I don't know whether you should oppose it or not but I do think you should present your reasoning for your position rather than just saying its 'bonkers'. The proposal would clearly have both benefits (particularly jobs) and dis-benefits for the area and we need to know why you think one outweighs the other.
- Yola

Just to add my congratulations to the above.
- Joy Crick

I think our MP and councillors should take note of the public opposition to this plan to close Walmer Science College. I can't imagine the Princess Royal will be too pleased either, since she praised the Maritime Studies programme as a much needed facility in this locality! Votes will most definitely be at stake if this is pushed through and candidates unseated. Please help us Mr Elphicke and speak to KCC and persuade them to drop this rotten idea, and quickly.
- Paul Stubbings

But then it would help our tourism locally in Dover and Deal and align our time with Europe, making it easier for travel on the ferries. What do other people think?
- Charlie Elphicke

It's going to take more than a time change to attract tourists to Dover from the near continent - we need to make the area more attractive to tourists, then they will come no matter what the time difference. We have some very interesting historical sites that could attract visitors - if they were accessible! The magnificent Maison Dieu - for many years the Town Hall - is almost always closed to visitors and, when it is open, has been spoiled by putting in a bar and other facilities and by the removal of the beautiful organ that once provided free concerts. The ancient Priory buildings are now only accessible for a couple of days each year (Heritage Days) and "off-limits" to photographers because they are occupied by a school. St Edmond's Chapel near the Maison Dieu - a building with a long an chequered history - is rarely open. The Citadel (now a detention centre and totally inaccessible) and the Drop Redoubt (another location only open on HeritageDays), along with Fort Burgoyne, which has been effectively out of public view for many years. Others are accessible, but only at a price! The Roman Painted House is only open during the summer months and does not permit visitors to take photographs. The Castle - once free to walk, with a small admission charge for the Keep and the underground works - now stripped of the arms and armour that once graced the armoury, is now an expensive family day out thanks to English Heritage. North Fall Meadow, where once we used to sit to watch the boats and have a picnic on the grass, and couples used to go for romantic trysts at night, is now operated as a paying concern by the National Trust and closed at dusk.
- Bill Beer

It does actually make a lost of sense. We depend largely on our ability to trade with the rest of Europe yet we lose two hours, 25% of the working day, every day of communication time with our trading partners., namely between 0800 and 0900 and again between 1600 and 1700. Having BST in the winter and BST 1 as summer time would also give us lighter evenings all year round with more time for leisure activities, and also reduce the number of road accidents.
- Grahame Leon-Smith, Senior Citizens Party

At the time the Government was consulting on the forests. The Opposition debate wasn't about wanting to save our forests, it was about stirring the pot. Which is what oppositions do. How do I know that? Because Labour flogged off loads of forests on the quiet when they were in Government. I would like to see forests taken over by local communities where possible as I think they'd do a good job maintaining them - but then I believe in the ability of local communities to take charge of their futures . . . not everyone does.
- Charlie Elphicke

I totally agree. I think this EU inspired change to these annoying bulbs is infuriating - you can't fit them in a normal holder and they either don't put out any light or flicker if attached to a dimmer circuit. The point you make about heating is a good one. I prefer those halogen spot lights - I'd be interested to know what other people think too.
- Charlie Elphicke

I agree. I have put low energy bulbs in some areas of my house, such as the stairs, but they take so long to reach full brightness that, once I turn them on, I don't turn them off again until I go to bed! So much for saving energy! I have tried the halogen spot lights too - and blown up several dimmer switches when bulbs blew! For elderly people good light is essential and the ban on 100W incandescent lamps is just crazy! It's time we stood up to the EU on these silly rules!
- Bill Beer

Actually, more mercury is emitted from power plants to produce the extra power needed for incandescent bulbs than is contained in the enegery efficient bulbs so they are also saving mecury pollution. Also, electric bulbs are a very inefficient way to heat homes. I have used energy efficent bulbs since they first came out and I must have saved hundred of pounds by now.
- Paula Farrell

The taskforce has been set up and reported. The challenge is now for Government and all of your local MPs are pressing for more inward investment and an East Kent enterprise zone. I have been doing all I can to persuade Pfizer not to slash and burn, but to allow an orderly transition to smaller businesses known as "contract research organisitions".
- Charlie Elphicke

Please find hereunder a link to the MCA website which has hastily published a series of dates for public meetings to discuss the forthcoming HM Coast Guard reorganisation. As you may know, these proposals are out to consultation with industry at the moment but belatedly, the MCA have widened the consultation to the general public. As such there is a public meeting organised in Dover Town Hall on Thursday 24th February from 1930hrs to 2100 hrs.The meetings will be independently chaired. http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=224FE24CF52730BB&m=2
- Bob Frost

I agree that the loss of local knowledge is an important issue. I had an experience a few years ago when I had to call the fire brigade to a car that was leaking petrol onto its exhaust pipe on the Deal road near the Jubilee Way roundabout. The operator kept asking me for the road number because she had no idea where the Swingate Inn was! A call to either the Dover or Whitfield stations would have brought a crew to the scene very quickly, as they would have know exactly where to go without having to know the number of the road!
- Bill Beer

I think Dover will remain a full service station now. I have been making a strong case to the Minister in the consultation.
- Charlie Elphicke

Yes, I agree totally and support this campaign.
- Charlie Elphicke

There is no pay rise. It has been rejected. I don't think it would have been sensible for the reasons you say.
- Charlie Elphicke

Hear hear, I thoroughly agree with you Bill
- Marion

The problem is that today's taxpayers have to pay for the retirement of most people. It's a real problem with people living longer. Right now we are coming out of recession - the key is to ensure we have as many people working in the good times. I do not expect to retire and if I do I'm not sure there will be a pension as the system probably won't be working at all by then. This is why it's really important to get the savings culture back.
- Charlie Elphicke

This is all nonsense, the problem is population density in relation to employment, education and quality of life. Our population has doubled in the past thirty years with more people expecting the streets paved with gold to support them in this wonderful land of plenty. The obvious problem is the lack of export trade, big business in the UK and the greed we have set our allegiances with. Britain is over populated, under-skilled and over priced. There is no solution to this as capitalism is beginning to fail, we as a Nation will be further over-taxed and under appreciated, it can only get worse until there is a revolution. The monetary system of the UK has began its devaluation process with "Quantitative Easing" there is little left holding this nation together and its head above water. The greed-mongers have sold our services, industries and technology's to Europe and abroad, along with the majority of our public services and probably our armed forces soon. It may have been a quick fix, but it has left us with no income, a country belonging to everyone but the UK and the people without a voice. The population keeps on increasing, the creeks and groans of our financial system are warning us of impending failure, and the solution, make the old work longer? The youth can not get jobs, there is no interest in learning a trade these days as there is no export industry so the old are supporting the disillusioned youth. If you retired people at a sensible age, there would be fresh thinking, jobs for the young and maybe, just maybe a potential for a future. The fact is, we are not living significantly longer, the fact is that in thirty years the population has all but doubled, with no infrastructure to support it, and as usual, the powers that be fail to deal with the issue in an appropriate fashion, instead choosing the most bizarre and obscure excuse of a longer living population as the cause of financial hardship... I put it to you Charlie that the Government has is wrong, has had it wrong for a long time and refuses to deal with the issues that are at hand.
- Ian Palmer

This is a really good idea. A similar thing happened when the new Captain of Deal Castle was installed - there was a brilliant marine band performance and hardly anyone was there.
- Charlie Elphicke

A brilliant idea - I strongly support this excellent project. Hope it goes really well.
- Charlie Elphicke

Everyone should pay a fair share and we are trying to be more for the people - down to my campaign for our port to be owned by the people. Please do let me know more on the things you think are important, because I cannot quite make out all your comments.
- Charlie Elphicke

I completely understand your concern. Many residents have expressed concern. So I have got onto the Council about the need to ensure the streets are cleaned properly and less full of rubbish. Please email me at charlie@elphicke.com to let me know if there are developments - or not - in the next few weeks.
- Charlie Elphicke

Dear Ms Laws and Mr Elphickie Me and my partner, we came to Dover 5 years ago from Europe. I was placed, by the company I worked for, in flat on Folkestone Road in Dover. I agree, it wasn't best place to live in and we have moved out as soon I found nice house. I must say, that we live now on Coombe Valley Road and there isn't cleaner than on Folkestone Road. I see there is not many people from abroad on my street and there is lots rubbish, not kept gardens, rats etc. - and I would say mostly on English properties. I want to say, that not "emigrants" are making our streets dirty. We are called by neighbours as "not normal" because our garden and house are too clean - for us is normal when you care about the place where we leave. So please do not generalise that the problem in only because of emigrants. We all suppose to take care about our living environment.
- Ilona K

I realise this post was created some time ago, but I'd just like to agree with Ilona above. Firstly, the immigrants are not solely to blame for little and noise. Secondly, I live off Folkestone road and I truly don't think it is any worse than many other roads in Dover. It's a long, high-populated road, so of course there is going to be a little more litter than the norm, but I find your use of the words 'ghetto' and 'slum' frankly insulting. As well as this, why do you feel intimidated? Folkestone road is no more dangerous than the rest of Dover. I've walked home along that road alone since I was about ten, and I've never found it particularly intimidating. Your daughter is in no more danger here than walking through the town centre on a Friday night. On the other hand, I do understand the 'disturbed at night' thing. I'm often woken up at night, but that's just the case that Folkestone road is loud. It's a main road complete with a train line and several pubs, no different from getting a flat near student housing, or a home in the town centre. It's going to be loud.
- Rachel

I totally agree we need more for young people to do. Getting better youth facilities in Dover is something I'm actively working on. We need more in Deal - although it's worth checking out Linwood near Victoria Park. Also, the extended education Summer programme is pretty good. Ask your local school - information should also be possible to find on this at the Library.
- Charlie Elphicke

We would love to have lots of public sector workers. Sadly the nation was bankrupted by Labour. We were close to going the way of Greece. The privae sector has been tightening its belt and it's important that the public sector does its bit as we are all in it together. I know how hard this is for so many. But these cuts are not our cuts - they are Labour's cuts, made necessary by Labour's breathtaking economic incompetence. Hopefully we will be able to afford more in future. But right now times are hard for everyone.
- Charlie Elphicke

Whilst I accept that money has to be saved from somewhere to bring the country back from the brink of bankruptcy, has the government calculated the costs of these cuts to local authority budgets? Like so many cuts, there are associated costs - every job lost means the loss to the treasury of the income tax and national insurance paid by that individual and the cost of providing benefits.
- Bill B

I absolutely agree. Not only do the huge number of foreign lorries get away with paying a fair charge for using our roads, but they seem to destroy laybys, cause many accidents and also delays through operation stack. While Labour would say I am a biggot it's about time we took the same attitude as France and charge tolls to these vehicles.
- Ken Green

Here here, as an employee of a local haulage firm who pays out tens of thousands of pounds every year to drive in France, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Swiss, Spain, Hungary and more, I find it sickening that foreign hauliers use our roads for free with cheaper fuel undercutting UK hauliers and taking the bulk of work. Whatever happened to fair competition????
- Han

I have just read the some of the Coalition program and there is some mention of 'HGV road user charges' and whilst I encourage competition and would not want to deter foreign hauliers, we must support our UK hauliers and begin to charge a levy. I would have thought that this could be administered by the crossing providers (P&O, Eurotunnel etc) Also just a word of congratulations to Charlie on his convincing 'Win' at the elections!
- Zoe G

I whole heartedly agree - as part of the EU we must charge foreign lorries to use our roads - they are dangerous, impolite and known to cause accidents. Please someone start charging them to use our roads - collect the fees to keep ownership the Port of Dover !
- J A

Day in, day out we see the carnage caused by non UK HGVs. The A20 was closed the last week because an incident involving two non UK HGVs. They ignore the recent prohibition on overtaking between the Western Heights and Court Wood. Many of the tractor unit registration plates fail to match the trailer - many don't even have the same country!! What checks are undertaken at the Port of entry?? Let's have a level playing field nothing more. One warning - a G. Brown promised equal taxation and failed to deliver. What happened to him??
- Desperado 42

It's not just about non UK registered lorries being involved in far more accidents than UK registered lorries - although the official statistics do confirm that is indeed the case. It also matters that we get a level playing field as soon as possible. The UK haulage industry has been decimated because fair competition is lacking. Fairness dictates that changes are made to give UK hauliers an open chance at competing in the market.
- Charlie Elphicke

Han has it spot on. This situation has gone on long enough and too many hauliers have gone to the wall from the unfair competition. If other countries can manage to charge foreign vehicles for using their roads then I see no reason why something similar cannot be adopted in the UK. In fact it should be even easier - we are an island afer all, with a limited number of access points.
- Phil

Hello, I'd like to point out that Dover Mercury has published an article several months ago, rather, a letter, suggesting the introduction of a port-service toll for all HGV vehicles and cars in all British ports (except for vehicles carrying charity). The suggested figures were 50 pounds per HGV and five pounds per car, and the treasuries to which these revenues should go were: the State Treasury (30%), the County Council (30%), the Distric Council (30%) and the Town Council (10%). This seems an optimal idea. Adding to this, I'd suggest the British HGV transport firms could reclaim their expenses for port tolls in Britain from the State or simply claim them from the transport contractors (importers of the goods transported) so they would not lose out. The article in the Mercury points out that local Councils with a port-toll revenue would not be dependent on Government grants to finance their budget, so the State Treasury would also come out much better, as well as the local Councils with revenues from commercial ports. In most European countries, motorway tolls and tunnel tolls - such as in the Alps - are charged, and these go beyond the suggested figures mentioned here! So what would be unfair about it if we had these port-tolls for all British ports? Kent would greatly benefit as these revenues would apply to Dover Port and to the Channel Tunnel!
- Amos Squito

The vast majority of HGVs passing through Townwall Street are foreign, in particular from Poland and other eastern e.u. states. They pay no port-toll, pay no motorway toll, usually pump their fuel tanks full in Europe beofre entering Britain, and we here in Dover breathe in the polution of about 8000 lorries and twwenty thousand cars a day. It is known that Dovorians from the town tend to live on average seven years less than Dovorians from River, and I believe that a proper port-toll for all passing vehicles would be fair, and would enable Dover's Councils to fund some tunnels under Dover's roads, such as Townwall Street. It would be fair if the Channel Tunnel also had port-tolls in equal measure as at Dover, and that the money be to the benefit of Shepway. Revenues coming in from tolls at British commercial ports in equal measure would vanify any attempt of vehicle drivers crossing the Channel to avoid one port and choose another so as not to pay a toll! In Europe, almost all countries charge motorway tolls, and Alpine tunnels also require a toll. These expensive tunnels have been paid off many times through tolls, and the income is used to finance local authorities (equivalent to our Councils) and to build more tunnels and stretches of motorway and generally to boost local economy. Idem for motorway tolls.
- P. Hawkins

It's not only the way the foreign lorries thunder up & down the motorways, it's also about the way they play chase with each other.. trying to overtake each other causing following traffic to have to slow down
- Pauline

Perhaps we should also impose a levy on the high speed trains which pass through our station at Deal but dont allow us to use them?
- Pam

I don't like ID cards, Bob. Expensive, a waste of money and they will only give false comfort as people who want to do evil will fake them while the rest of us who are law abiding will find them costly and, no doubt, intrusive.
- Charlie Elphicke

I completely agree with Charlie. Having been a US resident for a few years they use the drivers licence as ID. Given the ease that criminals seem to duplicate every so called ID card I'm sure that they are a waste of money. We must realise that we just don't have the money to spend even if they are beleived to be a good idea, Labour has wasted ot so we need to get real...
- Ken Green

I spoke against ID cards in the debate on the Bill to scrap them. They are pointless, expensive and . . . well, just not very in accordance with the British way of life. It seems that UKBA officers may have been strong armed into shelling out £30 to get them - is that true? If any UKBA or other public sector workers could let me know their experiences, it would be deeply appreciated.
- Charlie Elphicke

Why not to have them? In the country I was born, we have to do ID after 18th birthday and we pay for it (about £10 to issue and when change same rate), and now we can travel all around EU using only ID - do not need passports. Talking about duplicate - you can duplicate any document. NIN - not everyone have it Driving Licence - same Passports - same Bank Card - not everyone has one and you can have one with false name etc So ID card would be good to confirm people identity
- Ilona K

ID would be just another way for con artists to make the honest citizens life a misery by faking them..
- Pauline Smith

I agree with Charlie..I.D cards are costly & a waste of money..conmen scam the A.T.M machines now...they would soon find a way to forge I.D cards.
- Pauline

Guranteed Pigs in the Trough as they seem to be Pushing it as Hard as they can, so there must be a Pot of Gold in it for Them
- Tony

The talk is that Gordon Brown has agreed management and employees will get 10% of the sale price. That will be in the region of £40m.
- Charlie Elphicke

I personally am in favour of DHB being privatised as long as the town of Dover gets something like Port Dues which is something that we don't get at present. Actually, back in history, the harbour was stolen from the town of Dover.
- Jim Green

There is nothing in the current proposal for that to happen Jim. I hope that we will get community benefit if this goes ahead. I am looking at other, better, ways of managing things . . .
- Charlie Elphicke

And how much do you stand to get if your proposal goes ahead?
- Port Worker

Twenty years ago when Sheerness was sold off, the Chief Executive was given £8 million . I cannot accept this should happen in Dover.
- John Bryant

The idea of a larger personal allowance is a good one. It would take the poorest out of tax altogether. People without much earnings do not pay much tax, so it would be a real simplification. The problem, as ever, is affordability. The Lib Dems have taken up this idea - but their costings, as ever, have been drawn up on the back of a fag packet. The ASI numbers look like they too would leave a large "black hole". Minor parties and think tanks have the luxury of being able to say anything. A potential governing party has to be credible and sensible. So while I like this idea and I would like to see it implemented, now is sadly not the right time. The issue is not how much we can reduce tax, it is how we can hold back tax rises given the pressure there will be to shore up the nation's finances. Clearly, the Conservatives would work harder at that than Labour. Labour have raised taxes for the average family by over £10,000 since they came to power, so their track record on tax (and value for money!) is very poor indeed.
- Charlie Elphicke

Our community has many excellent Grammar Schools. How does it make sense to smash them up to level down education standards as Labour would like to do? Surely it's better to give parents the widest possible choice in the sort of school that's right for their children - so the mix of independent, faith based, Grammars, specialist science and arts schools and so on is something that I support. Having been round so many schools locally, I've been deeply impressed by the commmitment and hard work of all. The one thing I feel is lacking is enough vocational education - not every child will be inspired by Shakespeare and the development of a stronger skills base is really important if we are to see more higher skilled, better paid jobs locally. Astor College does great work on that and I strongly support the work of South Kent College.
- Charlie Elphicke

Well Charlie you might well say that you support grammar schools but let's face it you may as well be talking to a brick wall judging by your glorious leaders' opinion on this matter. In 2007 He described critics of His policies on this issue in terms of their “ideological self-indulgence”. Then, magically, I seem to remember His 180 degree about turn after grass roots Tories rounded upon HIm. Since then prospective Tory voters are even less the wiser as to where your boss stands. He barely mentions the subject, rather inconveniently I might add, and instead tinkers with new ideas which will sort out what He probably will end up calling "Our broken education system". Employing only those with a minimum of 2.1 in brain surgery, higher mathematics or rocket science accepted into the teaching profession is really one of the most ludicrous ideas his advisors have come up with since they convinced him to install a wind turbine on the side of his house. "Go on Dave, put one of those up it'll sweep up the green vote overnight", "er, are you sure won't they see through the tokenism?". So Charlie be fair to Peter who asked the original question but be a little more honest with us all. Instead of merely giving your opinion on grammar schools give us your official party line on the issue. Please give an honest answer because with the internet it's possible to check these things.
- Paul

The official position is where grammar schools exist they will remain. So it's not a problem for us. Yet, as I say, I feel we need a greater emphasis on vocational education - this is something that would do a lot of good for opportunities and chances in Dover
- Charlie Elphicke

Thanks Charlie but questions still remain on your partys' policy on this issue. I think that saying that existing grammar schools will be allowed to remain isn't exactly reassuring, it's hardly an endorsement of a proven avenue to give a leg up to intelligent children from less privilaged backgrounds now is it? I guess Mr. Cameron dislikes the idea that selection based on intelligence and a willingness to study hard and do well is the reason for his distain for grammar schools. So this opens up questions as to where he stands on selection based upon religion (faith schools) and financial status (public schools such as Eton). Could you tell us where he stands on those two examples of entry into ones' choice of school based upon those criteria?
- Paul

Thanks Paul. We support grammar schools. We support faith based schools. We want all children to do well.
- Charlie Elphicke

Need I say any more on the subject? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1249765/85-young-people-want-grammar-schools-created.html
- Paul

Thank you, you have made the subject much more clear to me and the reply pleases me greatly.
- Peter

I agree that we need a greater emphasis on vocational education. Quality vocational education that leads children to skilled jobs and successful careers. Education should be for all, not for the most gifted or only the talented, and so the option of schooling in the area also bodes well. However, do you feel that the 'range' of schools are supported to achieve their full potential in releasing the potential of their students. Or are they bogged down with gaining 5A*-C including English and Maths? Some students are not inspired by Shakespeare, but all students are expected to grasp it at some level. Is this a bad thing? It's a tough line to draw when you compare these different schools to the same criteria - reaching 30% - and say that we should be embracing the different types of education available, and the uniqueness of the children within the system. What's the solution? Do we continue to offer qualifications that give 'equivalent to' GCSE grades? Should we be looking at Value Added? Or put all the students back into a Comprehensive melting pot? I don't know the answers to these questions, or whether they are valid questions to ask, but it's all change at the top, and I do hope someone is thinking about the solutions.
- Matthew

A glance at the latest league tables shows that the grammar schools locally are doing an excellent job. It would have been a terrible shame if Labour policies had been allowed to turn them into comprehensives. However, not every child is going to achieve high grades in academic subjects, so it is necessary to provide them with a suitable education and, as Charlie suggests, vocational education is a very worthwhile alternative. I would also like to point out that paying huge fees does not always mean that your child will achieve - just look at where Dover College sits in the tables!
- Bill B

Well I'm not in full possession of the facts on this issue but in principle I cannot see anything wrong. I would like to hear the case against the sell off. Wasn't it Margaret Thatcher who championed the sell off of various nationalised industries in the eighties? How any deal is formalised makes a great deal of difference to the effect it has on the port as well as the town so there needs to be a for and against debate before We can make our minds up on this issue. If the sell off means a running down and asset stripping then that is obviously a bad thing. However if it means a better run port then maybe there is a good case to be made. I'm still ignorant of the implications so any facts would be gratefully welcomed.
- Paul

interesting thoughts there paul, sadly we will not know until it is flogged off. i have a sinking feeling about it though.
- howard mcsweeney

Indeed. I am very concerned about the security of our borders. And we need the Western Docks developed. Plus an "Ocean Village" development between the docks would make a real difference. While I don't agree with this sell off, I am struck by a great irony. If the plan that was rejected at the last election had gone ahead, we would have had massive road upgrades and benefited from lots of money locally. Now it seems like we will get very little. Dover is a great town and deserves a fair share.
- Charlie Elphicke

Charlie as we Mentioned to you at the Coffe morning, it appears that no one has come foreward to confirm or Deny the fact that after the War it was agreed that PORT TAXES from the Boats would be for the Re-Generation of Both the Towns of Calais and Dover, to help and Repair the Damage and the Infrastucture to them, if this could be proven then Dover should be in for a Big Slice from the Dover port or thet Dover should recieve a portion of the Revenue Profits ,so there by a BIG SAY in what happens.ie This Money could go to the Build of a BIG GENERAL HOSPITAL in Dover where everyone could get good access and Treatment
- Tony

Tony, I agree. Under Gordon Brown's plan, pretty much all the money will got to the Government to cover one day of his binge borrowing. They plan for the community to get 10% in the form of shares - not cash. I think 10% is too low and that cash would be better. If Labour are going to sell our port come hell or high water, then we would need to focus on getting the money we need to regenerate our community.
- Charlie Elphicke

Let us hope that, now we have got rid of Gordon Brown and Gwyn Prosser, the spectre of a sell-off will go away! Just look at what has happened to the Port of Newhaven recently, since it was sold off to the French. They closed off the beach and refuse to re-open it and are now throwing their toys out of the pram and threatening to pull out and close the port if the local council continues to fight them! I don't agree that we need any further expansion of the Western Docks - we should be looking at putting more freight back onto the railways, which would then use the tunnel, and also developing the port of Ramsgate to take some of the load.
- Bill Beer

When Sheerness was privatised 20 years ago the Chief Executive was given £8 million. I am not happy with this happening in Dover.
- John Bryant

