Latest news with #Folkestone
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Are Britain's clean seas a thing of the past?
A few miles along the coast from Dover's white chalk cliffs the English seaside town of Folkestone is holding an art festival, but with a difference. Every three years the 'Folkestone Triennial' commissions art works in which the town is the 'gallery'. As you walk around you will come across 20 or so artworks of different kinds responding to Folkestone's landscape and history. I've been visiting the "Minister of Sewers'. The Triennial guide says it's 'a creative project by the Turner Prize-nominated artists Cooking Sections' created as 'a platform for the public to voice concerns about coastal water pollution and share their experiences with sewage spills and related issues'. The project, in the harbour's old Customs House, begins with a friendly welcome and a display about water pollution and sewage, but behind it is a serious purpose. Folkestone, like much of the English coast, is delightful to live in and visit, but bathing in the sea is nowadays not always a pleasure. It can be a risk, especially after heavy rain. Too many of the beaches in prime swimming areas of England – including lakes and rivers as well as the sea – have seen bathing water quality dip from 'excellent' to 'good' or worse. Heavy rainfall can lead to overflows in the often antiquated sewage systems. When that happens the water quality drops to 'poor'. There is no official 'Minister of Sewers' in England, but the Folkestone arts project encourages visitors to make an appointment for a chat with one of the volunteers. The 'Minister' dressed in an official-looking 'Minister of Sewers' costume sat with me for a chat. She took notes about my own experiences as a sea swimmer on this lovely coast to gather evidence and create a "Log of Grievances" to support collective action and push for better water quality. Too many of the beaches in prime swimming areas of England – including lakes and rivers as well as the sea – have seen bathing water quality dip from 'excellent' to 'good' or worse Art in Action strikes a chord with the British public because sewage, water quality and the cost of drinking water are big news right now across the UK. We think of ourselves as a wet little island, but we have serious water problems and possible future shortages. We have a growing population in the south east, an area which has much lower annual rainfall than rural areas like the Scottish Highlands, and despite significantly increased demand for water we have failed to build any new major reservoirs since 1992. The Starmer government is promising action. They commissioned a review of the water industry in England and Wales by a respected former civil servant, Sir Jon Cunliffe. It was published last week and calls for once in a generation fundamental reforms to address what is being called Britain's 'Great Stink moment'. The Great Stink is a reference to the shocking state of the River Thames at Westminster in Victorian times. In 1858, the river was so polluted with sewage and the smell so bad that Members of Parliament refused to meet. A massive public works programme followed and a world-leading sewage system for London was built. A similar kind of energy and investment is now being promised although the details are as yet unclear. What is clear is that the privatisation of the water industry in England and Wales by Margaret Thatcher in 1989 has been a profound failure. Privatisation extracted private profits for shareholders and paid huge bonuses to some employees while failing to invest in reservoirs, better sewerage and fixing broken pipes and waste. The 464-page Cunliffe review has provided 88 recommendations for change, but re-nationalisation is not being contemplated largely because it would demand a vast amount of public money, which is not available. The Water Services Regulation Authority, or Ofwat, will be scrapped and what follows is billed as 'the biggest overhaul of water since privatisation'. Well, we shall see. But it's worth pointing out that Britain is not alone in having a water problem. Rising demand, growing populations, changes in our climate, and arguments about water quality are nothing new. The South African city of Cape Town came close to running out of water entirely a few years ago with 'Day Zero' – no tap water – a real possibility. The Afghan capital Kabul right now has severe water shortages. India and Pakistan's recent short-lived conflict over the terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir led to threats that India would abrogate the Indus Waters treaty that has shared waters between these two nuclear armed powers since 1960. In France, pollution of the River Seine caused the French government considerable embarrassment during the 2024 Olympics. They have cleaned things up since then at great cost. And in the first days of the Trump administration in January this year the new President and California Governor Gavin Newsom argued not just about California wildfires but about lack of water to fight them. It's predicted that the world in the 21st century will see water conflicts even water wars over this most precious resource. We can hope not. As for me, I just want my children and other families to be able to swim in our beautiful clean seas without worrying about the possibility that we really need a Ministry of Sewers.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Number of asylum seekers housed at former RAF base in Essex to rise by 50%
The Home Office is increasing the number of asylum seekers accommodated on a controversial military base by more than 50%, making it the largest of its kind in the UK. Currently there are about 800 asylum seekers accommodated at the remote former RAF base MDP Wethersfield in Essex and the Home Office is moving in 425 more. Wethersfield is one of only two Home Office mass accommodation sites, along with Napier barracks in Folkestone, and was already the largest. Campaigners and the local council have expressed concern about the increase at the remote site, where there has previously been anti-migrant protests. NGOs are concerned that asylum seekers en route to Wethersfield could be targeted by anti-migrant demonstrators on their way to protest outside the Bell hotel in Epping if their routes cross. An internal Home Office update on the situation at Wethersfield dated 24 July, seen by the Guardian, states: 'While the site's regular cap is 800 an additional 445 bed spaces may be used temporarily during peak demand. There are no plans to exceed 1,245.' Charities and watchdogs have criticised conditions on the site. The former independent chief inspector of borders and immigration David Neal described 'an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness' among the asylum seekers there when he inspected the site. Home Office sources said that the increase in numbers was a temporary measure and that all relevant health and safety rules would be complied with. The population of the nearby village of the same name was recorded in the most recent census as 1,298. Although some local residents have expressed opposition to having asylum seekers on the base, many have said they are supportive of the asylum seekers themselves and are involved with initiatives to provide hands on support for them during their time at Wethersfield. 