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.

Although the vaccination progamme is now starting to have an impact, it's too soon to relax.

We're all finding it hard - but no-one should feel as though they are alone during this challenging time. There is support available, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In Folkestone and Hythe there are Community Hubs to help those who haven't got alternative support.

Along with all Folkestone and Sandgate residents, I've been delighted to see the fast progress being made on vaccinations locally.

An update from Dr Tuan Nguyen, from HNS Kent & Medway CCG, says that:

"...as of 1pm today [12 Feburary], we have vaccinated 16,872 residents of Folkestone, Dover & