Bilsborough, who earns about
£100,000 a year, will go before
A MOTORIST was hit with a £100
employment and discrimination law
fine after being spotted throwing a
specialist John Bowers QC to answer
cigarette butt out of her car window.
complaints lodged against him in
Michelle Adamaszek, 21, of
December 2006.
Periwinkle Close, Sittingbourne, was
The expert will then rule on
seen by a council enforcement officer,
whether to bring Mr Bilsborough’s
as she drove along the Staplehurst
short tenure at Swale council to
Link Road in March last year.
an end.
She failed to pay the £60 fixed
Mr Bilsborough, 47, who took
penalty notice and ignored letters to
charge of the council in January
her home leaving her with a £100 fine
2006,has been on paid leave from his DISCIPLINARYHEARING: Mark Bilsborough
and ordered to pay costs of £150.
position for 13 months, when criti- has been on full garden leave for a year at the
cisms were filed. Mystical folk sounds
cost of £100,000 waiting for his case to be heard
Ruling
An ‘investigatory panel’ finally nary situation they would expect FOLK band Relig Oran are perform-
met in August and voted in favour the same protection as laid down by ing at the Bear Inn in Faversham next
of appointing an independent Parliament.” week.
expert to probe the case and make a Mr Bilsborough took charge of the The mystical four piece, who play
ruling. council in January 2006,after work- contemporary folk influenced by Irish,
Mitsubishi’s new iCar might be mistaken for a wheelie bin, says Motors The council said it expected the dis- ing as strategy director at the English and French traditional music,
2
ciplinary hearing to be complete by Government Office for the South will be giving the audience a taste of
editor Steve Loader… but he thinks it’s a winner. See Motors TV
the end of the month. East. what is to come on their latest album,
Matthew Sinclair,policy analyst at Having paid Mr Bilsborough’s full due out later this year.
the Taxpayers Alliance,hit out at the salary since December 2006 Swale The gig at the venue in Market
time it has taken for the case to council has warned council tax is set Square takes place on Tuesday at 9pm.
reach this point. to rise even more in the next few
Clean pooch prizes
He said:“Residents in Swale have years.
seen their council tax rise year after The council’s corporate plan,which
year. They shouldn’t be paying an is due to be published at the end of RESPONSIBLE dog owners could
enormous salary to a council official this month, proposes a rise of 2.98 scoop top prizes as part of the council’s
who isn’t even in work. per cent for 2007/08 and an increase new anti-fouling campaign.
“Too many times we’ve seen tax- of “at least four per cent for subse- As part of the Caught Doing Right
payers footing the bill for lingering quent years”. scheme,environmental response team
disciplinary proceedings that should Mr Bilsborough replaced Chris officers will be on the look-out for resi-
be dealt with more quickly.” Edwards as chief executive of the dents who pick up their pet’s mess
Council leader Andrew Bowles said council after Mr Edwards informed during walkies.
he was “terribly frustrated” the the council he would not renew his Those seen helping to keep Swale’s
process had taken so long. second contract when it expired at streets clean will be handed a ticket
He said:“It does take an inordinate the end of 2005. for a doggy-related raffle, with goods
amount of time to reach a resolution such as a year’s supply of dog food up
but if taxpayers were in that discipli- • Email [email protected] for grabs.
New Year, New Campus, New Courses at Canterbury College
Gillingham manager Mark Stimson says players will come
3
and go during the January transfer window.See Sport TV Canterbury College’s new coursesall start this month so call the course contact or Student Information
on 01227 811 188 and book your place now.Alternatively visit our website www.cant-col.ac.uk
SEE OUR SISTER PAPERS KENT ON SUNDAY
CANTERBURY First Certificate in Front Line Services CANTERBURY/SHEPPEY COLLEGE
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WEBSITE: www.yourswale.co.uk Contact: Steve Bunting 01227 811165 First Certificate in Horse Care SHEPPEY COLLEGE
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yourswale.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 3
Email [email protected]
Fears as hate Picture P
H
IL
H
O
U
G
H
TO
N
crime numbers
keep increasing
Police hunt latest homophobic attackers
REPORTED homophobic The assault only ended after the vic-
(cid:1)BY GARETH ARNOLD
tim was able to pull himself off the
assaults in Mid Kent have
pavement and run away.He is recov-
more than doubled since
ering from head injuries and a swollen
years ago, so the reporting was less
2003 as police appeal for nose and lip.
frequently used.