'Things are pretty quiet,' said one resident. 'We haven't had much trouble here.' In March 2025 a high court judge found the former home secretary Suella Braverman acted unlawfully in accommodating three asylum seekers at the former RAF base. The men – who were at Wethersfield between July 2023 and February 2024 – argued they were living in prison-like conditions. Responding to the planned increase in numbers at Wethersfield, Steve Smith, the chief executive of Care4Calais, said: 'Given the anxiety and despair this former military camp has inflicted on its residents, the government should be shutting it down not expanding its capacity. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'That's what Keir Starmer promised in opposition, and that was before the high court ruled that survivors of torture and modern slavery had been unlawfully accommodated at the camp. It is deeply worrying that the opposite is now happening, with hundreds more set to the subjected to this prison-like camp.' Graham Butland, the leader of Braintree district council, said: 'This disused airbase in a very rural area does not have the infrastructure to host asylum seekers on such a large scale.' A Home Office spokesperson said: 'All use of property or sites under our ownership is carried out in accordance with relevant planning permissions, and we work together with local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the accommodation estate is continuously reviewed and managed safely and effectively at all times.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Folkestone Pride 'most exciting and diverse' yet
Folkestone Pride takes place in the town on Saturday, with organisers promising it will be "the most exciting and diverse yet". The event begins with a parade through the town, starting at the bottom of the Old High Street at 13:00 BST. It will continue along Sandgate Road and onto the Leas, where entertainment will take place on the bandstand between 14:00 and 18:00 BST. The after party, being held at the Leas Cliff Hall, has already sold out. Organisers said the day will be "family friendly, filled with love, music and unapologetic joy", with "unforgettable performances and a community that celebrates every colour of the rainbow". The afternoon event on the Leas will feature drag artists, DJs and a Kylie Minogue tribute act. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Reading Pride returns amid financial pressures Bath Pride: What you need to know Birmingham Pride to return to city's Gay Village Thousands defy rain to celebrate Pride festival Pride in London 2025: Thousands watch parade Glasgow streets awash with colour for Pride march Related internet links Folkestone Pride
BBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Folkestone Pride to be 'most exciting and diverse' yet
Folkestone Pride takes place in the town on Saturday, with organisers promising it will be "the most exciting and diverse yet".The event begins with a parade through the town, starting at the bottom of the Old High Street at 13:00 will continue along Sandgate Road and onto the Leas, where entertainment will take place on the bandstand between 14:00 and 18:00 after party, being held at the Leas Cliff Hall, has already sold out. Organisers said the day will be "family friendly, filled with love, music and unapologetic joy", with "unforgettable performances and a community that celebrates every colour of the rainbow".The afternoon event on the Leas will feature drag artists, DJs and a Kylie Minogue tribute act.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Yahoo
The Kent seaside town with top-rated beach where more Londoners are moving
A popular Kent seaside town, known for its scenic beach and colourful houses, is attracting a growing number of Londoners looking to relocate. Just a 90-minute drive from London and near the busy coastal town of Folkestone, Sandgate offers a blend of historic charm and coastal views, while remaining relatively accessible via Folkestone Central or Folkestone West stations. Sandgate offers a blend of historic charm and coastal views. (Image: Tom Bastin/Flickr) Previously, The Times named Sandgate's shingle beach - with its views of France and nearby attractions - one of the top 50 beaches to visit in the UK in 2024. Carlo Martella, founder of estate agency Your Key Move, told The Express that around 60 per cent of homes in the area are now being bought by Londoners. Previously, The Times named Sandgate's shingle beach one of the top 50 beaches to visit in the UK in 2024. (Image: Random_Fotos/Flickr) Sandgate has a rich history, from its smuggling past to royal connections - including King Henry VIII, who built Sandgate Castle between 1539 and 1540 as a coastal fort to defend the Kent shoreline. Today, remnants of the 480-year-old castle still remain and are visible to visitors. Henry VIII built Sandgate Castle between 1539 and 1540 as a coastal fort to defend the Kent shoreline.. (Image: Barry Marsh/Flickr) Just a short drive away lies the larger seaside town of Folkestone, best known for its tropical-looking beaches, heritage railway station, and scenic seaside walks. Sandgate is also a rising culinary spot, home to a variety of eateries, coffee shops, and a local food market all competing for your attention. Carlo Martella, founder of estate agency Your Key Move, told The Express that around 60 per cent of homes in the area are now being bought by Londoners. (Image: grassrootsgroundswell/Flickr) This small Kent village showcases a mix of historic architecture, from the Tudor-era castle to a Napoleonic garrison built in the 18th century. Other notable Londoners have made Sandgate their home too—such as Bromley-born author H.G. Wells, who lived at Spade House, a Grade II-listed building also known as Wells House. Its High Street features an array of independent shops, cafés, boutiques and antique stores, and the town also offers access to nearby Enbrook Park, a peaceful green space enjoyed by locals.