The truth is no-one knows for sure. A major generator of greenhouse gas is apparently farming - and cows are apparently great producers of methane! The way I see it is that non carbon dioxide producing power generation would mean less pollution across the board - so I think the idea of more nuclear and carbon capture power generation supplying fuel cell powered cars is interesting. Every time I say this, I get accused of groupthink / group hugging! Yet I'm quite hard headed about it all. our cities would be cleaner and if the greenhouse effect is real emissions would be far lower. More nuclear and carbon capture coal would also mean more energy security for the UK, which is also very important. So there are good reasons beyond climate change alone. I'd be interested to know what people think more generally . . .
- Charlie Elphicke

Thanks for that Charlie but that was a politicians reply to a straight question. I'll try again. What thoughts do you have regarding the massive controversy whipped up by the goings on at the climate research unit in East Anglia? Do you think that the emails and data which have exposed a culture of, erm let's say, economy with the truth will affect any of your party's green policies especially those directly concerning those to do with climate change, or global warming as it used to be known? Just a yes or no will suffice but I would appreciate a longer answer as you might well imagine.
- Paul

Straight answer: I have no idea! A major difficulty with this debate is that there is an industry and people make money or have jobs that depend on saying that disaster awaits us all. Likewise for the opposite side of the debate. That's inevitable, I suppose, but means the serious discussion that needs to be had on the risks gets clouded. The East Anglia issue is very unhelpful as it harms the confidence all of us have in what is really going on. The impression is given that a whole load of scientists are colluding to ramp up concern that may not be justified and indeed are possibly fiddling the data. We need to focus on the science and accurate data, not the special interest people have one way or the other. Clearly it's pretty key to know whether global temparatures are rising and if so by how much! That said, is the reform of power generation not justified in any event by the benefits from energy security and less pollution across the board?
- Charlie Elphicke

Thanks Charlie. I have no idea is an honest and straightforward answer and one which is refreshing in this day and age. I have to say, however, that this particular issue is one where you and you collegues really do have to make up your mind up on. The implications for us all if the policies your party and others are carried through have the power to do immense damage to this country's economy. Whilst you are correct in pointing out the importance of reform in terms of power generation I have to say that the line that your leadership has taken on the issue is extremely misguided. Energy security essentially means reducing our dependence on gas powered fire stations and the building of nuclear and coal fired power station (without the carbon and capture and storage which will never work and requires fifty percent more coal to be burned in order to work) and the complete reversal of the policy of building new windfarms. If you really have no idea on such an important topic I suggest you do some research. This is not a vague take it or leave it issue it's one of the most important issue which will affect us all and will cost us many hundreds of billions of tax payers money and if we get this wrong by following the warmist religion doctrine then your party will reap the fury of its supporters by demanding why your party fell for the global warming scam hook, line and sinker.
- Paul

The question was how the UEA CRU scandal would affect our policy. The answer - I don't know. We'll see, no doubt. Yet what is clear is that we are interested in more efficient energy, so we can all have warmer homes for less. And the idea of more efficient, lower polluting and energy secure power generation is very much in line with the thinking of the national party as well as myself. In fairness, I think I've been clear that I am not a climate change denier on the one hand - nor am I a climate change evangelist on the other. I try to take a balanced view and look at the science. That must surely be right as it is the future of our children and grandchildren that will be affected one way or the other.
- Charlie Elphicke

Yes fair enough Charlie but on this issue you cannot straddle the fence. You either believe in the science or you don't. It's that simple. It's rather like saying "Yes I'm a socialist but I believe in capitalism". There is far too much at stake here namely the econonic destiny of the UK. All three mainstream political leaders somehow think that the future of our economy lies to a great extent in the creation of green jobs. Sorry but it ain't gonna happen and furthermore it is the United Kingdom who will suffer the most when the scam is fully realised. Much like the growing of groundnuts in Africa green will become not only discredited but used as a punchline of many jokes. "Did you hear the one about the environmentalist?............" Sorry to labour the point Charlie and I won't pester you any more with this one, you've been as good as gold in at least replying to my points, but please have a word with your boss. Tell him nobody believes it any more and it could well do your party a great deal of harm in the long term. Once again thanks.
- Paul

Thanks Paul, I take your comments on board. I too am very concerned about these emails. And it's true - caution is needed here, we don't need another ground nut style disaster.
- Charlie Elphicke

Well Charlie, I expected that I wouldn't comment any further on this particular isse. However circumstances have taken a turn for the worse. It appears that the global warming scam alongside issues centred around the EU have conspired to cause the sacking of many, many workers who work for Corus. This climategate issue, as I alluded to earlier, is really really serious. It will affect every single person in this country. Every single person. It will affect how they behave in their day to day lives, the choices they make and how much they will be expected to pay for things they buy. Corus is just the tip of the iceberg. This obsession with saving the planet is not some vague intellectual game played out in some virtual world where one sides ideas oppose the others as a proxy replacing past political dividing lines, this is extremely serious. You have to speak to David Cameron. He must find a way, an escape route if you like, to turn around and re-examine this issue. Who knows by doing a U-turn He may well be seen as an honest politicican, one who is able to be really pragmatic and face up to the truth. I did warn of the perils of going down the road of this fashion of environmentalism and I'm not alone in that respect. Most grass roots Tories feel the same way as I do you only have to read the blog replies at Conservativehome to see that. Nobody likes a loser but People do like someone who is able to admit that they might have got things wrong. There is a way out. Mr. Cameron could call for an independent inquiry examining every aspect of the science in an open and honest way, without spin and without bias. He must, however, announce this as soon as possible. To leave it any longer than is required will show in the polls where it will hurt the most. I am non-partisan politically. I consider myself an ordinary bloke who tends to think right of centre, Conservative with a small c. But I am not alone by any means.
- Paul

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/industrials/article6945991.ece Need I say more?
- Paul

Sorry Charlie and this is my last word on the subject. I was somewhat naive to suggest that you or anyone should take David Cameron to one side and suggest that he might be totally and utterly wrong on this issue. Of course He, Himself, is under a great deal of pressure from vested interests to carry on with this madness. Now that big business in soaked from head to foot financially they indeed stand to lose alot of money now they have twigged and invested into the scam. Who would have thought eh? Oil companies, automobile makers, energy conglomerates and all the rest of them. Oh well it was fun while it lasted but now that I know that your leader is putting positive pressure on prospective candidates and backbenchers to conform to this mad groupthink mentality the cause is lost. Be careful though. Be careful what you wish for. You many find that being an elected representative isn't all it's cracked up to be once the voters finally catch on to what is going on.
- Paul

Thanks for trying Paul but you were right about David Cameron. I was horrified to read what he said in a recent interview with the Guardian concerning yet another home insulation initiative. I qoute directly from that interview Cameron said: "I want to launch this from day one of a Conservative government, with councils actually going house to house, street to street, to identify the areas, the homes and the people that would most benefit and would get on with doing most quickly."Faced by a mini-revolt from climate change sceptics within his own party, he said: "A very small number of people take a different view on the science, but the policy is driven by me, and that is the way it is going to be."
- John mcnab

Surely John this is not just about climate change issues - it's about helping people to have lower heating bills. As I've said before, the science on climate change is not totally clear. Yet I believe in more diverse energy supplies because our home grown oil and gas is running out and imports are too often come from uncertain regions with uncertain pricing and supply. Energy security really matters. So renewables and nuclear power are important. In the same way, I have no problem with the least well off getting insultation to help lower their energy bills. I struggle to see what the objection is, unless it is that poor people should not be given any help at all, which as a compassionate Modern Conservative is obviously not something I would agree with!
- Charlie Elphicke

Charlie, as compassionate Old fashioned Conservative I have no objection to "the least well off" receiving help to reduce their energy bills. What frightens me is the thought of council workers going house to house and street to street to identify the problem areas. How many council workers will be required to achieve this ? How much energy will be expended on this search to cut our fuel bills ? I thought that having a Conservative government might lead to less local council intrusion into our lives and homes. It seems i was wrong . I am happy to see that you have some reservations regarding the science of climate change, unfortunately it would appear that David Cameron has not. Here's the link to the article from which I quoted yesterday............. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/dec/15/david-cameron-energy-efficiency-copenhagen ............... Mr Cameron makes his position perfectly clear. I fear that his total acceptance of MMGW will cost our country and our industry dearly. John Mcnab
- John Mcnab

I have to say that I am, and always have been, sceptical, to say the least, about the "evidence" presented relating to climate change. I agree with Charlie that we need to have secure energy supplies and this means nuclear power. It is all very well investing in "green" wind farms, but we have to remember that these only work when the wind is between certian defined limits - too little or too much wind and they have to be switched off. This means that, for every MW of capacity from wind power we must have a back-up in the form of conventional generators, which must be ready to go on line at a moment's notice.
- Bill Beer

climate change global warming/cooling or whatever term suits vested interest best at the time, is not an environmental issue. yes cutting rainforests is an issue. polluting the world with depleted uranium dust is an issue, genetically modified organisms are an issue. spraying aluminium oxide of of planes in gigatons is an issue. the production of co2 that plants grow on and use at an increasing rate with concentration is not an issue
- matt

Hi Mrs Smith, We've set out a vision for Deal and getting a cinema back in the town is part of that. I have been putting the case for the Quarterdeck to be used for amusements and leisure - ten pin bowling and things like that, not the "Kiss me quick" kind! I agree strongly we need more for younger people to do and great family days out. I'll help attract more visitors too. Will keep trying and thank you so much for your comment. I'd be interested to know what other people think too.
- Charlie Elphicke

12th March 2010. THE QUARTERDECK You say above that you "will keep trying" (I suppose you mean, getting a cinema back into Deal). You must know that the Council have just agreed to demolish the Quarterdeck and to put 14 flats and 6 shops in its place. Have you had a look at the applications and plans? This is utterly gross, and not only will it disfigure our seafront at its most important juncture, but will not benefit the people of Deal in any way. Many of our shops are already empty, and house prices have dropped through the floor - we are looking at an expensive, useless white elephant here. This, from a Council that was heavily censured when audited two years ago, a Council that will not have put remedies in place (for their various dubious practices) by the deadline of (I think) April 2010, a Council that has voted for this hideous development in the teeth of vocal local protest ... Although it is rather late in the day to try to reverse the Council's decision, it seems to me that they have put through the application on some very dodgy grounds, e.g. they say that there are sufficient leisure amenities in Deal, including "the Regent Cinema" - the councillors live in Deal or area and know very well that the Regent has been closed for 18 months or so, and therefore there is no cinema in town. I am currently ploughing through all the documents to see where else they have used "incorrect" information to push through this proposal. Meanwhile, WHAT ARE Y O U DOING ABOUT THE QUARTERDECK, MR ELPHICKE? Please email your answer to me (and through me to a lot of people who would like to know) at karin@robertshaw1.demon.co.uk. Thank you.
- Karin Jamotte

Surely you mean turned BACK into a cinema? I can remember when Deal had 3 cinemas and Dover had 4 - now Deal has none and Dover has a very small one hidden behind the museum! Dover missed a great opportunity by not building a multi-screen cinema complex in Townwall Street. People from all over East Kent and Thanet used to travel all the way to Ashford for the cinema; now they go to Westwood Cross!
- Bill Beer

When i was young we had beautiful indoor roller skating rink & the strand palace, now a garage!!! also there was a great outdoor roller skating rink at the north end of Deal.. I so enjoyed both pity todays kids can't !
- Pauline

Thanks for this Vic. I'll make enquiries and see what can be done. I'm afraid the District Council don't control the Police. That's Central Government. I'm hoping we can get change there too with zero tolerance, beat based policing so we can have safer streets for the long term!
- Charlie Elphicke

there are many disused buildings in dover used for those purposes. better that than doing it in a crowded area where cildren may play.
- howard mcsweeney

These people are doing it in front of children as well Howard have a look at the car park directly behind the MFI building which incidently they have broken and entered into which is an offence on its own. Also go down Pencester gardens or down by the Dover Town Hall plus begging in the subways.
- Vic Kerry

Vic, I've made enquiries. The Council has been very helpful in responding. They say that in the past, there were many complaints relating to this issue, particularly as the place was being used, allegedly, as an area to take drugs. Notice was served on the current owners of the property who I am told had the building blocked up. DDC say they have also installed fencing in an effort to prevent further entry to the land. Given this, it does seem to me that DDC have tried very hard to deal with the problem. Please can you let me know if these actions have succeeded in dealing with the problem or if more needs to be done?
- Charlie Elphicke

