News

Hythe Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (HCCT) has started a campaign whose objectives are to increase membership, to persuade more residents to shop locally and to attract more visitors.

The Channel Chamber of Commerce are organising a Digital Mentoring programme taster day - with a difference.

The ailing economy is failing to dent traffic using the Port of Dover, with cruise business booming according to results released in the port’s annual report.
 

Hythe Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (HCCT) has published a new map-guide and a dedicated website to attract visitors and to help them make the most of their stay.
 

The downturn in the fortunes of many local newspapers doesn't appear to have hit KOS Media with the launch of two new editions of its 'Your' midweek free newspaper series for Deal and Sandwich.

Reinsurance group Swiss Re which has an office in Folkestone, said today it planned to cut 10% of its workforce.

Hawkinge Postmaster, Bas Basra, who also runs businesses in Folkestone is branching out to bring in customers who wouldn't normally use a Post Office.

Mr Basra's Foord Post Office in Blackbull Road, Folkestone has now had a free to use 24/7 cash point machine installed.

Bas said: "It has been welcomed with open arms as banks seem to get away with charging people to get their own money. In addition it helps the Post Office to gain another type of customer who wouldn't normally use it."

He told the Hawkinge Gazette that people might also be interested to know that the village Post Office in the Community Centre now stocks the local paper, the KM Folkestone Express which he said is selling well.
 

After three months decorating England’s best cockle and whelk stall with seashells in Folkestone, Tony Pye thought it fitted perfectly with its seaside surroundings reports the Daily Express.

But Shepway Council officials have ordered him to remove them, saying they are not in keeping with the location.

Council planning bosses said that the black-stained weatherboarding on his Folkestone harbour pitch was more “sympathetic to the appearance of the vicinity� than the shells.

57-year-old Mr Pye, who has worked in the area for 20 years, is furious after being told that his stall is “unsightly�.

“I spent days and days collecting the shells and gluing them on to the kiosk,� he said.

“Everyone who passes comments on how good the seashells look as opposed to the rather depressing simple black boards.�

“I was preparing for summer and hoped that the new design would help attract customers.

“To be told I have to take all the shells off now – after all my hard work – is depressing to say the least.�

A spokesman for the council said Mr Pye required planning permission for his decoration.

“The building is in a conservation area and the council has a duty to ensure that any works that need planning permission either preserve or enhance this,� he said.

“The shell cladding needs planning permission and the view of officers is that it detracts from the appearance of the harbour.�

Around 200 new jobs could be created if plans announced by Kent International Airport for 11 more jumbo jet flights, take off at Manston.

The request to Thanet District Council was put forward by Infratil last week.

Cllr Sandy Ezekiel said: “It’s encouraging that major airlines and industries are looking at Thanet now, which is what we wanted when we said we were open for business.�

An extraordinary meeting of the council’s cabinet has been called to discuss the issue on Thursday (12 February).

The flights will be freight and cargo journeys, not passenger trips, and could start as early as May and could mean 747s based at the Thanet airport.