Romney Marsh Times

Dungeness sky-line changes forever

2012-02-02T16:26:00.001Z

The post-apocalyptic landscape of Dungeness is about to change forever as work starts on the demolition of the Dungeness A power station site.

The buildings to be knocked down are the now redundant offices and administrative building used while the Dungeness A nuclear power station was generating electricity. The power station stopped generating on 31st December 2006.

Since its construction in 1965, the vast buildings of Dungeness A and later its next-door neighbour sister Dungeness B, have dominated the sky-line of the otherwise flat Dungeness peninsular and the South East Kent coastline and have become local landmarks, loved and hated in equal measure.

The £600,000 project will now see the demolition of the former administrative building, the main site offices and the site canteen together with a number of smaller ancillary buildings including the boron dust building and flocculation tanks.

Ray Jepps, Site Director, said "This work is essential as we prepare to clear the south side of site - due to start in April 2012 – and is vital in enabling Dungeness A to reach a state of ‘care and maintenance by 2022."

> Source: Magnox

> Did you work in these buildings? Share your memories, add a commment below.

Ram-raid attempt linked to Marsh thefts

2012-02-02T13:15:00.001Z

Kent Police have linked an attempted ram-raid theft at a shop in Biddenden, near Ashford, on Tuesday (31st January) to thefts across Romney Marsh and Ashford last month

Police were called just before 3am after a vehicle was driven into the front of Turner Provisions in the High Street, Biddenden; the door was smashed but the thieves did not get into the shop. A red bumper and lighting cluster from the vehicle was found outside the shop and police have appealed to anyone who may have been asked to repair a vehicle or seen it parked to contact them.

Detective Inspector Mark Weller said "We would urge all shop owners to make sure that they contact police if they see anyone suspicious near their business, perhaps checking the security.

"It is also important to ensure that alarms and CCTV systems are working properly."

More on this story previously in Romney Marsh Times:

Police link burglaries across Romney Marsh and Ashford, 17th Jan. 2012

Cigarettes stolen in Dymchurch garage raid, 8th Jan. 2012

Elderly woman dies in Hythe house fire

2012-01-21T23:39:00.000Z

An elderly woman has died in a fire in a house in North Road, Hythe.

Firefighters were called to a house this morning following reports of a fire in the premises.

Crews used a hose reel jet and breathing apparatus to investigate reports of a person trapped in the three story building.

Kent fire service confirmed an elderly female resident was found to have died, and a male neighbouho attempted to tackle the blaze was taken to hospital with severe smoke inhalation.

The fire is not currently thought to be suspicious although investigators are awaiting forensic confirmation.

Lydd crash: two in hospital

2012-01-20T12:14:00.002Z

Two people have been taken to the William Harvey Hospital following a crash in Lydd, Romney Marsh, this morning - Friday, 20th January 2011.

The accident in Tourney Road, Lydd, happened just after 7am and involved two cars, a Renault Megane and a VW Polo, according to Police.

Police sources told Romney Marsh Times that the drivers of both cars had to be cut free from their vehicles and both where taken to hospital by ambulance although their injuries are not believed to be serious.

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The road was closed at the junction with Lydd High Street while emergency services dealt with the incident, it was reopened at 8.20am.

Soldiers fight with petrol bomb throwing rioters in Lydd

2012-01-20T11:39:00.001Z

Soldiers have been bombarded with petrol bombs and missiles during an exercise in Lydd. The troops from 3rd Battalion have been in training learning how deal with hostile crowds in a mock village at the military ranges just outside the town.

The Paratroopers are in training at Lydd ranges on Romney Marsh to learn how to deal with some of the situations that they may face in their role as the British Army’s rapid reaction force. The exercise started with the troops learning how to work together to defend each other and drive back hostile crowds, with training culminating in a large disturbance with fellow soldiers as rioters.

Major Richard Todd, Officer Commanding A Company, was reported by British Forces News as saying "As the Airborne Task Force, we are on standby to go on operations anywhere in the world at short notice. As well as conventional war fighting we could be involved in disaster relief or civil disturbances, and that might require dealing with hostile crowds."

"Learning how to deal with public order situations is a new skill for many of our soldiers, but they have really enjoyed and performed well on a challenging and extremely realistic course."

Full story at British Forces News

Police link burglaries across Romney Marsh and Ashford

2012-01-17T16:19:00.000Z

Police are appealing for information after linking a string of burglaries across Romney Marsh, Ashford and Hythe in the last fortnight.