Local people said they had seen the
information about the latest “The relationship between the police
couple believed to be involved in the
brutal attack in Faversham. and public has become a lot stronger, attack drinking in Faversham earlier
and there is more faith in the police
The figures obtained by Yourswale in the day.
now so these crimes are more likely to
follow a homophobic assault in West be reported. They went into the Mechanics Arms
Street which left a young man needing “We put additional resources into for just 15 minutes before leaving the
hospital treatment for head injuries. homophobic crimes as well as hate pub and arguing as they walked off
Between December 2003 and crimes, as we take these type of down the road.
November 2004 there was just one offences particularly seriously.” A local resident,who does not want
reported homophobic assault. The most recent attack happened to be named,said:“They were having
But that number has risen steadily about four doors down from the some kind of domestic out in the
with 21 attacks reported between Mechanics Arms on Sunday, street.The lad walked into it and the
2006 and 2007. December 16. bloke punched him in the face.”
But police have looked to play down The 18-year-old was walking down Following the assault,the couple got
fears there could be a worrying trend West Street at around 11pm when he into a taxi and were driven off.Police
emerging. was set upon by a man accompanied have been attempting to trace the
Following the Stephen Lawrence by two women. assailants through local taxi firms,
enquiry,the law was changed in 2000, The man approached him and but so far no-one has been arrested.
extending the number and scope of punched him in the face,and contin- Anyone with information regarding
offences which qualified as hate crimes. ued to punch and kick the younger the attack,or the assailants should con-
Chief Inspector Mark Chambers man after he fell to the floor,scream- tact PC Philip Dring on 01795 419306
said: “Hate crime was less acknowl- ing homophobic abuse throughout the or contact Crimestoppers free on 0800 LOOKINGTOMAKEARRESTS:Police are investigating the latest homophobic attack which took
edged as a specific crime until a few attack. 555 111.This call is confidential. place close to the Mechanics Arms pub in West Street
Schizophrenic
Pub’s drink rule
Meridian Consultants Mortgage Service Ltd Independent Mortgage Specialists
WETHERSPOONS has said it will
refuse to serve people with children jailed for drunken Thousands of People are paying far more
more than two alcoholic drinks after for their mortgages than they need to
saying it was ‘uncomfortable’ about kids
getting bored on its premises. Thousands of homeowners switching your mortgage to another
The Leading Light in Preston Street, are paying their existing lender and taking advantage of their
Faversham, and The Summoner in lenders higher interest new borrower incentives saving you
footy trial chaos rates costing them £1000’s in
Sittingbourne High Street are among interest that could be avoided. up to hundreds of pounds a month.
Meridian will take care of the whole
the 683 Wetherspoon pubs throughout Meridian Consultants have a
the UK who are imposing the new rule. free, no obligation, consultation process for you making it a smooth
The two-drink rule goes for all adults service where they will demonstrate and painless transition into cheaper
the savings you can make by simply mortgage payments.
in the party not just the child’s parents.