Hi Charlie, If they have gone from the old MFI building, it's only to the botton of Castle Hill where some bright spark has allowed about half a dozen of them to inhabit one of the nicest parts of Dover. Guest house owners and residents must be over the moon with the situation. What our visitors to the area think I dread to think. They can be seen daily, strong lager in hand, swearing, tossing cans away with gay abandon. Great place to live, Dover!!
- Phil

If the parking of camper vans on Dover Seafront is illegal then it is for the authorities to act but certainly not worth selling up for. Hefty on-the-spot fines should be imposed but notices in at least three foreign languages to deter foreign camper van owners would be a reasonable first step.
- Paul Youden

Hi Karen, I'm making enquiries and will see what can be done.
- Charlie Elphicke

Hi Karen, following my enquiries, I understand that DDC made the Police aware of this issue. Apparently one camper van in particular caused special upset. The police looked into it, but the vehicle was found to be taxed/insured and road worthy. Also, the vehicle was not parked in a restricted area. So little could be done about it, unless you want to make the case for yellow lines in the area in question. In Deal that could be a difficult case to make, as parking is already very limited and under pressure on the seafront. It would help me if you could explain the concern in a bit more detail - is it that they block your view, are ugly or is there some other reason for being concerned about them?
- Charlie Elphicke

Surely the original site for this Hospital was Whitfield. This is where it should be . Good road links and bus service.
- sandra hooper

Whilst I agree Whitfield is the ideal site and the oine originally earmarked, the amount of money required is astronomical compared to what is required to transform Buckland Hospital back into the once excellent hospital it was. After all, Minor Injuries; Doctor-on-Call; Maternity; x-ray and Out Patients are already located at Buckland. And there are four wards just waiting to be re-opened, not to mention the two operating theatres. £8 million against at least £20 million - no contest!
- Paul Youden

Paul is right. Sadly though the whole place has been run down and systematically destroyed by the Government. It seems it would cost more the repair than build anew. A new build would be better suited to latest medical practices, they say. The choices seem to be Buckland car park, Buckland Mill and Whitfield. But the way things are going we'll be lucky to get anything as the Government's flood chiefs have slowed things up no end.
- Charlie Elphicke

Why not restore the existing hospital where it is? Also put a decent railway bridge in on Coombe Valley Road to aid access to the hospital and the industrial estate without the larger lorries (and anything else when, as is so often, when the bridge is hit) having to go over Coombe Valley Road.
- Jim Green

Please don't build a Hospital in Whitfield, keep it in Buckland. Our traffic problems are about to get a whole load worse anyway due to about 600 new houses being built.
- Stephanie Darrall

There is another alternative site which already belongs to the Government: Connaught Barracks. Good road access from Dover, Deal and the A2; plenty of room for parking; easy access for helicopters; close to the port in the case of a major incident.
- Bill Beer

A new hospital for Dover is essential however any 'rush' to provide a new site at Whitfiled needs to be balanced against the key objective of regenerating Dover (central area). Whitfiled already has the administrative centre (Council Offices), the retail centre (Tesco - soon to be added to by further retail nearby) and, until recently, discussion about bringing the two grammar schools and a leisure offer to that location. If the hospital comes as well, it's no wonder that attempts to stimulate the town centre as the physical 'heart' of the community are struggling. Whitfiled would become the de facto town centre. The regeneration of Dover centre needs a mixture of key businesses (retail) and community 'hubs' that 'draw-in' investment and create optimism and pride about the centre again - something that is painfully lacking in Dover just now. As for the hospital - I appreciate that time is of the essence, however if a new hospital is to come, then where it goes should contribute to the regeneration opportunities and civic pride 'within' the town. A rash decision about its location (without full regard for the implications) should not be made. More effort (if this is possible) should be made to see how to secure the site adjoining the college (in the centre). Hopefully the Environmnet Agency's concerns can (with evidence) be set aside. Other than that - what about the St James St site. This could be big enough to take a hospital and retail. Failing that, then the redevelopment of the exisitng hospital site must be the best option for Dover. Redeveloping that site has regeneration benefits for a run down area. It's a much more accessible location (than Whitfield) for many of the people in Dover who don't have access to the car and have to walk/use public transport. Whitfield might look an attractive option, but please - in the long term Dover town will not regenerate if Whitfield rises to become an alternative centre. All the best - and thanks for seeking our views.
- Mike

Shouldn't there be some sort of enquiry into this whole affair? The flood plain issue was up there in the forefront as one good reason not to go ahead with this scheme and yet long after the agreed siting for this pretend hospital it transpires that indeed there is a problem with the site in terms of water ingress. This strikes me as bonkers. It also strikes me that the only winners in this whole fiasco are the consultants whoever they might be. No doubt the same people will be hired in order to seek other more suitable sites in or around the town. What a waste of taxpayers money and what a waste of time when the existing services at Buckland are being run down as we speak.
- Paul

I don't disagree with anything you say, Paul. The key thing is to find the right site and to listen to what people think rather than it all just get decided without discussion and debate. This is what I am trying to do.
- Charlie Elphicke

Hey what's happened to all the comments? They've disappeared. Is this what 10% cuts look like Charlie?
- Phil

I'm not making any pledges - but I'm trying to get them back soonest!
- Charlie Elphicke

Comments are now working again :)
- PoliticsWeb administrator

The three remaining options (and their downsides) after the stakeholder meeting seem to be: the car park of the existing Buckland Hospital (the narrow bridge, the lack of parking and the difficulty of future expansion to a proper hospital are problems), Buckland Mill (possibly too expensive) or Whitfield (it's not in the centre of Dover, so some say it's too far). I've set out some views in the local news section. Please do feel free to comment.
- Charlie Elphicke

Given that there is already a car park and clinic on the originally proposed site that do not appear to have experienced to many challenges, that we live near the sea, near a river, in Britain, and therefore flooding is always a risk, and that the EA is paid to manage those risks, I am not quite sure why the original site is now deemed unsuitable. Unless there is a hidden agenda?
- Bern

The EA seems to see its job solely as being about stopping building in places that might, one day, flood. It's not a hidden agenda - they are just a machanistic quango. In fairness to them, we've all seen the river overspilling and ponding outside the Age Concern centre, so I can see it's a concern. What to do? The man from the EA said it would take three years to sort out. Bottom line: we can't wait that long for our health facility. The money would be long gone. Realistically we need to go for another site . . . and fast! Yet we do need to get the works done in mid-town or the site will be sterilised for regeneration. Hope that helps.
- Charlie Elphicke

I have felt all along that the propsed site was not acceptable because of the smallness of the site and hence the lack abilityy to extent i the future if necessary. I feel that either Whitfield or the site used for the tunnel builders a Farthing gloe which at the moment seems to be unused and has good access and is already on a bus route. hismay not be acceptible to all the residents
- Judy Lansdell-Smth

As a Maxton resident I would not be over-bothered by having a hospital on the Farthingloe site - it would be preferable to having a large housing estate there! It certainly has advantages from the access point of view as far as Dover is concerned, but not so much from Deal and the surrounding villages.
- Bill Beer

Looks like most people are non too worried about MP's expenses judging by the feedback you've got back on this topic.
- Paul

It's certainly still an issue on the doorstep. People seem most keen now simply to know where people in public life stand on these issues. When this was last discussed here - see below - there was some quite heated debate!
- Charlie Elphicke

I understand what you are saying Charlie but let's face it the issue of expenses isn't really the crucial point of debate it once was. The expenses issue was really all to do with trust, the money not being the most significant part of it. Most sensible people realise that there is a need for politicians but also realise that they are animals not to be trusted. This is as true now as it has ever been. It's the economy stupid is a well worn quote from someone who epitomised the dark art of politics and provides us with a lesson in how we should take everything that those who represent us are rightfully mistrusted. What Clinton said is true, however, and with the current economic climate MPs expenses is no longer seen as that important. As an aside it has to be said that once Ireland votes Yes to the Lisbon treaty as it appears it will voters in the UK will be merely voting for a government which to all intents and purposes will be relegated to rubber stamping legislation from the EU. Sad but true. Having said that good luck with the next election in 2010.
- Paul

paul is right about the irish referendum and the subsequent rubberstamping of laws. that is why UKIP are making inroads into the blue vote, the BNP into the red vote. the leadership of our three main parties simply kowtow to what brussels tells them.
- howard mcsweeney

I support a referendum on Lisbon. I don't think elites should decide things without listening to people - which is why I am consulting on the best site for the health facility. The EU really annoys me because they decide so much law like tablets of stone from on high - we need to rework our relationship with the EU so we get to decide more of what happens around us.
- Charlie Elphicke

The Hospital can only go one place and that is Whitfield. It should be a proper surgical Hospital with everything William Harvey or Kent and Canterbury has. And it should have been built yesterday! I know, because of the lack of a proper Hospital in Dover, I was an hour away from very certain, very painful death on arriving at William Harvey some Years ago. If I had been able to go to a proper Hospital in Dover, my stay would have been much shortened, saving public funds, my recovery would have been swifter and I would not be covered in quite so much scar tissue! I don't mean to be melodramtic about this issue but as the World's busiest Ro-Ro Port, are we not entitled to something that, after all, should serve the community that serves that Port?
- John Ward

Quite a lot of people seem keen on Whitfield. This is why I want to test the balance of public feeling on the location issue. An all singing all dancing hospital would be the ideal - sadly the pass was sold in the late 1990s. Canterbury was saved by an effective MP and the Ashford and Thanet MPs managed to get their hospitals expanded into large centres. Ashford's MP is so effective he's even managed to get them a *second* hospital since then! Dover got the raw end of the deal. I am seeking to rescue what we can from the ashes and get the best deal. That's why I focus on care beds, doctor led emergency services (the E in A
- Charlie Elphicke

Expenses certainly is a hot topic, still. I and many of my friends and colleagues remain wholly offended by the devious and greedy behaviour demonstrated by some people who apparently still expect us to vote for them! And who appear less than able to grasp the toxic nature of their ineptitude and greed, to the point of complaining that we are hounding them! It won't go away, and if MPs think it will they continue to be deluded. Possibly present company accepted.....?
- Bern

I agree Bern. My view on this is pretty absolute - see the expenses section of this website under "campaigns". It won't go away, nor should it. I'm not in public life to take your hard earned money - I want people to keep more of their money and I'd like to see lower taxes too, once we get Britain restarted.
- Charlie Elphicke

Hi Adam and thanks for your kind words. One one level, I agree with you that things like healthcare, jobs and border security are more important. My real point is that we could do more to attract visitors who spend money and create jobs (which goodness knows we need!) . . . and have more fun things for families to do locally. If EH was more energetic that would be fine - but these great assets of our are not exactly seeing their full potential realised are they? I believe there is so much more we could and should do to make our community greater - and seeing more done with our local castles is one of those things. By starting this discussion, I hope EH will think a bit harder. Besides, at £6 a minute venue charge, only a quango could say that didn't pay! I'd be really interested to know what more you think could be done to strengthen tourism and provide families with more things to do.
- Charlie Elphicke

i read today that there is a campaign afoot to turn deal castle into a local museum. seems a good idea to me, would mean more footfall to the castle and as a museum it would have a great atmposphere.
- howard mcsweeney

Hi Charley dont let any council get their hands on these two Icons of History Look how long it has taken for the Re-Generation scheme of Dover we still look at boarded up buildings at the Gateway of England and now ASDA has pulled out because of the Delays, so the usual lost Jobs and opportunities.
- Tony

As a child and as a young man I used to enjoy a trip to Dover Castle - walk up the hill, stroll across the drawbridge and through the gates of the Constable's Tower. I could wander around the grounds, taking in the architecture and the fantastic views, stop by the Pocket Pistol, marvel at the Roman pharos, maybe have a picnic on the grass - and never spend a single penny. If I wanted to go into the Keep, which in those days held the attraction of the armoury, amongst other things, I paid a few pennies. The same for the dungeons. Now, since EH have taken over the site, an adult ticket costs almost £14, a child £7, and a family ticket costs almost £35! Add to that a guide book, a snack and drinks for the kids, and a family day out is going to cost well over £50! Also, I feel that what they have done to the keep in the recent "improvements" is extremely tacky and serves only to hide much of the interesting architecture of the building. Whilst I don't necessarily support the idea of the local council taking it over, I do think there should be concessions for local residents at least. Also, I think that the idea of building a cable car from the town centre is yet another stupid waste of money.
- Bill Beer

Bob, welcome to the great climate change scam. Cap and trade, carbon offsetting, dodgy extrapolations, suppression of real data, average world temperature reduced by 0.74% since Al Gore's work of cinematic fiction was first released, BBC bias on the issue, Conservatives hand in hand with nulabour with the con voting the climate change bill in, the list goes on and on. Tell him to just dump the lot into a black sack and leave it out for the binmen in the morning.
- Paul

