Latest news with #ThanetDistrictCouncil
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
The seven Kent beaches crowned UK's best with Blue Flags
Seven beaches within 90 minutes drive of south east London have been named among some of the UK's best. Keep Britain Tidy recently announced the winners of the 38th Blue Flag Awards, with 76 beaches across the UK receiving the coveted award. The awards recognise beaches for their quality, management and facilities, with beaches scored on a number of factors from environment to accessibility. Additionally Keep Britain Tidy also named 120 beaches for the Seaside Award 2025, with 17 in Kent. Out of the 76 beaches named, eight of them were in Kent, with seven being within easy reach of south east London by car or train for a day trip to the coast. Here's what you need to know: A short walk from the popular seaside town of Whitstable, Tankerton Beach offers a single beach flanked by a grassy promenade and its colourful beach huts. This beach is well known for its cleanliness and good water quality for water sports. The quiet beach offers a good spot to relax with friends and family and is a short walk from Whitstable, where you'll find a plethora of cafes, restaurants and shops vying for your attention This postcard-perfect beach, with its striking white chalk cliffs and sea stacks, is the perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers looking for a scenic beach to frequent for the day. This postcard-perfect beach, with its striking white chalk cliffs and sea stacks, is the perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers. (Image: Tourism @ Thanet District Council) This beach holds the Blue Flag and Seaside Award in 2025 and was rated for its cleanliness and safety with seasonal lifeguards and nearby toilets and cafes. But Broadstairs isn't far away if you fancy heading into the town for some lunch or to explore its independent shops as well as its local museums. 6 minutes drive from Broadstairs, Joss Bay offers a sandy stretch of beach which is a prime spot for surfing, with its own surf school and spot to hire equipment. Joss Bay offers a sandy stretch of beach which is a prime spot for surfing, with its own surf school and spot to hire equipment. (Image: Tourism @ Thanet District Council) The beach won both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards this year and was rated for its safe and clean beach with seasonal lifeguards, a beach café and deck chairs to hire, if you fancy relaxing by the sea for the day. Located in the busy and popular town of Margate, Margate Main Sands is a traditional seaside sandy beach with plenty of nearby attractions and easy access from Margate station. Margate Main Sands is a traditional seaside sandy beach with plenty of nearby attractions. (Image: PA) Margate Main Sands was awarded the Blue Flag and Seaside Award and was scored for its safety and water quality. The beach is within a short distance of Dreamland with its plethora of rides and amusements, or you can easily walk to the Old Town where you'll find a huge variety of independent cafes, shops and little museums to explore. 15 minutes drive from Margate, Minnis Bay in Birchington is a family-friendly beach known for its wide expanse of sandy shoreline and quiet setting for those looking for a peaceful beach to relax. The beach also won both awards this year, with top marks for its clean waters and well-maintained facilities, including a children's playground, toilets and deckchairs to hire. Next to Ramsgate's vibrant town and Royal Harbour you'll find Ramsgate Main Sands. This sandy beach won both awards this year for its clean and safe beach, with easy access to nearby cafes and toilets, with seasonal lifeguards on duty. This sandy beach won both awards this year for its clean and safe beach. (Image: Tourism @ Thanet District Council) But if you fancy exploring, Ramsgate has plenty to offer from its network of wartime tunnels to its Victorian glasshouse where you can take afternoon tea. Finally on our list, St Mildred's Bay near Margate offers a sandy beach flanked by a promenade if you fancy a stroll somewhere a little more quiet. The beach won both awards this year, receiving high scores for its water quality and cleanliness if you fancy a swim. The beach is also within easy access of nearby toilets, cafes and has seasonal lifeguards.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Private yachts an ‘easy, low-risk' route for bringing illegal migrants into UK
Private yachts are an 'easy, low-risk' route for bringing illegal migrants into the UK, a former British soldier turned people smuggler has claimed. The former soldier interviewed by the BBC said he had transported dozens of Vietnamese migrants by yacht into private marinas in south coast seaside towns until he was caught and convicted in 2019. He claimed the routes were still being used by smugglers because of the low risk of being caught at marinas that could be protected with no more security than a caravan site. His comments come after Border Force last month intercepted a yacht off the coast of Cornwall which was carrying 20 Albanians, comprising 19 men and one woman. The ex-soldier, who the BBC named as 'Nick', said he had chosen to speak out now because he was 'angry' he had been jailed for a crime that was still very possible to commit. He claimed to know people who, in the past year, had used the same routes and methods as him. The smuggling routes – whether by yacht or ferry – were 'easy' and 'low-risk', he said. Border Force is responsible for securing the 11,000 miles of UK coastline, but the security of harbours and marinas rests with private operators, Charlie Eastaugh, the force's director of maritime, told the BBC. 