At the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Full Council meeting on 24th February, an amendment to the General Fund Medium Term Capital Programme was proposed by Lib Dem Group Leader Tim Prater and Green Group Leader Lesley Whybrow.

The amendment, pretty much identical to a similar one moved in 2020, fell 13-16. It would have removed the required £29m funding for Princes Parade Development from the Council's Capital programme.

At the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Meeting of Wednesday 24th February, the Lib Dem Group of Tim Prater and Gary Fuller were, as ever, doing their best to represent Sandgate and West Folkestone and the wider district to the best of their ability.

During the almost three hour meeting:

We both voted for the Labour motion calling on the Home Office to immediately close Napier Barracks as an Asylum Centre. The motion passed.

At last night's F&HDC's Full Council meeting we were disappointed, but not surprised, when Cllr Tim Prater's amendments to both the corporate plan and the budget failed. Cllr Prater's amendments were:

1. To remove the words 'at Princes Parade' from the corporate plan;
2. To remove the budget funding for the project.

The following elections are taking place on Thursday 6 May 2021:

• Police and Crime Commissioner election
• Kent County Council elections
• Folkestone Council ward of Folkestone Town Council by election
• Sandgate Village ward of S andgate Parish Council by election
• New Romney Town ward of New Romney Town council by election

This is a hard time for many, with isolation causing many mental stress.

You are not alone. There are a number of national and local groups ready and willing to help.

● Samaritans: 116 123

● GiveUsAShout: 85258 (text)

● AnxietyUK: 03444 775 774

● theCALMzone: 0800 58 58 58

Locally, the Folkestone Haven support local adult residents who may be struggling.