Sorry that should have read "average world temperature reduced by 0.74 degrees. Blame that on climate change, it causes more typos I'm led to believe.
- Paul

Bob, if that is going on, obviously it is crazy. I'll look into it. Charlie
- Charlie Elphicke

Tis completely bonkers and something that has annoyed me for a long time.Of course local council tax payers must not be footing the bill for businesses to use residents recycling banks as that is just not fair,however the fact that business bottles are not recycled is plainly ridculous.Local authorities presently do not collect business waste(well DDC doesn't),but it is something that DDC is looking into through the new waste contract that is currrently being drawn up.You want to have a word with Nick Kenton,portfolio holder for waste who will be able to explain it better than I.. I have also thought it a complete rip off that business rate payers don't even get their rubbish taken away for the exorbitant amount of rates they pay.Local areas don't even get to keep any of the money either!Sorry to rant-being in business myself,you hit a nerve with this one! J
- julie rook

Charlie. I'm very concerned about the present Governments ideas to alter the planning rules in order to make the siting of windfarms anywhere in Britain easier. This in my mind will inevitably lead to yet another erosion of local democracy just one in a series of casualties of the democratic process caused by nulabour. Given the Tories new found conversion to the Man-made global warming religion do you support these proposed changes to the planning rules?
- Paul

There are other anomalies on recycling too.... not necessarily in connection with private versus commercial waste disposal, as the original post, but waste glass from glaziers is not recycled, goes to landfill as I understand it. This is because there is iron in float glass and it needs to be kept apart from the type of glass that is used for food containers.... In London, domestic glass is recycled by private companies, and goes towards road making as a fine-ish granular product, plus other uses are being investigated. I must say I had assumed that this was what happens in part to our recycled glass in Kent, but I imagine it depends on who is running what contracts in the commercial sector, and how the Council operates. Unforuntely now that we have a climate that requires government and local budget cuts, it seems unlikely that more care will be going into this kind of activity, though there are plenty of long term cost implications in envrionmental terms. www.Londonremade.com offers a lot of information. I hope that as one of the Mayor of London's "quangos"? this will go on helping lead the way in recycling and waste reduction.
- Caroline

Dover District Council have announced they will no longer sell Trade refuse sacks. Businesses have been told that the cost of one sack will rise from £0.9 to £1.50 plus VAT. An increase of 67% How will this help small businesses to survive and expand? DC our PM says this is what he wants.
- John

Charlie, I wouldn't really consider this idea a priority in terms of what the area of Kent needs. Anyway on this particular issue I think it's leading us all up a blind alley. First it would need an expensive public education campaign in order to educate the average Joe about the security dangers in using public access wifi networks. It's bad enough using a normal fixed line internet access but a wifi network opens up a whole new can of worms. Secondly, like global warming which your party says is the biggest threat to mankind some scientists have grave worries about the health implications associated with these networks and we wouldn't want to be flat-earthers and go against what the scientists say now would we?
- Paul

That's a fair point. What things do you think we should concentrate on to improve communications locally?
- Charlie Elphicke

improve communications locally? most people in deal and dover would say buses in the evening and on sunday that is the reality.
- howard mcsweeney

'some scientists have grave worries about the health implications associated with these networks'. And some 'scientists' believe in Creationism! See thread below on 'broadband'. Other areas have done this and to the best of my knowledge no-one in Scarborough has been microwaved (yet) ! As Howard points out, evening buses, especially at the weekend would be useful. Last night (Saturday) we saw Verdi's Requiem at Canterbury Cathedral. The train connection back would have taken over two hours and there was no bus service (there is to either Dover or Sandwich but nothing leaving after 18.30 to Deal) Needless to say I drove.
- Bob Frost

Point taken. We need urgently to improve transport locally. I met with a group of secondary school students this weekend who told me the same thing. Wi fi may be best for places like the Deal seafront and the port of Dover - i.e. hotspots?
- Charlie Elphicke

To be honest I consider the broadband for all debate a bit of a red herring. In general those who want broadband are in the main already connected. Those who don't are not really bothered about it and there are millions of people in that camp - and why not it's up to them in the end. Hotspots will not really solve any percieved problem if it means trudging up to the seafront or wherever in order to place an online bet or buy something on e-bay. It's a percieved problem which doesn't really exist in my mind. Sure it would be nice to have a fast connection but as I said earlier there are more important issues. For example it appears that energy bill will rise to five grand per year for the average consumer over the next ten years. Now that is what I call a real problem. People will die, make no mistake, if this becomes a reality which it appears it will be according to uswitch.
- Paul

Those who want Broadband should pay for it themselves. If you choose to live in a rural and cheaper area, then you should pay for the higher distribution costs of such services yourself, not lump it on the taxpayer.
- Damon

damon has hit the nail on the head. people choose where they live, we must all take the rough with the smooth.
- howard mcsweeney

Unfortunately the same is not true when it comes to the case of the BBC license fee. We are forced to pay a tax for this broadcasting outfit by mere virtue of owning a television. Very unfair in my opinion but people have been duped into believing that without the BBC our nation would fall apart. Leave it to the free market broadcasters and those who enjoy BBC propaganda will be able to access those sort of programmes via private media outlets who will no doubt cater to those tastes.
- Paul

The dreadful TV picture quality/radio reception is mainly due to the UK sticking to the rules about the strength of signals so it doesn't disrupt France and the Netherlands - ours are some of the lowest strength signals in the UK. It may be worth highlighting such things closer to the analogue radio cut-off time - most of Dover/Deal can barely receive DAB (and certainly didn't use to be able to receive any BBC stations at all other than Radio Kent), and with an aged population in the local area the switchover is going to be troublesome and expensive. Not really a priority though, likewise wi-fi hotspots, and I'm not sure how they are going to be managed if/once Mandelson's ridiculously ill thought out and draconian Digital Economy Bill gets passed
- GH

There isnt much of a threat from a local public wifi network. They use them in the states without any problem. Its more of an issue having your own wifi network hacked but to be honest the encryption algorythms are pretty complex and would take a weeks of packet sniffing with high end software to decode the access password key. Of course, any fool who leaves open folders for network sharing would encounter some problems from the criminally inclined, but the answer here is learn to use your computer properly!The issue is who would pay for it? Maybe a donation from the outgoing MP, The Right Terrible Gwen Prosser to start the ball rolling?? As for broadband...I get excellent speeds and connectivity from BT. No problems. Same with the TV reception. Its very good locally, I have no problems. The mast at Hougham is 1000watt and supplies a signal as far as Gravesend with no problem. There is a repeater mast in Buckland for those affected by the hills surrounding Dover. http://www.kent-website-designer.co.uk/
- Chris Longley

I'm glad Chris has good TV reception - I can see almost the whole of the Hougham mast from my house at Maxton, but reception on the multiplex that carries most of the BBC freeview channels is almost non-existant! The signals just don't reach down into the valley at all. We were told we couldn't have Channel 5 here in the Dover area because it would interfere with the French tv stations, and the same excuse has been put forward by the BBC for the reduced power on this side of the transmitter for freeview. I heard from one installer the other day that, while trying to get reception from Hougham, he kept raising the aerial higher and higher trying to get a signal; eventually all he got was French tv completely swamping the local channels!
- Bill Beer

wifi? that's a thing of the past! what I envision is wi-max (a.k.a. 4G) across the entire county, providing internet to everyone. wireless routers could receive the wimax signals and send them via wifi to residents. given the several mile range of this equipment, and high speeds (up to 40mbps, typically 30, no less than 20) high speed internet could quite easily become a reality in rural areas. given the shortage of money at the moment, it is obvious that the government alone would not be the ideal source of funding, nor should we expect government to set up programs such as this, however, I do believe it would ease the strain on the start up companies who would supply these services if the Government were to provide some initiative to aid in the development and set up of such a program. The thing which really annoys me, is that the technology exists, it is a proven technology, and many other countries, including some third world countries, already have this technology. I simply cannot understand why we are laying miles and miles of copper & aluminium, when the air around us is better means of distribution.
- Richard Manion

Hi Bob, they are already, I believe. Clearly full details should be provided, like they will have to be for MPs. I think the concern is that MPs get an awful lot of money - for example in the last five years, Mr Prosser has had over £750,000 in expenses, over £91,000 in second home cash. This is a lot of money and people rightly want to see full receipts. It's public money and that should clearly happen. Likewise, I think all public money should be published when it's spent - what better way to stop those wasteful NHS "conferences" etc.? There is a real chance for seriously open Government here and we could really harness eagle eyed members of the public to cut unnecessary expenditure. I support that kind of thing fully. After all, you and I work so hard to earn this money we should know how it's spent!
- Charlie Elphicke

if i can add to the comments by chas. all expenses of district and town councillors are on the website of the organisation that they represent. i believe it is the same with county. they are also published once a year in our local papers.
- howard mcsweeney

Howard. Unfortunately there is no break-down of the expenses themselves. For example, looking at the DDC site on Travel and Subsistence, whilst many councillors claim nothing, others are claiming thousands of pounds (which seems odd as they are always going on about how they are improving public transport provision and cycle paths!). Having worked in the public sector, where receipts were needed for repayment of the smallest expenditure, I fail to see why our elected representatives should not provide an equally exact break-down of every penny of our money that they have spent.
- Bob Frost

In this internet age, I don't see why all expenditure should not be receipted and online. Likewise expenditure on just about everything in the public sector. My view is quite radical and I suspect many will not like this at all. Yet it's our money, so surely we should know how it's spent. We also need to rebuild trust across the board. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, as they say . . .
- Charlie Elphicke

Correction: Mr Prosser has received £619,113 of expenses in the last five years, not £750,000. The £91K figure for second home cash is correct.
- Charlie Elphicke

i do not think that the expenses claimed are excessive bob, but i take your point about receipts being provided before dosh is paid. chas i am gobsmacked,to use the vernacular, about the expenses of our sitting mp. i will have to make more enquiries before jumping to a conclusion.
- howard mcsweeney

there seems to be a lot of personalised stuff between gwyn and chas. pity really. i have studied the expenses of gwyn on his website, what are additional cost allowances and incidental expenses?
- howard mcsweeney

Charles, you have a home in Belgravia, London and another in Sandwich. Are we to take it that you will not be claiming a second home allowance if elected?
- Dave Smith

Additional costs allowance is the second home money. Incidental expenses is stationary, mobile phone bills, some staff and things like that, I believe. The incidental expenses and communications allowances have been attacked by some as an "incumbency allowance" as public money can be spent on surveys, leaflets and things like that. People can take their own view on that - I pay for myself or raise the money for my campaigning and I'm happy to take the system as I find it - the key thing is that people have a choice at elections and have the information they need to make a decision.
- Charlie Elphicke

Yes Howard, I do like Mr Prosser, yet his MO is to get personal and I expect that class war will be added in (see the post from "Dave Smith" which I am going to leave up since I have nothing to hide). When under pressure Mr Prosser will attack. That's his call and people can judge that for themselves. Hence his taking a post I wrote a year ago and suddenly claiming it as a smear. In fact, I feel and have long felt that all MPs should publish their expenses. A year on, the public now feel the same way. I'm not saying he has done wrong - just that he should publish and the people should know and be able to take their own view. As you know, I think publication should apply much more widely in the public sector. Our money is likely to be much better spent in such a case. What do you think?
- Charlie Elphicke

In reply to "Dave Smith", I don't have a home in Sandwich. I moved to Deal some years ago. I have a home in London, which I've had for many years. All these things I have paid for from my own hard earned money, at no cost to you or any other taxpayer. I have no objection to MPs claiming expenses to which they are entitled. I do think they should be published as was promised and I have said that time and again. It's up to people to come to their own conclusions on what expenses are reasonable, as it's taxpayer's money.
- Charlie Elphicke