'We patrol 24/7, we carry out proactive, as well as reactive, operations,' he said – citing the luxury yacht, hiding the 20 Albanians below deck, which was intercepted en route to Newquay in Cornwall last month. Two harbourmasters, speaking anonymously to the BBC, agreed that private marinas were an easy target for people smugglers because they were not manned 24/7. One based in Essex likened security to a caravan site and said that someone could hide people in a boat 'easily'. 'In a busy marina in peak season, with a lot of people coming in and out, it would be very easy to do this,' they said. In Kent, Thanet District Council – which is responsible for Ramsgate Marina – said it was Border Force, and not individual harbours, that was 'the frontline response for immigration and illegal activities'. 'Staff at the port and harbour are vigilant and report any concerns or suspicions directly to Border Force for them to follow up,' said a spokesman. Some 13,574 migrants have crossed the Channel so far this year on small boats, up 37 per cent on the 9,874 arrivals at the same point last year. Former Border Force director general Tony Smith, said the 'vast majority' of the agency's resources were currently deployed to the Small Boats Operational Command – focusing on specific routes used by large numbers of people crowded into small craft. 'My preference certainly would be to be able to deploy more widely and to look more across the whole of the UK coastline to identify threats,' he said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Fury as iconic market that's the ‘heart & soul of tiny UK village's economy' is suddenly AXED by airport chiefs
Devastated fans said they were 'crying' after the news broke END OF AN ERA Fury as iconic market that's the 'heart & soul of tiny UK village's economy' is suddenly AXED by airport chiefs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOCALS have slammed the decision to shut down the "heart and soul" of their tiny village's livelihood. Airport bosses have scrapped the weekend market held at an airfield in Thanet, Kent. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The iconic market stalls at Manston Airport have been axed Credit: Instagram/@manstonairfieldmarket/ 4 Thanet District Council were initially blamed but it later emerged the decision was made by airfield bosses Credit: Instagram/@manstonairfieldmarket/ The iconic stalls, set up at Manston Airport, had been popular with the community since opening last year. The owners made their devastating announcement on social media this week. In an "important notice" on Facebook, Stevens Markets wrote: "Market closed permanently. "It comes with great sadness that we have had to stop operating at the Manston airfield market. "I just want to say a huge thank you to all the supporters out there. "That stuck with us when everyone else was going against us. It means a lot and you can continue to follow our journey with bray markets. "All traders that paid a two week deposit, we will be refunding this to you and we will give you more information on how to get this back in due course." The statement appears to blame Thanet District Council for rejecting planning permission applications. But, it has now been reported it was due to the airport - not the local authority. However, it has subsequently emerged the decision was actually taken by the airport itself and not Thanet District Council. The Viking Centre: Britain's first American-style mall faces demolition Fans and residents hailed the market and penned messages of support. "What a sad day for everyone," wrote one under the Facebook statement. "Wow I'm gutted loved coming up there," another agreed. A third added: "Oh my god that's terrible enjoyed going there every weekend, met some really nice traders." An independent trader wrote: "I'm absolutely gutted! Hands down this market saved my business! I have absolutely no words." "No I'm crying, this is so sad," echoed another. Heartbroken Les Stevens, of Stevens Markets, told KentOnline: 'Planning had been going through but then we got a memo from the airport saying we had to cease trading. "I have no idea why. But it wasn't the council as we first believed. 'I was in Turkey at the time and had just been told planning wasn't granted.' A spokesperson for Thanet District Council said: 'The market needs planning permission to continue to operate on the Manston Airport site. Council officers contacted the operator and requested a planning application, to change the use of the land. 'To date, an application has not been received and therefore no application has been rejected.' The thriving market was heaving every week and Lee Stevens added how they are looking for a new location. It is understood there may be two sites in consideration, with one being close to Manston. Stallholders have also been told they will be given their deposits back. Airport execs made the move as they continue with development on the airfield. It is understood to be considering two sites - at least one of which is close to Manston. A spokesperson for airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) said: 'Manston Airport and the operators of the Saturday market have decided to part company by mutual consent. "It is understood that the market is now pursuing other sites in east Kent.' 4 Fans were "crying" after learning of the closure Credit: Facebook