A spokesman said adults may even be A DRUNK schizophrenic caused ically restrained. Why Meridian? DEBT CONSOLIDATION
We have been in the local area for 18 Are your payments increasing beyond
refused coffee and soft drinks to hasten mayhem during football trials He admitted being ‘smashed’
years control?
their departure if they are responsible designed to find future stars for but couldn’t remember what he We are totally independent Put everything into one easy payment
for children. Championship club Charlton had done when later questioned. We work for you not a lender or SPECIALIST MORTGAGES
Athletic. Major admitted assault and insurance company and have access Self Employed / Employed
And when a black police officer threatening behaviour aggravat- tEov ethrye cwohnosluel tmanatr kise tfully qualified with NCore pdrito Pofr oobnl einmcsome
VIEW THIS CLIP ON arrived to arrest him he spat at ed by using racist words. at least 15 years experience Mortgage Arrears
him and hurled racist abuse. Alan Balneaves,defending,said Buy-to-Let Property funding CCJ’s
Sittingbourne magistrates were Major had a schizophrenic per- Many people are now adding Defaults
yourkenttv.co.uk told Stephen Major,21,of Manor sonality due to smoking skunk,a investment properties to their Low Credit Score
retirement planning and savings Past Bankruptcy
Grove, Sittingbourne was in concentrated form of cannabis, portfolios. Meridian have 100’s of
LOCAL Orchard Drive Recreation since he was 12. mortgage and finance plans that they
Ground when the trouble started. His record was littered with can tailor to your needs
Lorrayne Synmoir,prosecuting, bouts of threatening behaviour What additional finance facilities do
said Major became abusive when and assault. Meridian provide?
Overseas Finance
coaches wouldn’t allow him to join Mr Balneaves said:“There is no
Commercial
the youngsters’ training session. doubt that skunk is mind altering Secured Loans
They called the police and when and has made him feel paranoid. Development Funding
they arrived he climbed a barbed “When he feels paranoid he has Are you with one of these lenders?
wire fence and lay down in under- the urge to drink.He saw his old Mortgages 1; GEMoney; IGroup;
Kensington; SPML; Capstone;
growth refusing to move. football coach and tried to join in
Mortgages Plc; Blemain; Ocwen;
As the officer tried to grab him but these young boys were having Platform; BMSolutions; Gmac;
he was hit in the face and was trials for Charlton and it was seri- Preferred; Rooftop
then given a racist verbal batter- ous – it wasn’t a kick-about. Sbeptetaekr rtaot eMeridian about getting a 1FS0A5R Teag nNkoe.3r0to04n8 R6 oCaonds uWmheirt sCtraedbilte L iKceEnNceT NCoT.554 821A83J
ing by Major.Then he spat at the “The abuse towards the PC was
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
officer. disgusting and shouldn’t be toler-
Discover how Shepherd Neame is Major kept shouting and swear- ated.” The overall cost for comparison is 7.4% APR.An indication of the fees os 1% of the advance (minium £500 - maximum £750).Ask for an
illustration.The APRis variable and based on a usual case.An early repayment fee maybe payable depending on the mortgage you choose.
helping soldiers injured in action ing at the officer in a fake West Major was jailed for five months Adding existing debts to your mortgage will both extend the repayment term and increase the overall cost of the debt
Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not
Indian accent before he was phys- on both offences. keep up payments on your mortgage.
yourswale.co.uk
4 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
Email [email protected]
Fireman climbs
Picture MARK MALKINSON
ZOO PROPOSAL
rungs of success
IS PURR-FECT
A LONG-serving firefighter has risen
through the ranks to become temporary
area manager for the county’s east divi- WHEN Kelly Carr was given a Christmas present
sion.
by her long-time boyfriend to be a keeper for a
Brave Andy Merriman,who served in
Faversham during his 25 years with day at wild animal park Howletts, she got more
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), than she imagined.
takes over its largest geographical area,
Because while she was in the tiger enclosure at
overseeing 22 fire stations and more
than 500 staff. the Bekesbourne park, beau Stuart Janes sur-
Mr Merriman, 44, who lives in prised her by getting down on one knee and pop-
Sittingbourne with wife Sarah and five- ping the question.
year-old daughter Madeleine, said: “I’m
Miss Carr, 29, from Maidstone, was being
delighted to have this opportunity,KFRS
has been rated an excellent authority and shown the big cat enclosure by keeper Jim
we have established relationships in the Vassey – star of BBC show Roar. But she was
area with agencies and partners,which I
purring with delight when her boyfriend arrived
will be looking to build on for the future.