In reply to "Charlie Elphicke". I'm suprised you even suggested deleting my comment as this is the forum on which you have invited questions and debate...disturbing response for somone advocating transparancy... As a Tory voter, this is not a trick question. Are you or are you not going to claim the second home allowance (or its equivlent replacement) if you are elected? Yes/ No answer is all that is required. .... assuming Prosser can provide the relevant receipts and is not claiming on some dodgy mortgage presumably you will have the decency to apologise for raising any suggestion that he has done something wrong. I doubt you will but I think you owe him that. But what I find troubling is your attitude going forward. You claim amongst other things to be radical and visionary in your thinking....but truth be it seems you are not You state "I'm happy to take the system as I find it " and "I have no objection to MPs claiming expenses to which they are entitled"- which I take to mean that had you been MP you would have claimed for whatever you could've under the then present system and will certainly do so under whatever revised system is put in place if elected. Your response suggests that you are more than happy to put your nose in the "trough" given half the chance and simply throw your hands up in the air and defend it on the basis that that is the system so how can it be your fault....the very same argument we are hearing from a host of immoral and "disgraceful" MPs on all sides of the House. What we want to see are MPs who are prepared to do the right thing and can look beyond the "system" as it is and as it will become. You have two homes (maybe more - who knows). You claim that they are yours and no burden to the taxpayer. Fine, you are not an MP, so the real question is will that always be the case Charlie if you are elected? And if the answer is you will claim such allowances, then I think you can stand down on your rather embarrassing attack against Prosser - he will have done nothing worse then what you claim you will do. You simply stand for the status quo and have engaged in rather pointless political mudslinging which makes you look stupid not Prosser. If you are going to represent the Tory party and the community let's hear the honest answers and changes for the future. PS which one have you advised HMRC is the home for CGT purposes, London or Deal? Are you prepared to give an assurance that during your term as an MP you will not flip your properties?
- Dave Smith

All are welcome here, even trolls. And the question is fair. I take the system as I find it as there is no choice. There is incumbency built into the current system by these expenses. I think the us anti democratic. We would scrap the communications allowance for example. Yet in office I would seek to reform the system. The second home allowance, the £4,000 Mr Prosser gets through in car money and the like should all go. Pay should be set by an independent body at a fair rate which should be accepted. That should deal with these problems. I have said Mr Prosser should publish for a long time. I don't understand why he has always refused to. And I don't know why he doesn't allow comments on his site. It's a real shame.
- Charlie Elphicke

chas makes a good point about personalised attacks. gwyn made another reference to you working in london. i remember before he used the term "go back to london"!!. being a born and bred londoner i found this rather offensive. not dissimilar to the "go back to pakistan" that we hear from some.
- howard mcsweeney

I don't mind Howard. I think it's quite funny really. We both have jobs that take us to London. The community is hard headed. People want someone who will deliver and will choose accordingly. Anyway people in glass houses should not throw stones. Every time he raises that he just reminds people that he us from further afield. So I think it's a daft thing to say. But up to him. Anyway I grew up in Essex ... There is a long standing affinity and shared viewpoint between those two noble counties and I've been in Kent a long time. I can play the "where are you from" game, indeed the facts are on my side, but I see it as a bit banal and I'd rather stick to the issues than personality nonsense. People don't want to hear all that rubbish. And what's important is that which is in your heart and what you will do, to my mind.
- Charlie Elphicke

Every MP has a choice as to which expenses he/ she wishes to claim for. That is the whole point of this debate being played out in the media as you well know. Some have perhaps "technically" been within the rules but the choice to claim is morally reprehensible and we all know it. What you are suggesting is "pay me more" and then I won't have to claim expenses and be scrutinised. You are saying "I will claim a second home allowance if I can whether it is by way of expenses or built into a salary increase or some other mechanism"...in other words (contrary to your earlier assertion) your houses/ lifestyle will become a burden to the taxpayer... An honest and clear answer on the point and your intentions was all that was being sought, but instead you dodge the question and publish what are clearly ridiculous and misleading statements as set out below: “Like the rest of the country, I am in shock - and absolutely disgusted by the whole thing. Heads should roll. I don't think the British people will accept anything less. I have said before and will say again - to serve is an honour and a vocation, not a living and a trough. The behaviour we have seen is shocking and utterly disgraceful. - Charlie Elphicke” Charlie, Charles, Chas you seem very happy to infer impropriety by the incumbent MP but unable/ unwilling to answer some fairly simple and fundamental questions for a prospective MP. “to serve is an honour and vocation” – No, I think we can see it is just a soundbite in your case. Instead it is you who chooses to come back to the "local" "non local debate" - but given you have been embroiled in the same topic in South Thanet, Witham and St Albans it is something you are clearly well versed on. http://conservativehome.blogs.com/goldlist/2006/11/witham_shortlis.html#comments I will leave you to have the final comment - suffice to say I do not believe you are an apporpriate representative for Deal and Dover or the Conservative Party
- Dave Smith

You can throw all you like at me. And by all means do. Here on this Conservative web site, we allow comments because we want to hear all views. And we answer letters and emails too! Now, you cannot get away from the fact that the reform I have set out is clear, fair and simple. Scrap the allowances and pay all MPs a flat rate set by an independent review body. All MPs expenses should be published with full receipts. Steve Ladyman MP next door in Thanet South now does that and I think it is right. People are asking why Mr Prosser won't. As for the local thing - I haven't run that as it is not my sort of politics and it smacks of the ugly racist politics of the BNP. But by all means, feel free develop that theme and good luck with it. Yet have a care for the facts are not on the Labour side and it will backfire badly. Just as I found in my canvassing this weekend that Mr Prosser suddenly raving on about my expenses blog of a year ago has backfired badly on him. Howard is right - there is a sort of ugly racist undertone in running that line which does the Labour Party no credit. I do think the Dover Labour Party is increasingly extreme and risks a doing a Crewe and Nantwich. That would be a pity as voters do deserve a choice at the next election. Finally, of course no Labour activist thinks I'm the ideal Conservative candidate - I clearly wouldn't be doing my job properly if they did!
- Charlie Elphicke

tomorrows telegraph features two of our local honourable members in starring roles. could be interesting.
- howard mcsweeney

Charlie, I have just read all the above comments with interest. Please can you let me have your views on the current salaries for MPs and ministers (excluding expenses). Do you think they are adequate as they stand or would you vote for an increase.
- Lesley Daley

Part of the problem is that politicians have voted for their own salary. That's not attractive. Far better for the salary to be set by an independent body. It must be right that MPs should get a fair day's pay for a fair day's work and that level should be set independently, as it is for other public servants. So in direct answer to Lesley's question, favour an independent body deciding. What do people think of this idea?
- Charlie Elphicke

Charlie, can you please explain to your prospective constituents exactly what or who you consider a troll? Is it somebody who you consider holds odd views, or disagrees with your position on things? I've noticed you have refered to trolls on your website without telling us what your interpretation of a troll is. I have to say that in my experience the term troll is used by those who use this perjorative term in order to eliminate the views held by people who might feel stronly about something. One other thing, isn't the term a bit old fashioned now? Come on Charlie tell us what is a troll?
- Paul

Hi Paul - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet) for a detailed explanation of the term. Basically, it's when someone turns up to have a bit of a pop - see some of the comments above for what I mean. I'm quite relaxed though - I haven't deleted any comments so far. There is a clear policy on this in the Rules, yet I would only implement that if things got out of hand!
- Charlie Elphicke

funny old term, troll. i cannot get on with internet geekspeak or txttlk. i thought that a troll was a dwarf from german fokelore.
- howard mcsweeney

Charlie, I note that Gwyn, last year, submitted an expenses claim for £769.63 to cover the costs of preparing his tax return for the financial year that ended in 2007 with H W Fisher,(he's used them twice). Whilst I am surprised that Gwyn needs an accountant to sort out his tax return, and shocked that he should expect the tax payer to pay for the service, I am especially disturbed that he found it necessary to use a London firm of accountants. Surely there are local firms who might have benefited from the 'work'???
- Bob Frost

Bob, I am much more concerned about the big TV, creaking table fulls of food, the knives, forks, toaster, armchair, houseplants and the washing machine he bought tax free on the public ticket. The average family is struggling with those things right now and it will make their blood boil. I suspect you must have read the East Kent Mercury, as they do try - and have indeed tried hard on this occasion - to assist Mr Prosser. And as you can see from this list, the tax return is quite simply a red herring given the way the expenses have been used. If you want the full details you need to read the Deal and Sandwich Express which will give you the full and accurate story. I did think about putting the cuttings on a leaflet and sending it round so people in Deal would hear the truth of it. But then, you know, I've had enough of it all now and I prefer to focus on moving things ahead and talking about the things that we need for the future than troughers of the past. So I'm going to stick with that and focus on healthcare, jobs, money and helping familes through these difficult times. If you are keen to keep this discussion going, I suggest you start of new Chat thread as this is now very long and not many people will get this far!
- Charlie Elphicke

I think our county council candidates are concerned by people cycling on pavements frequently in Deal. My worry is the split pedestrian / cycle path on Walmer beach. I am forever having to rescue my 2 year old son from an imminent squashing! I am not entirely convinced by this "shared space" thing!!!
- Charlie Elphicke

best not to hold ones breath on this one. cycling on pavements has always been illegal, the labour government added a "new law " saying the same thing about 10 years ago. charlie mentions the word "concern", is that good enough.? i would hate to see either a 2 year old or an 80 year old squashed.
- howard mcsweeney

I saw two teenage youths and a man who appeared in his 30's cycling down the High street pavement in Dover scattering shoppers in various directions. That was bad enough but a policeman watched from the opposite side of the road and did nothing - not even make a call on his radio phone strapped to his tunic. But then I suppose the enormous amount of paperwork involved would be a deterrent to reporting such an offence!
- Paul Youden

When I was a youngster back in the mid fifties riding a bike without lights plus other faults was an offence on its own and the police in those days were always pulling you over for this. Also riding on pavements and the wrong way up a one way streets etc goes on everywere now Canterbury being one of the worst Towns in Kent for this I have already had one bumped into myself over there. The Police are never about enough or are not bothered to do anything about it when they see it happening I go into my own Town of Dover quite a lot and you see it happening every day. Please see the latest Incident of this offence in this weeks Dover paper.
- Vic Kerry

Shouldn't we be encouraging people to cycle? Rather than considering them to be a nusiance. Young people and children will always cycle where they wish to, regardless of harder measures and to complain about the shared access on Walmer beach is very dissapointing to me. I have used this route many times with my children, it's an ideal spot for children to learn to ride, being in a straight line and level. I've never seen any collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. Also If you don't want people to ride on paths then sort out more cycling areas on busy roads. Saying that, i do agree with the issues raised where people are getting knocked down and kids rushing through throngs of people with no regards for safety BUT where are the safe areas for cyclists to ride, alongside traffic?
- Pippa

I have come close to being knocked down several times by adults riding on the pavement in Folkestone Road, as well as by people racing through the pedestrian precincts in both Dover and Deal. I have also come very close to hitting cyclists while driving, as they ride along the Dover-Deal road at night without lights, or the wrong way from Victoria Road into South Street. Cyclists should be treated like other road users - they should have to take a proficiency test before being allowed on the roads.
- Bill Beer

To Paul Youden - I am not quite sure what you expected the policeman on the other side of the road to do when he saw two teenaged youths and a man in his 30's cycling down the High Street pavement in Dover - you have said that he was on the opposite side of the road and so presumably was not in a position to stand in front of them in a vain attempt to stop them - perhaps you expected him to run down the road after them - I doubt he would have caught them but i guess it would have been highly amusing for all involved. I am not sure what you expected a call on his 'radio phone' would have achieved - you are assuming that there was another patrol in the area at the time that would have been able to respond. Maybe the officer was busy doing something else - maybe the officer was on his way to an appointment . No there would not have been an enormous amount of paperwork involved in reporting such an offence - I hope that you do not have occassion to call the Police but if you do and the officer suddenly rushes out whilst in the middle of trying to solve your problem for you because another officer has seen two teenaged youths and a man in his 30's cycling down the footpath of the High street in Dover you will have the good grace not to make a complaint about him.. To Vic Kerry - how narrow minded to take the view point that the Police cannot be bothered to do anything about it. There are so many unknowns here yet both of you seem to have automatically pointed the finger of blame at the officer. Surely some of the blame should be put towards parents that encourage their children to ride on the pavement - the argument that it is too dangerous for them to ride on the road is flawed I am afraid - if you consider it, as a parent, too dangerous to allow your child to ride on the road then the answer is simple - don't let them until they are old enough to handle the situation - to encourage them to break the law is irresponsible. Dover District Council should also take some of the blame - the situation with the split pedestrian/cyclist lane on the seafront at Walmer does nothing but cause danger and confusion - maybe if it were an offence for a pedestrian to walk in the cycle lane people would be demanding that the police prosecute the numerous pedestrians that dangerously wander in and out of the cycle lane at will. The situation with the shared cycle/footway on the promenade at Deal is even worse - it causes confusion and sends mixed messages to young riders - how on earth do we expect children to understand that it is illegal to ride on the footpath when we tell them that it is OK on some footpaths? A classic example of this can be seen in Middle Deal Road at the junction of Southwall Road where cyclists are encourage to mount the pavement in southwall Road to cut the corner of the junction off and then re-join the road in Middle Deal Road. Don't get me wrong - I am all in favour of a zero tolerance attitude by the local Police but to do that there must be enough of them, people have to be prepared to be caught doing something wrong, have to expect to be dealt with by the courts and then accept that they cannot expect to complain on a website like this one about the apparent inactivity of the Police when they themselves are prosecuted for something which they consider as petty!
- JB

Well . . . there is a lot of traffic. There have been thousands of visitors. I think many people are interested and having a look but not yet wanting to post and ask questions as there is not an actual election on yet. There are many more posts here than on most other political type websites. Also, this kind of thing - people in public life being very accessible and all that - is new for our area. So I hope you'll tell people it's worth posting here to discuss things and that that Elphicke bloke replies to posts, comments and letters!!!
- Charlie Elphicke

it just seems strange to me that people nowadays have access from their own living room direct to their leaders and do not take advantage of it. the present mp gwyn prosser holds court outside the town council offices on one saturday morning a month, so many people put their head down and go past, later complaining that they never hear from their MP. the excellent dover forum has a politics section, sadly it turns into a punch and judy session sometimes with posters trying to score points. best of luck with this site.
- howard mcsweeney

I have been away for a few days . . . I agree that the Dover Forum is excellent. And I agree that people on it can get a bit partisan as you say. That's not really my thing. I'm much more into what we can do to sort things out practically!
- Charlie Elphicke

good to see you out canvassing the other day in maison dieu road on saturday chas. did you get much flak from the locals about our elected representatives and their petty cash claims?
- howard mcsweeney

Like the rest of the country, I am in shock - and absolutely disgusted by the whole thing. Heads should roll. I don't think the British people will accept anything less. I have said before and will say again - to serve is an honour and a vocation, not a living and a trough. The behaviour we have seen is shocking and utterly disgraceful.
- Charlie Elphicke

It might be useful if the individual posts on here were dated - I have just started visiting and it would be helpful to see how new/old the comments are.
- Bern

You do enjoy asking the hardest questions Howard! I believe in free trade and the free movement of goods. I am not convinced by the free movement of people. We need to get the balance right and there is widespread concern expressed to me about the number of people from overseas. This concern that is raised with me is not about hating "different" people and all that - it is thoughtful concern about the current economic situation ("we'd love to help, but we can't afford it right now"), concern about pressure on public services and housing allocation, as well as concern that more and more of our green and pleasant land is lost to houses needed for an increase in population. I cannnot ignore the concerns expressed to me and I conclude there have to be limits, there has to be proper border security and that we need to look again at how we manage things with the EU. My own big worry is that there are millions in the UK already on benefits who do not work. They could and should - at least when the economy is stronger again - and it's just not right that government allows people to fail and not realise their potential. It's not right we use workers from overseas as sticking plaster rather than putting our house in order and unleashing the potential of the army of workless people we have. It's not right that politicians shirk this whole discussion for fear of offence, when there are big and serious issues that need to be settled and not swept under the carpet. I'd be interested to know what you think.
- Charlie Elphicke

it does seem ludicrous that so many people elect not to join in with society and contribute very little during their lives. i sincerely believe that there is no answer!! people say to me, cut their benefits, but this would affect the dependants, possibly encouraging the dodger to indulge in petty crime. another one is to give vouchers for food instead of cash. a non starter, this was tried on refugees and asylum seekers who would exchange in a normal supermarket that sells more things than food alone. stop benefits if a job offer is turned down? any self respecting skiver would know that when completing the application form that asks for hobbies or interests, playing with matches and paraffin would be inserted. should an interview ever take place, the interviewee will arrive in a hoody, cigarette dangling from mouth, smelling of alcohol and muttering expletives. incidentally chas, you did not cover the subject of the present migration for construction and project works in your reply. please be assured that the BNP have got heavily involved in disputes and are seen as the only party interested in the british worker.
- howard mcsweeney

If it was easy, it would have been solved long ago! Strong incentives, with easily accessible and free skills training is one way forward. The reason it's not easy is that you can lead a horse to water but not make it drink. Cutting payments will breed resentment, but not necessarily encourage people to get into work. Much of this agenda will need to be cultural to my mind - making work respectable and "good", making unemployment a "bad thing". Now is a difficult time as the issue is more how to keep people in the jobs they have, than get people out of work into work. But once things are on the turn, this cultural shift will be necessary for the good of the nation. It is simply not right that there are 5 million - some 8,000 locally - who don't work yet could. All the numbers show that the result is poverty, lower life expectancy, increased mental illness and misery. To me this is an intolerable turn of events. Allowing this to happen and doing nothing about it is, to my mind, a crime against the potential and life chances of a great number of people. On the whole issue of construction jobs and so on, I think there have to be limits - otherwise we will never be forced to focus on the long term workless which is a serious national challenge and something I feel deeply we must do for the good of all. I also think we need to be careful with our language as this is a sensitive area and the serious intent can be misinterpreted for "dog whistle" politics which it is certainly not in my case. Rather than beat people up, we should point to the sunny uplands. I view this as about money, life chances, making the country richer and stronger, ensuring everyone gets a fair crack at doing well - most of all putting an end to this business where we wrongly seem to write off people out of work. I hope my deeply held, sincere concern and desire for change will not be used to beat me up as some kind of 1980s machine politician!!
- Charlie Elphicke

thanks for that, the problem started in the early eighties(no political point being made), but that was a period of mass unemployment not seen since the thirties. children got used to seeing neither parent go out to work, naturally they just carried this on. a genuine attempt to change this culture came with the advent of the tax credit system, this finally gave the long term genuine jobless a craving to go out to work , the rewards were clear. sadly the system was and is very confusing, mistakes are frequently made, people are asked to repay overpayments that were made through no fault of their own. skills training is not the panacea it is meant to be, the training providers usually get recompensed when a student passes a test, the training provider sets and marks the test!! interesting debate though.
- howard mcsweeney

the problem has raised its head again . strikes have broken out over the employment of foreign workers when locals do not have a chance to apply for the positions. i believe that this will affect the vote of the major parties along with more recent issues on june the 4th. counties will not be strongly affected, but the european elections will with every vote counting. a lot of people will be staying up late that night to see the look on the faces of messrs brown and cameron when the results start to filter through.
- howard mcsweeney

With regards to the issue of foreign people working in the uk, if they have the skills we require then use them. With regards to thise who come to our shores to abuse our benefits system the answer is simple, benefits paid out can only equal that amount which has been paid in via the national insurance contributions. If you've paid in £10K then thats the total amount of benefit you take out. If you've paid in nowt then thats what you get. Soon stop people coming here for our benefits. That in turn would mean more for those who really need it.
- Nick H

I agree that we need to limit foreign workers entering the UK, but there is another factor that I believe should be looked at in regard to unemployment. The previous government brought in legislation to equalise retirement age by bringing women up to the same age as men - 65 - and suggested that the retirement age for everybody might need to be increased further in the future. This is a false economy. The cost of paying a pension to somebody who has reached the age of 65 is far less than the cost of supporting an unemployed person in their 20s with a family and a mortgage. We should be looking at ways to get young people into work on leaving school so that they do not get into the habit of living on benefit and become unemployable; this means that existing jobs need to be released by allowing people to retire earlier, rather than later. Yes, people are living longer, and you might have to pay pensions for up to 40 years but, if a young person can't find work, you could be paying them and their family benefit for 50 years before they ever reach pension age!
- Bill Beer

Above my pay grade Howard - it's one for the councillors. I understand all councillors of all parties support this. That said, I can understand this for the Olympics ... But 15 years seems a very long time. I'd be interested to hear more on what everyone else makes of it.
- Charlie Elphicke

thanks for reply chas, would you be kind enough to delete my other 3 posts, they came across as rejected by your website, hence the apparent stutter.
- howard mcsweeney

Done. There were only two. I don't like to delete legit posts unless asked, as this is a place for free opinions. Well, except for the late night troll that likes to post abuse . . . those posts get deleted for breaking the rules!
- Charlie Elphicke

Charlie I was informed by a local who lives in the Dover Market Square Area that this massive screen that is now in use has been Susidised by our National Health Trust Fund.? Is this correct.
- Vic Kerry

It is an eye-sore and a complete waste of money!
- Bill Beer

IT IS A COMPLETE DISGRACE! Our council is made up of a bunch of morons! The work (or should I say lack of) of our council needs to be exposed!!
- Pete

Thanks for pointing this out Richard. It's a particular problem in our area. You can't get broadband in places like Tilmanstone at all, residents of Kingsdown and St Margaret's are fed up with French mobile phone reception and (possibly worse!) French telly. Large areas suffer from slow broadband or mobile phone blackouts. This information deprivation is not acceptable as we need to be fully paid up members of the 21st Century. I've been thinking about things like village Wi-Fi and would be really interested to hear comments and views on what practically can be done.
- Charlie Elphicke

Have a look at these links Charlie to see what can be done:- http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/news.phtml/14281/scarborough-launches-free-freebay-wi-fi.phtml http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39270781,00.htm Free wi-fi access for Deal town would generate loads of free publicity, put Deal at the 'cutting edge' of technology and provide a (not quite) unique selling point for the town.
- Bob Frost

Thanks Bob. I really appreciate that. I will take that up and see if it can be moved ahead.
- Charlie Elphicke

There has always been a little discord between what the suppliers advertise and what is actually achievable within the copper wires it all runs through. Charlie there is a comapny that surveys the global average speeds that countries run by. They publish their findings on http://www.netindex.com/ also IT Pro has an article on speeds http://www.itpro.co.uk/623746/uk-listed-a-lowly-33rd-in-world-broadband-speed-pecking-order if you are interested? Hong Kong (No surprises there) currently have an average BB speed of 43Mbps - it is worth highlighting to people that unless you are connecting to a fast server somewhere globally your 24Mps through perhaps Virgins Fiber Optic service will be stunningly slowed down to as little as 256Kps (one quarter of a Mps). This internet is a fickle thing and although the digital revolution is taking off at great speed, certain underlying parts of the infrastructure will take longer to be updated. UK Broadband speeds are not world leading, but neither are they lagging behind. Some people may suffer issues if they live far from a telephone exchange, and they should consider Sky's service or Virgin Fiber Optics for an enhanced experience.
- Ian Palmer

So do I Nigel - I will make enquiries of the Borders Agency that they have everything in place to secure against human trafficking and the other illegal practices that go on. Border Security is essential for us all. I'm over the moon the new service is now starting. More jobs and money in these difficult times is a real boost for Dover!
- Charlie Elphicke

Charlie A much better prospect for the area would be to re-open a Folkestone to Boulogne Service like it used to be I used to Sail from there when working on the Ferries back in pre 1991 until being made Redundant due to James Sherwood selling off the original British Rail Company to the Swedes Since then Folkestone Harbour has become nothing but a run down area. This all stems back to the Conservative Goverment in Margeret Thatchers day introducing Privatisation and selling British Rail Ferries off to Sherwood. At a paltry sum of sixty five million then making a massive profit and re-selling it for three hundred million.
- Vic Kerry

There is no point in starting up crossings that no one would use. The new line out of dover will bring more to the town.
- Gary Rigden

Nigel in truth we do not have to accept the people who try to smuggle themselves into the UK, they are not seeking Asylum when you look at them count how many are Families and how many are Single Men. This was what we signed the Shengen Agreement for, that the First Country of Safety you Enter is then the Host Country. Lets Play by the Brussels Rules and use them to our Advantage for a change and STOP ROLLING OVER!!!
- Tony

do you actually mean the two roads to st margarets that lead off of the dover/deal road? if so, i would heartily concur, there has been 2 fatalities to my knowledge in recent years.
- howard mcsweeney

Yes indeed, that's what I do mean. Sorry I wasn't clear. It's a no-brainer really
- Sue M Thomas

Traffic lights would be a nightmare. Decent lighting in certain areas would make it less of a deathtrap.
- GH

A roundabout would be better than traffic lights. One of the main things that should be done is to correct the lining and signage on the road: I don't know of any comparable stretch of road in the area that does not have a single solid or double white line indicating that it is unsafe to overtake on the bends. It would cost very little to correct this error, and to put up signs banning overtaking on what is a very pleasant, but bendy, country road.
- Bill Beer

Howard, it's a major concern to me. One third of people who responded to my recent survey said they have personally experienced anti social behaviour. I will make enquiries on the issue you raise. Thanks for telling me about it. Charlie
- Charlie Elphicke