Detectives are linking the burglaries at a post office in Tally Ho Road, Ashford, a shop in Rolvenden High Street, a newsagent in Martello Drive, Hythe, a garage shop in High Street, Dymchurch, and a shop in High Street, New Romney.

The Dymchurch burglary occurred at a garage shop and was the first business to be targeted, in the early hours of Tuesday 3rd January. Offenders removed panels of re-enforced glass, broke into a cigarette locker and stole a large quantity of cigarettes.

The newsagent in Martello Drive was burgled in the early hours of Thursday 5th January. The glass panel of a door was removed and cigarettes and vodka worth several thousand pounds were taken.

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The shop in Tally Ho Road was burgled at about 1.20am on Friday 6th January. Police say intruders smashed the glass in a door to gain entry and cigarettes worth around £1,000 were stolen.

The same night a car – believed to be a small silver hatchback - was reversed into the front door of a shop in Rolvenden High Street so offenders could gain entry and about £150 worth of whisky and beer was taken.

The final break-in occurred some time between 2.35am and 2.42am on Thursday 12 January when a red Ford Ka reversed into the door of a shop in New Romney High Street and a large quantity of cigarettes was stolen. Police sources say the Ka had been stolen from Ashford in the early hours of Sunday 8th January.

Detective Inspector Mark Weller said detectives were linking the five crimes and he urged people to remain vigilant.

He said officers had been out speaking to owners of rural businesses to make them aware of the burglaries and to offer crime prevention advice, adding "We believe that the offenders have used a small silver hatchback car to commit two of the crimes, the burglaries in Tally Ho Road and Rolvenden.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have information about the five break-ins to contact us on 101 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime number ZY/509/12."

Source: Kent Police

Previously from Romney Marsh Times: Dymchurch garage burglary

2012-01-17T16:13:00.000Z

Shepway and Ashford boost for Olympic torch

2012-01-13T14:58:00.000Z

The Olympic torch is to pass through Shepway and Ashford and spend longer in Kent than any other UK county on its route to the Olympic opening this summer it has been confirmed.

The torch will pass through 37 towns and communities in Kent, arriving on 17th July and leaving four days later.

On its route across Kent it will be go through Hamstreet, Ashford, Hythe, Sandgate and Folkestone. It will also pass through Tunbridge Wells, Dover, Deal, Sholden, Sandwich, Great Stonar, Cliffs End, St Lawrence, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, St Peter’s, Cliftonville, Margate, Westgate-On-Sea, Birchington-On-Sea, Upstreet, Sturry, Canterbury, Thanington, Faversham, Challock, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Gravesend, Borough Green, Seal, Sevenoaks and Riverhead.

There will also be two evening celebration stops in Dover and Maidstone as well as lunchtime stops at two Kent locations, photo stops and two breakfast stops.

More details at London 2012.

On this day: 21 dead in channel wreck, Jan 13th 1971

2012-01-13T12:51:00.001Z

On this day: 21 dead in channel wreck, Jan 13th 1971

2012-01-13T12:36:00.003Z

In the first of a new regular series, Romney Marsh Times looks back at past news and events across Romney Marsh. Starting the series, on this day in 1971 came tragic news that a German freighter had sunk in the Channel with the loss of 21 people, seven bodies recovered off of Dungeness.

The freighter, the Brandenburg with a crew of 32, hit the wreckage of a tanker - the Texaco Caribbean - that had itself collided with another vessel, exploded and sunk with the loss of eight sailor’s only hours earlier. The explosion from the Texaco Caribbean collision was heard along the Kent channel coast.

Several weeks later, another freighter - the Niki - struck the wrecks and also sunk with the loss of all lives.

As a result of the collisions, the International Maritime Organization's made the Dover Straits traffic separation scheme - in which separated lanes run through the Strait for inward and outward-bound traffic - mandatory, the first approved traffic separation scheme in the world. Prior to this the Dover Straits separation scheme was voluntary.

More on this: Report on the collisions discussed in the House of Commons: here

Report on the Texaco Caribbean: here

> Did you hear the explosion? Add your memories and recollections below.

Port Lympne wildlife park wins tourist award for second time

2012-01-11T11:43:00.000Z

Port Lympne Livingstone
Lodge wins award

Livingstone Lodge, the unique African safari experience at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, has won gold for The Best Tourism Experience in The Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2011.