“The recent tragic deaths of firefighters to take photographs – and propose marriage.
in Warwickshire have demonstrated how A stunned, but delighted, Miss Carr said: “Just
dangerous our job can be and we will look experiencing being keeper for the day was the
to make sure our firefighters receive the
most incredible thing I have ever done and then
full benefit of the extra funds to be invest-
ed in our live fire training facilities.” for Stuart to propose to me made it the most
Drop in for advice amazing day. We really appreciate Jim and the
Howletts staff keeping the secret and making the
day so special for us.”
on hearing aids
The happy couple now intend to wed in Italy
later this year.
FREE hearing aid maintenance is avail-
able at a drop-in clinic run by charity Leukaemia sufferer
Hi Kent.
It works with the deaf and hard-of-
hearing community throughout the
county,and is running another of its pop-
ular drop-in clinics for hearing aid users
at its Canterbury centre at 46 Northgate.
People with NHS hearing aids can drop
in and get their hearing aids serviced.
They can also get free advice and
Ellie is a little star
demonstrations of Hi Kent’s range of
equipment,including special door entry
systems,smoke alarms,telephones,con-
versation aids and television listening
devices. The next drop-in session will
be held on Friday,January 18 from 10am
to 1pm.
VIEW THIS CLIP ON IT’S A New Year and a new lease of (cid:1)BY GARETH ARNOLD was also moved to Great Ormond Street and
the QEQM Hospital in Margate.
life for a school girl who has sur-
yourkenttv.co.uk However,she finished her treatment in May
vived more than two years of gru-
“My first thought was meningitis so I did last year and is now in remission and feeling
elling cancer treatment the glass test and could see it wasn’t that. strong and healthy.
LOCAL
Ellie Slater,seven,has been given a Cancer When we got to the doctor’s they took one look Her mother said:“She is absolutely brilliant
Research UK Little Star Award for continuing at the rash and put us in an ambulance to now. At one point, Ellie was completely bald,
to shine despite her illness,and after long years hospital.” lost all her energy and her life revolved around
of treatment,is finally in remission and feeling The family was living in Shropshire at the doctors and nurses.
fit and healthy. time and were taken to Telford Hospital. “Now she is happy and healthy and back to
Her mum Michelle, of Somme Court, Mrs Slater said:“At the hospital they tested being a child again.
Canterbury,said:“You wouldn’t believe the dif- for all sorts of things. Leukaemia was one of “As much as doctors and nurses try and talk to
ference between how she was two years ago them but it wasn’t at the top of the list. the children in ways they understand,the chil-
and the little girl we have today – it’s amazing.” However,they came back that evening and said dren end up coming up to their level and becom-
Ellie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic they suspected that’s what it was.” ing little adults.Now Ellie has begun to learn
leukaemia in February 2004. The next two years were a blur of trips to how to be a child again and it’s lovely to see.”
Mrs Slater explained:“We noticed Ellie was- Birmingham and Shrewsbury hospitals for fur- Proud family friend Joy Mendez,who nomi-
n’t really eating properly – she hadn’t eaten a ther treatments and appointments. nated Ellie,said:“She has been through some
hot meal for a fortnight.I made her an appoint- Ellie’s dad Jason,currently serving with the tough times and has dealt with her illness far
The architect behind the Marlowe ment at the doctor and the night before we Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,got a post- better than a lot of adults would have done.
Theatre outlines his plans were due to go,she developed a rash on the bot- ing back to Canterbury so they could be near “She is an absolute delight to know and has a
tom of her legs. Michelle’s family for support.Ellie’s treatment special place in my,and her family’s heart.”