If you can give me more details,I can also make enquiries. I do know that every report is investigated by the ASB unit,but sadly for every report there may not be a soloution. Lat month there were 29 reports of ASB reported to the unit which only have 2.5 members of staff,and all reports have been investigated with most of those being resolved. However,as I said,please do give me the details and I will ask some questions on your behalf.
- Cllr Julie Rook

thanks for your reply julie, i will dig out the ddc reference numbers and get back to you, will make it more simplified that way. howard
- howard mcsweeney

julie have dug back in my records, the incident happened on 24/7/2008, i reported it by e mail straightaway. i received an automated response(no reference no; unhappily) but timed at 0758 hours 26/7/2008 informing me that it may take 10 working days to get a reply. having got none, i rang the direct number on a few occassions and left a message on the answering machine. the thing that people have noticed is that all the adverts requesting people "not to put up with anti-social behaviour" disappeared around the same time. i can assure you that my one was not investigated.
- howard mcsweeney

what did your investigations uncover julie?
- howard mcsweeney

it would appear that i was right all along, the asbo unit doesn't exist.
- howard mcsweeney

Can vouch for this. One such vehicle appears to permanenttly occupy one of the first "free" Parking slots north of the Pier.
- Paul Button

I think it is right that Motorhomes can park temporarily on the sea front whilst awaiting their ferry. In France motorhomes are catered for everywhere and the French welcome the trade that holiday makers bring. Wake up Dover and welcome visitors, god knows the town needs the trade. Most motorhome owners are considerate obviously the two in question here are not. Don't judge us all by the minority of selfish people!
- Sue Glanville

Paul, You and a lot of people feel strongly about this and you will be interested to know that the proposed cycle path in Sholden did not get the approval to go ahead at the JTB meeting last night
- Trevor Bond

Have not seen any flats at the top of Farrier Street but there's a 'pile' called Prince William Court that is totally out of keeping with the sea front. What about the now closed 'bingo hall' on the seafront- ripe for 'development' but I hope its not going to be another block of flats. Any chance of a bulldozer over the bomb site at the top of Braod Street
- John

Thanks for raising this Clair. I agree it's a complete nightmare - I spent much of today on it trying to dodge flying stones and potholes! The safety on this road has been a serious concern and cross party we've all been pressing KCC to take action - which they are now doing to make it safer. Personally I'd love to dual it, but among residents of Deal annd Walmer there is not enough of a consensus for that. Hence of more limited upgrade and safety scheme. What I've been looking at with our team of councillors is whether the A256 can be connected up at Mill Hill or Sholden. Please let me know more about what you think. The quality of the roads into Deal has a big effect on the local economy, so it's a serious concern to us all.
- Charlie Elphicke

Dualling this road would be an extremely lengthy and costly procedure, with protracted planning meetings, compulsory land purchase, etc., and the months or even years of chaos caused during the building phase of the project. It would also create a massive bottle-neck at Ringwould unless a by-pass was built around the village. The whole scheme would cause massive destruction to the countryside. Also, a dual carriageway would only encourage drivers to go at even higher speeds along the road.
- Bill Beer

I totally agree Anita, you have to take your life in your hands at the roundabout, not helped by the HGV drivers.
- Clair

Ridiculous idea!!!!!Think about the William Harvey Hospital roundabout in Ashford and the congestion the lights cause. When they are non operational traffic flow is much better. Rather create a mini roundabout at the Eythorne/Elvington turning to encourage traffic to use the by pass thus reducing congestion at the Whitfield roundabout. Most of the dangers at this roundabout are caused by motorists dithering around it and entering it!
- Sue Glanville

Would be better if the HGV drivers could drive !!. And stay in the correct lane. My advice is treat them all with the utmost caution,
- Gary Rigden

Silly Suggestion. Roundabouts are ideal as they filter traffic quickly and naturally. The problem is often locals and vistors do not know how to approach a roundabout and to be in which lane on approach or exit. I do not think the system is the problem, its impatient drivers.
- Chris Longley

Of all the subjects commented upon which I have read so far, this is the one of those which disturb me most - it seems to me that if one has nothing to hide which is irregular or inappropriate, or even if one is not sure whether it is irregular or inappropriate, then declare it. Julie Rook is right. Come clean. We, their paymasters/mistresses have a right to know. Very topical, in the light of the House of Lords current controversy.
- Sydney

It is essential that David Cameron makes sure that all Conservatives are cleaner than clean. The general view is that most MPs have their snouts in the trough
- Geoffrey

I can only speak for myself - I would publish in full if I was a MP and give a full and open account. However, I do wonder if it would be better simply to increase the basic pay and axe all expenses. Less of a temptation and a lot simpler all round. I'd be interested to know what people think.
- Charlie Elphicke

I agree increase the basic pay and axe all expenses.
- william witcombe

Woolworth's,Adam's,Viyella,Wedgwood,Land Rover.The list seems never ending.A day can't go by without the announcement of yet more job losses.Big business in this country is suffering as well as the small and medium size ones we see on every high street,so why cant the government adopt the Conservative loan guarantee scheme and extend it to all business and industry,large or small? I also suspect that labour's scheme will be so bureaucratic that small and medium sized business will either not know about it or know how to access it as many are not fortunate enough to have a team of accountants advising them.Business needs credit to start flowing again and payment holidays to HMRC.Business needs stupid laws and diktats that govern the way businesses have to be run,repealed.Business, and the consumer,needs less taxation,not more.Only then,I believe,will our economy start to repair itself.
- Cllr Julie Rook

I feel Deal is still busy compared with some other towns in East Kent. We have lots of little shops, a Saturday market and still some chains. Don't talk it down. Support those shops we have. - a lovely bakery a great craft/knitting shop and lots more.
- Janet

If only the council had a tad of vision for our town. How about spending Deal tax payers money on Deal? It's a great little town that has been so neglected
- John

By my latest count we have lost approx 20 shops since August last year! (Off the top of my head starting from Sondes Rd - Haberdashery, Joem Gallery, Hoyles, Greengrocer, Johnnsons drycleaners, Woolworths, Scarpe, Martins, Select, curtain shop, Laughtons, etc. And on the seafront - Bait shop, Dance shop, Wedding dress shop, Antique shop). It seems that each time I walk along the high street yet another shop has closed. Perhaps the council could look at helping small businesses with a review of their rates and landlords/agents could look at reducing rents etc? Surely there must be some way of helping to 'Save Our High Street'? It is such a shame to lose our local shops which add variety to our high street. I fear that once gone they are lost forever... On another subject, as a resident I would like the council to do something about the dreadful state of the road surfaces in Walmer and Deal. Many roads have so many potholes now that it is becoming hazardous to drive around locally. And my pet hate - Campervans on the seafront. I have had one parked outside my home and blocking my view for 8 months(!!!!) The owner of this van arrives, every month or so, in his car, gets out, checks his van and then drives off. If he loves his van so much - park it outside his home. What can we do about this? The parish council say we have no "right to a view". Since Marine Rd got its "No van" status residents along The Beach have noticed an increase in the problem. Last summer we had 10s of Campervans parked along the front! It was muted that we would be given "no van" status but we have been severly let down by the council and feel very agrieved. We would be grateful for any help in resolving this situation.
- Karen

Deal is dying! I believe abolishing parking charges in Deal would go a long way towards reviving it! The £2 charge to park at Sainsburys is outrageous. I was there twice this week at around 16.30 and could NOT believe how empty the carpark was. I commented on this to one of the checkout clerks and she said it's like that all the time and she wasn't surprised due to how expensive it is. I lobbied Dover District Council about this and was given a load of old tosh about if I pay for two hours parking, I can then go and look at other shops in the town. The question is: 'what other shops?' I so miss Currys and Woolies!
- Sue Thomas

Listening to what everyone has said highlights the level of concern for our high streets and the local economy. I have therefore launched a campaign to back our local economy and will be doing a survey to ask what would encourage people to use our high streets more. See the Local News section for more. We have so much in our part of East Kent - making the most of what we have and building on it, we will be able to achieve even more!
- Charlie Elphicke

Agree. Surely areas with a low crime rate should attract lower levels of council tax because they are not such a financial burden?
- Sylvia

Since 1997, most peoples' council taxes have more than doubled and now they want to tax us more for rubbish collection? This is preposterous. Where has all the money paid in council tax increases gone? Poor investments? Boosting the Euro coffers? Public sector pensions? The mind boggles. The poor man suffers.
- Sylvia

I fear that recycling levels will decrease if such a tax is imposed upon us, as there will be a lack of good will for us to separate our rubbish and 'do our bit'. If we are paying an additional amount for the service, why should people be expected to sort the materials as well!
- Clair

Completely disagree. That is saying that residents in areas like Dover who have been stuck with huge bills for policing, housing, etc etc for various reasons
- Justine Laws

Congratulations on the new web sight and chat facility, lets return openness to Government. Does Manston Airport need expanding to be better utilised? Lets get some more passenger flights in and out first.
- Rich Pay

i think most people would agree with the regeneration plans that chas has outlined, however the new docks being planned? lot of local doubt there. the plans from Mr goldwatch at the harbour board involve chopping away most of the prince of wales pier, concreting over the marina, a lot of our remaining beaches would go. their can be no consultation over this, DHB have carte blanche over what they do.
- howard mcsweeney

Charlie, thats what we will pay you for! To work it out, if an when you get elected!! Get out in the streets, meet and greet the locals and get the ineffective, useless Prosser out of this town. Highlight is failure constantly.
- Chris Longley

Agreed Howard - let's not have any more development of the port! Charlie - why can't we get more redevelopment of the railways and put more freight back onto them where it used to be, then the tunnel could take the strain more effectively.
- Bill Beer

Intermediate care beds Sue, that is what is urgently needed with more people living alone and an aging population. The Hospitals Trust needs to work with the PCT to deliver.
- Nigel Collor

We need to keep a careful eye on Victoria hospital in Deal.The PCT have indicated that Deal hospital will be changed and will mirror the Dover model which means no beds. We are all living longer.Care beds are hard to come by.Deal hospital already has to extend its offer of beds to the whole district rather than just to the people of Deal and now it seems all the beds may be lost at our precious hospital.We need more services in Deal.Not less!
- Julie Rook

Isn't it awful when you dread your relatives becoming ill in case they have to endure the worst of the NHS? By worst, I mean unclean wards, lack of resources, poor communication etc which could ultimately lead to untimely deaths. Anything we can do to make our hospitals safer for vulnerable patients must surely be a priority. Often old people are at the complete mercy of their carers. These old people looked after us in WW2 and paid their taxes until recently. We must now look after them as best we can and ensure they retain their dignity which is so important to them.
- Sylvia

The situation regarding local hospitals is scandalous - I have had 3 of my family spend their last days in Ashford hospital and it would have been almost impossible for me to get there without a car. It is not right that people should be expected to travel 20 miles or more to a hospital in this day and age. Other, smaller communities in Kent have fought for, and won, new hospitals while we are expected to accept a health centre. Let's hope that Charlie can deliver on his promise!
- Bill Beer

I agree. The gritting lorry got stuck when trying to come down Upper Street the other week due to parked cars. This puts everyone in danger.
- Julia

I am sure this has been looked at before, but why can't we have a one way system around Upper Strreet/Chalk Hill Road/The Rise?
- Sylvia

As an outsider, Beaconsfield constituency, I have to say I think you should persuade Central Office to make your website design and the facility of your constituency being able to interact with you mandatory for all Tory MP's. It is amazing that it has not already been implemented as it is the way for the party to talk to the electorate on a one to one.
- Richard Calhoun

Parking problems are not isolated to Upper Street - all the roads around the school are swamped by cars around 14.30-15.30. I have had to drive round and around before being able to find space to park at my own home. Perhaps getting to the root of such problems by encouraging people to take alternative means of transport such as walking or taking the bus rather than simply deferring parking congestion to a different part of the village by laying double-yellow lines. A one-way system would simply create bottlenecks at places such as the bottom of The Rise and create complications with goods vehicles which are often the cause of congestion.
- TS

Double yellow lines we don't need. A one way system would be best.
- John Bryant

We certainly do not need double yellow lines. We need to create a one way system in Kingsdown.
- John Bryant

The very last thing the village needs is a one-way system.... The key factors keeping speeds down are parked cars and oncoming traffic in narrow streets. Also, in the suggested one-way scheme in an earlier post, no thought has been given to traffic avoiding the one-way system by using the two unadopted roads (St James and Alexandra) as rat runs...... If pedestrian safety is important, please just leave things as they are.
- Phillip John