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Fury as iconic market that's the ‘heart & soul of tiny UK village's economy' is suddenly AXED by airport chiefs
LOCALS have slammed the decision to shut down the "heart and soul" of their tiny village's livelihood. Airport bosses have scrapped the weekend market held at an airfield in Thanet, Kent. 4 The iconic market stalls at Manston Airport have been axed Credit: Instagram/@manstonairfieldmarket/ 4 Thanet District Council were initially blamed but it later emerged the decision was made by airfield bosses Credit: Instagram/@manstonairfieldmarket/ The iconic stalls, set up at Manston Airport, had been popular with the community since opening last year. The owners made their devastating announcement on social media this week. In an "important notice" on Facebook, Stevens Markets wrote: "Market closed permanently. "It comes with great sadness that we have had to stop operating at the Manston airfield market. "I just want to say a huge thank you to all the supporters out there. "That stuck with us when everyone else was going against us. It means a lot and you can continue to follow our journey with bray markets. "All traders that paid a two week deposit, we will be refunding this to you and we will give you more information on how to get this back in due course." The statement appears to blame Thanet District Council for rejecting planning permission applications. Most read in The Sun But, it has now been reported it was due to the airport - not the local authority. However, it has subsequently emerged the decision was actually taken by the airport itself and not Thanet District Council. The Viking Centre: Britain's first American-style mall faces demolition Fans and residents hailed the market and penned messages of support. "What a sad day for everyone," wrote one under the Facebook statement. "Wow I'm gutted loved coming up there," another agreed. A third added: "Oh my god that's terrible enjoyed going there every weekend, met some really nice traders." An independent trader wrote: "I'm absolutely gutted! Hands down this market saved my business! I have absolutely no words." "No I'm crying, this is so sad," echoed another. Heartbroken Les Stevens, of Stevens Markets, told "I have no idea why. But it wasn't the council as we first believed. 'I was in Turkey at the time and had just been told planning wasn't granted.' A spokesperson for Thanet District Council said: 'The market needs planning permission to continue to operate on the Manston Airport site. Council officers contacted the operator and requested a planning application, to change the use of the land. 'To date, an application has not been received and therefore no application has been rejected.' The thriving market was heaving every week and Lee Stevens added how they are looking for a new location. It is understood there may be two sites in consideration, with one being close to Manston. Stallholders have also been told they will be given their deposits back. Airport execs made the move as they continue with development on the airfield. It is understood to be considering two sites - at least one of which is close to Manston. Read more on the Irish Sun A spokesperson for airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) said: 'Manston Airport and the operators of the Saturday market have decided to part company by mutual consent. "It is understood that the market is now pursuing other sites in east Kent.' 4 Fans were "crying" after learning of the closure Credit: Facebook 4 The owners are looking for two new locations Credit: Instagram/@manstonairfieldmarket/
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for 1,500 homes on edge of town approved
Almost 1,500 homes, a new primary school and link road have been approved on the edge of a town in east Kent despite claims they will not be properly served by public transport. Thanet District Council (TDC) gave its support on Wednesday to the proposed Humbers Mill estate, off Nash Road in Margate. Axis Land Partnerships said 30% of the 1,461 homes would be affordable homes. Matthew Hare, from Axis, said: "The 22 hectares of open space proposed will provide a huge social and environmental gain not only for the future residents of the scheme, but also for those living in the surrounding area." He said £8m would be contributed to Kent County Council's North Thanet Link road project, which is earmarked for improvements to roads in the interior of Thanet. A total of 15 representations against the application were received since the plans were submitted, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The site to be built on is mainly farmland. Officers' reports to council noted that bus company Stagecoach said it had no current plans for serving the site. The applicants agreed to provide £960,000 to fund a shuttle bus service to Margate and Westwood for three years. The developers will have to return to TDC with further planning applications to determine the exact layout and design of the homes at the site. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Plans for 1,650 homes on edge of village approved Thanet home building plans get go-ahead Thanet District Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