Contact Lens Centre & Opticians
Unit 3,The Forum,Sittingbourne,Tel:[phone]
Email:[email protected] Web:www.clconline.co.uk
yourswale.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 5
[email protected]
Tiny collection was one Wall worries over
town’s museum
A WALL near Herne Bay Museum is to
be repaired at a cost of £5,000.
At a recent executive meeting of the
city council,members expressed surprise
to watch at top auction
at the cost,and asked whether the work
could be carried out by people on com-
munity service.
It is hoped the repairs will improve the
building until a new one can be erected.
VIEW THIS CLIP ON
THEY are just a few centimetres (cid:1)BY CHRIS BRITCHER sold as a gentleman’s luxury accessory. yourcanterbury.co.uk
James Stratton, a specialist from Bonhams’
long and collected over two
clocks and watches department in London,says: LOCAL
generations.
National Trust, at Smallhythe Place, in “As well as being very attractive objects some of
But when they went under the hammer at a Tenterden,near Ashford,last year. these keys were rather cleverly designed – the
top London auction house last month they Bonhams’ regional valuer from Whitstable, innovative ‘typsy’ key for instance,has a special
more than doubled their estimate and brought Christopher Hodgson, describes how he came safety mechanism which only allows you to turn
a mighty piece of New Year good cheer to across the collection: “Smallhythe is a super the key in one direction, which prevents you
their owner. venue and we always get some interesting from breaking your prized pocket watch.”
Because a large collection of the tiny watch finds.We’d already had a good day and then the The woman who had the collection has not
keys – each averaging just a little over an inch watch keys came in,which were a real delight. been identified, however, it is understood she
in length,pictured below – made a whopping inherited many of the items from her mother
Hoof
£9,240 at Bonhams’ Fine Watch sale in London. who had been gathering the collection over
And for the mystery collector who lives near “They are miniature works of art in their own many years.
Canterbury,the good news didn’t end there. right,many made from gold with the addition of Mr Hodgson told us:“The keys sold in two
A very rare Swiss pocket watch, engraved semi-precious stones and lots of quirky designs, lots, both with estimates of between £2,000-
with the Egyptian Khedival crown, sold for a including one which looked like an early gun 3,000 – so clearly they far exceeded that.It is
staggering £6,580. and another one in the form of a horses hoof.” very rare to see such a large collection.” Follow the modern pilgrim route
The collection was originally discovered dur- The watch keys,which dated from the 17th from Canterbury to Rome
ing a fundraising valuation day for the century onwards, would have originally been Email [email protected]
UNLOCKING A FORTUNE
THEY may be small, but they pack a pricey punch. These are the tiny watch keys which sold at
Bonhams recently.
James Stratton, a specialist from the London auction house, said: “In the 18th and 19th
centuries, pocket watches were sold with fairly basic steel keys and these ornate keys would
have been bought as an additional accessory by fashionable gentlemen. Later the keys became
collectors' objects in their own right.”
Kids will dig historic lessons
GENUINE archaeological treasures will be and really interesting ephemera from the
available to the district’s school children this World Wars.
year thanks to a new service introduced by “Among the models are Viking and
Canterbury Archaeological Trust. medieval ships,a Norman castle,a medieval
Three hundred boxes of original artefacts, house, a Roman dining room, WW2 aero-
replicas, models and ephemera ranging planes and the Columbia space shuttle.”
from prehistoric tools to WWII gas masks Funded by both the Kent Archaeological
and ration books,will be available on loan Society and the Friends of Canterbury
to all the county’s independent infant,jun- Archaeological Trust,members say the serv-
ior and secondary schools; nearly 800 in ice is a response to the growing interest in
total. archaeology among young people and will
Canterbury Archaeological Trust educa- make practical use of thousands of items
tion officer Marion Green,said:“The collec- that have been inherited by the trust.
tion is very varied and includes finds from It is hoped the items will become valuable
archaeological digs,Anglo-Saxon and Viking teaching aids across the school curriculum in
helmets; toys from the early 20th century; history,art,technology and English lessons.