The UK's only overnight safari lodge won England's Best Tourism Experience in 2010 and will now go to Visit England Awards for Excellence 2012.

Bob O'Connor Managing Director of Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks said: "It's an honour to win a gold award for Best Tourism Experience in The Beautiful South Awards for Excellence this year. It's a credit to all the staff who work so hard to make this such an exceptional product."

Bob said: "Livingstone Lodge is very popular because it is so authentic - it's a window to Africa, a wonderful experience which underlines the importance of conservation. As you watch the wildebeest, rhino and giraffe wandering past the lodge you could imagine that you are in the heart of Africa."

Picture: (c) Port Lympne Wildlife Park

SeaFrance to close

2012-01-09T15:28:00.001Z

Cross-Channel ferry operator SeaFrance, which operates ferries from Dover, has been ordered to close by a French court. The closure will see more than 100 people employed by the company here out of work. The court rejected a plan by loss-making businesses employees and buy-out bids from other organisations to try and save the firm. Full story at Sky News.

Hythe Autism group gets money seized from criminals

2012-01-09T15:09:00.004Z

An Autism support group in Hythe has received more than £5,000 from Kent Police after it was seized from two criminals.

The money had been seized from two criminals convicted of drugs offences during 2011 and was subject of crown court deprivation orders specifying that the money should be used locally by a charity or group.

Officers and staff at Folkestone police station decided the Shepway Autism Support Group should benefit and a delighted group treasurer Julie Burt collected the cheque on behalf of the group. She said: "We run clubs at the Hythe youth centre and organise other activities for young people with autism and their families. With this money we can begin the new year with confidence, knowing that we can book things throughout the year without worrying how we are going to pay for them."

Kent Police financial investigator Dan Krista picked the support group with help from colleagues. He explained: "The group is parent led and involves families who have felt themselves struggling alone as the behaviour issues of their children often alienate people who don't understand.

"Once we heard about the problems these young people, their parents and siblings face in day to day life it was not difficult to decide that they should benefit from the cash. It can now be used to positive affect to help young people in the community."

Ashford in most desirable place to live list

2012-01-08T12:40:00.002Z

Ashford is one of the most desirable places to live in the UK according to new survey.
The Halifax quality of life survey placed Ashford as the 27th most desirable place to live, ahead of Winchester (29th), Kingston upon Thames (30th), Kensington & Chelsea (31st), Sevenoaks (38th), and Woking (45th).

The survey studies all of the UK’s local authority districts, and ranks them according by various categories including employment levels, the state of the housing market, educational and health standards, and crime rates. Other factors taken into consideration include weather, levels of traffic congestion and access to broadband internet.

Ashford borough was the only East Kent local authority area to feature among the 50 overall best places in the UK to live in the survey. Six Kent local authorities made the top 50, and Ashford sits behind Maidstone (8th ) and Tunbridge Wells (12th ) and ahead of Sevenoaks (38th), Tonbridge & Malling (46th) and Gravesham (49th).

Leader of Ashford Borough Council Cllr Peter Wood said: "For Ashford to have been placed in the top 50 of the most desirable places to live in the UK is a tremendous achievement, particularly given current economic conditions.

"This news is a wonderful way to round off what has been a very big year for Ashford, with the arrival of outstanding new youth facilities, a stunning new arts venue, and major improvements to our road network – and 2012 holds even more promise for residents, businesses and visitors alike."

From: http://www.ashford.gov.uk

Cigarettes stolen in Dymchurch garage raid

2012-01-08T10:17:00.002Z

Romney Marsh Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves broke into a garage in Dymchurch, and stole a large quantity of cigarettes and tobacco, on 3rd January 2012.

The burglary at the Murco garage Dymchurch High Street took place at about 4am. The intruders broke a window to get into the cashier’s area and then forced open the cigarette locker.

Packets of cigarettes were dropped as they made their escape – it is believed in the direction of Sea Wall.

Anyone with information or who witnessesd suspicious activity at the garage early yesterday is urged to contact Police on 01303 289453 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fatal crash on A2070

2012-01-07T08:16:00.000Z

An 81-year-old man has died after a crash near Ivychurch, Romney Marsh, on Thursday - 5th January 2012.

The man's blue Nissan Micra collided with a Mazda being driven by a 19-year-old man just after 4pm on the A2070, between Brenzett and Hamstreet.