6 Telephone advertising: 01303 817110
Email [email protected]
yourswale.co.uk
Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 7
yEmail [email protected] weather
SPONSOREDBY
yourswale
[email protected] NEWS IN BRIEF
TODAY’S FORECAST WEEKEND Police release internet
HIGH TIDES
guidelines for parents
Chatham Saturday 1:24pm 5.7m RESIDENTS who splashed out on new PCs
and laptops for their children during the
Sunday 2:01pm 5.8m Christmas season are being reminded to be
Dover Saturday 11:33am 6.2m safety and security conscious.
With more youngsters than ever across the
Sunday 12:09pm 6.3m county expected to be logging on to the inter-
Dungeness Saturday 11:33am 7.2m net this year,Kent police has released a list of
guidelines to parents in a bid to keep them
Sunday 12:06pm 7.3m safe from harm.
Youth crime reduction officer PC Martin
Ramsgate Saturday 12:03pm 4.7m Carter said: “Although children mostly use
Sunday 12:39pm 4.8m computers when they are securely inside their
own homes,we have to remember the virtual
Sheerness Saturday 1:14pm 5.5m world is completely open to them and can pose
SUNRISE SUNSET
Sunday 1:51pm 5.6m all sorts of risks if precautions are not taken.
7.59am 4.06pm “We want to remind parents and guardians
MOONRISE MOONSET Whitstable Saturday 1:19pm 5.0m to keep an eye on what their children are doing
9.19am 6.24pm Sunday 1:56pm 5.1m and to ensure they are safe while they have
fun on their computers.”
FIVE-DAY KENT FORECAST
Pointers include knowing what your chil-
AROUNDTHE dren are doing online and who they are talking
Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon WORLDYESTERDAY to, warning them not to give out personal
details to online friends,not to reply to spam
Ashford 10°C 11°C 9°C 7°C 9°C Gravesend 9°C 12°C 10°C 7°C 10°C e-mails and never to communicate online with
a stranger.
Canterbury 9°C 11°C 10°C 8°C 9°C Maidstone 9°C 12°C 11°C 7°C 10°C Amsterdam 8°C Madrid 11°C PC Carter said: “While most people are
Chatham 10°C 12°C 9°C 7°C 11°C Ramsgate 9°C 11°C 10°C 8°C 9°C Athens 12°C NewYork 7°C online for the same reasons – to have fun and
Barcelona 16°C Paris 10°C to learn – it’s important to safeguard against
Dartford 9°C 12°C 10°C 7°C 10°C Rochester 10°C 12°C 9°C 7°C 11°C Beijing 5°C Rome 16°C the minority of people who use it for dishonest
means.
Dover 10°C 10°C 9°C 9°C 8°C Sevenoaks 8°C 10°C 8°C 6°C 8°C Bombay 32°C Sydney 24°C “Precautions can be taken easily and by
Faversham 10°C 12°C 9°C 7°C 11°C Sittingbourne10°C 12°C 9°C 7°C 11°C CCaarpdeifTfown 291°°CC TTeonkeyroife 2102°°CC evIefr yyobuo dgyo.”t a new laptop or PC recently,why
Folkestone 10°C 10°C 9°C 9°C 8°C Tonbridge 9°C 11°C 9°C 7°C 9°C Gibraltar 17°C Vancouver 5°C not try out our free, broadband TV site –
HongKong 23°C Warsaw 0°C www.yourkenttv.co.uk and upload your clips
Gillingham 10°C 12°C 9°C 7°C 11°C TunWells 9°C 11°C 9°C 7°C 9°C LasPalmas 20°C Wellington 21°C today.