The driver of the Mazda was taken to the William Harvey Hospital Ashford with serious injuries. A passenger, a 20-year-old man, also suffered injuries which are understood to be minor.

Kent Police are appealing for information.

More: Localrags.co.uk

Lydd flood defenses upgraded

2011-12-24T11:38:00.000Z

Coastal flood defenses at Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent are being boosted over Christmas after winter storms battered the coast line.

Officers and contractors for the agency have been out on the beaches in all weathers, using bulldozers to repair shingle banks and checking flood defences to ensure that the standard of protection is maintained.

Over the past fortnight a number of sea storms have battered the Kent coast, which have swept away large quantities of shingle, which are used in some areas as sea defences. These powerful waves were caused by spring tides combined with strong winds from the south, blowing in from the channel. At some beaches, up to 30,000 m3 of shingle, enough to fill 12 Olympic swimming pools, was swept away.

Ian Nunn of the Environment Agency said: "In order to counter this damage, we’ve had officers out on the beach in all conditions, working to re-profile the shingle. This will help protect communities and businesses on the Kent coastline and ensure that there is no reduction in the level of defence offered.

"This week we have been rebuilding the frontage near Lydd firing range, pushing up storm ridges from the foreshore to replace the crest. We also plan to deliver shingle from Bretts to the car park at Denge to reinstate the defences up to the power station.

"One in six properties across the country is at risk of flooding, so we would urge people to be aware of their risk and sign up for flood alerts and flood warnings through our free service, Floodline Warnings Direct on 0845 988 1188."

Officers will remain on duty throughout the Christmas period, monitoring the weather conditions and the condition of the beaches and maintaining shingle defences.

For more information on flooding, please call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.

Source: Environment Agency

Man dies in Brookland A259 crash

2011-10-15T10:11:00.000+01:00

A 63-year-old man has died after a collision on the A259 near Brookland, Romney Marsh, yesterday - 14th October 2011.

Police say they were called to a collision between a blue sports car and a red Ford Ka at 3.50pm. The driver of the sports car, a 63-year-old man, died from his injuries. Two people in the other vehicle were unhurt.

Kent Police have appealed for witnesses.

Update (20th Oct 2011): Police sources report that man killed in the collision was Bradley Newman of New Romney.

Broadband boost for Folkestone

2011-06-24T23:16:00.003+01:00

Folkestone is one of the areas to benefit from the latest fibre cabling roll-out by BT.

It has been announced that Folkestone is one of 66 exchanges revealed by Openreach where fibre-based infrastructure will be made available so that communications providers can deliver super-fast broadband.

The fibre cabling based Super-fast broadband to be installed is a huge improvement over existing broadband allowing, for example, individual music tracks to be downloaded in 2 seconds, entire albums in 30 seconds, HD TV programmes in 5 minutes and feature length HD movies in less than 10 minutes

The news from BT was welcomed by Cllr Alan Clifton-Holt, Cabinet Member for the Economy. "This is brilliant news and comes hard on the heels of the KCC bids, Virgin Media and Vfast network improvements. The BT announcement will add strength to the commitment made by us to improve broadband access for everyone whether that is through applying for government money or helping the market deliver as in this case."

The BT plans indicated the Folkestone Fibre broadband infrastructure will take place next year, 2012.

Red Arrows flight for Folkestone festival

2011-06-10T19:42:00.011+01:00

Folkestone fly past for
famous Red Arrows

World-famous aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, are to fly over east Kent this weekend.

Depending on weather conditions, the Royal Air Force's elite display team will be travelling from East to West at 6.30pm on Saturday 11th June 2011 as they make their way from Rye's Red's Day event.

The fly-past should also be visible along Romney Marsh and Hythe.

The Red Arrows fly past will take place the during the Folkestone Multi-Cultural Festival which has been running since yesterday and ends Sunday.

Chris Kirkham, chairman of festival said, the fly over would make a spectacularlar addition to the festival programme.

> Picture: Crown copyright.

Water notices issued to Romney Marsh farmers

2011-06-10T18:45:00.005+01:00

Farmers across Romney Marsh have been told to cease abstracting water for spraying. The 27 farms on Romney and Walland Marshes are the only farms in England to be issued with the restrictions so far after one of the driest springs on record.

The Environment Agency issued the notification locally to protect a nearby site of special scientific interest as it was announced that the agency has activated drought plans with parts of the UK now officially suffering drought.