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yourlocalinterview
QHow did you get involved with the alcohol service? and have powerful consequences both for socie- are no longer problematic,though it can be a
ty and the individual.We have a national prob- good idea to have a few weeks without alcohol.
QUESTION & ANSWER
AI joined the alcohol service in 1979 having lem with alcohol and this is reflected as much
worked as a mental health nurse in general in Kent as any other part of England. QWhat can friends and family do to help?
psychiatry.I’d become interested in treatment
BILL approaches at Mount Zeehan in Canterbury QHave you seen an increase in alcohol addiction in Kent? AIt can be very stressful to be around some-
and learned that working with problem one who is drinking too much,but friends
drinkers was rewarding and productive. AThe numbers who seek and are referred for and family should try to be honest with the per-
READING help have never been higher. The rise in son who is drinking by expressing their con-
QWhat is the role of the alcohol service? demand for treatment exceeds growth in the cerns and offering to help where they can.
population; more people are seeking help for It is important not to take responsibility away
AThe service has two functions.Firstly,it pro- drinking problems than in previous years. from the individual drinker and to recognise
Much of the problematic alcohol use remains
vides services to those affected by the use of that each individual must make their own
hidden and cannot be measured accurately in
alcohol and those who suffer the consequences choices. It is seldom a good idea to discuss such
terms of the number of people approaching spe-
of drinking by others.The second role is to pro- matters when someone is actually drunk.
cialist agencies for help.Alcohol is cheaper and
vide support,training and advice to profession-
more widely available and we know people are
als who deal with alcohol misuse such as doc- QDo you have any advice for people who may be concerned
drinking heavily at younger ages.It seems like-
tors,social workers,and probation officers. about their drinking over the recent festive period?
ly the number of people with alcohol problems
in Kent will continue to increase. AFor many people,alcohol will have formed
QWhat do you provide? part of their celebrations with no lasting dif-
QWhat advice can you give to people who are worried ficulties. Some people drink more during the
AWe provide a range of services throughout about their drinking habits? festive period than normal and simple meas-
east Kent,including different types of group AIt’s important to recognise alcohol problems ures such as alternating with non-alcoholic
treatment, individual help and help for fami- drinks,not drinking on an empty stomach and
can be solved with or without specialist
lies.We are able to accept self-referrals to the not drinking too early in the day can help.
help.There are many things which people can
service and help is free and confidential.The do to reduce their consumption,such as keeping If people did over-indulge it is a good idea to
main aim is to help people to help themselves. a record of consumption and trying to reduce follow this with a period of reduced drinking,or
this,and talking to someone who is trusted.If not drinking at all,to allow the body to recover.
QIs there a problem with alcohol in Kent? people are concerned they cannot reduce their A good piece of general advice is to check that
consumption,it is easy to get help. alcohol is being used to enhance celebrations,
AA recent study showed that levels of alcohol The staff at the alcohol service can give rather than using the celebrations as an excuse
consumption in Kent are relatively high advice. Although some people find they will for increased drinking.
compared with other parts of England. need to stop drinking completely,many others • The Kent & Medway Alcohol Service can be contacted by
Alcohol problems occur across the country can reduce their consumption to levels which telephoning 01227 761310
&
Bill Reading, head of Kent and Medway Alcohol Services, talks to Rob Livingstone about Kent’s increasing
problem with alcohol, and what can be done to assuage it, as well as explaining where to turn for help
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Telephone editorial: 01303 817200 9
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Brush up on your painting Duel of the DJs continues
1 2
Folkestone artist EmCee Flapjack is
Shane Record back with a new
discusses his work hit, this time with
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The alternative news In defence of our shores
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Food Safety and Quality Management
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Ensuring food is safe to eat is a global issue of concern for governments, food
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supply chain.
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These programmes enable food industry professionals and students to develop an
awareness of the many issues associated with ensuring a safe and wholesome food
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as well as find property and cars for sale across Kent’s local towns and districts.
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