Although recent heavy thundery showers meant south east England received 30 per cent of its average monthly rainfall in just one week, the showers have been localised and not everywhere has benefited, it said.

For the famers on Romney Marsh, the Section 57 notices state they will have to cease abstractions for spray irrigation purposes from the 20th June. The Agency said it had been in talks with the farmers notified before the notices were issued.

Domestic water supplies remain unchanged with no hosepipe or sprinkler bans in place.

In related news, South East Water today announced that construction of a 2.1km water main to provide water for new developments in Ashford will start this month. The £442,000 scheme along Bad Munstereifel Road (A2042 and A2070) starts on 19th June 2011 and is due to finish by the end of September.

The company said it will carry out the work in three phases to minimise disruption to traffic, with one lane of the eastbound Bad Munstereifel Road closed and the speed limit will be reduced from 70mph to 40mph to allow vehicles to continue to use the road.

> Environment Agency

Folkestone’s Multi-Cultural festival

2011-06-08T15:42:00.000+01:00

What: entertainers crafts and food stalls, art, dance, music workshops, fashion shows, make-overs and many offers from shops during the festival.
When: 9th to 12th June 2011.
Venue: Pedestrianised area of Folkestone.

Manslaughter charge after Lydd assault

2011-06-08T02:23:00.005+01:00

A man has been charged with manslaughter after an assault in Lydd, Romney Marsh, two weeks ago.

The assault in Lydd occurred in Park Street between 11pm on Saturday 21st May and 2.11am Sunday 22nd May, 2011.

Police later charged a 17-year-old local man with grievous bodily harm.

Michael Beaumont died on Thursday, 2nd June 2011.

A Police spokesperson told Romney Marsh Times that a man has now been been charged with manslaughter and appeared in court today - 7th June 2011.

Police have not released any further details at this time.

> Original story reported in Romney Marsh Times 24th May 2011: Lydd man charged with assault

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> Read more about Lydd and it's history.

Collision in Dover Strait

2011-06-02T14:11:00.001+01:00

Sinking motorboat after
collision in Dover Strait

Lifeboats from Dover, Walmer, Calais and Boulogne and an RAF Sea King helicopter were launched yesterday (1st June 2011) after two motorcruisers collided in the Dover Strait.

The motorcruisers, the Maid of Unst with two people on board and Sabreur with four people onboard, were travelling back from Boulogne to Dover just after 6pm when the collision happened in north-east lane of the Dover Strait, 11 miles from Dover Harbour.

The Maid of Unst sustained damage to its stern and steering whilst the Sabreur vessel’s hull was fractured and was reported as sinking.

Two of the crew on the Sabreur took to their liferaft, while two others including the skipper stayed onboard in an attempt to salvage it. When the helicopter and lifeboats arrived three of the four crew were airlifted to shore while the skipper stayed with his vessel. As the situation deteriorated however he boarded the Dover lifeboat.

The Maid of Unst was escorted back to Dover with the Sabreur eventually grounded on Shakespeare Beach.

Martin Phillips, RNLI Staff Coxswain and, in command of Dover Lifeboat during the emergency said: "This was a serious incident with fortunately a good outcome for the individuals involved and an excellent multi agency multinational response to their predicament."

Picture: (c) RNLI/Nicola Thomas

Derailed: Romney Hythe Dymchurch loco comes off tracks

2011-06-02T11:59:00.014+01:00

Police are investigating the derailment of a Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway train yesterday afternoon (1st June 2011). No one was hurt when the locomotive left the tracks near Hythe but it has been reported as a lucky escape for passengers on the train.

The derailment on the popular miniature railway, which runs for 13 miles from Dungeness to Hythe, happened just before 3pm at Palmarsh, near Hythe.

A police spokesperson told Romney Marsh Times, that they believe a chair on the track could have caused the derailment. None of the carriages carrying passengers were derailed and there were no reported injuries, they said.

Yesterday's derailment comes twelve months after a Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch train driver had to make an emergency stop when teenagers blocked the railway line with a rubber matt.

Anyone who witnessed the yesterday's incident or has further information about the derailment is asked to call South Kent police on 01622 690690.

Previously from Romney Marsh Times
> RH&D train almost derailed, 10th May 2010

From across the Internet
> Localrags.co.uk: Lucky escape for passengers after train derailed in Hythe
> Kent Messenger: Train derailed by chair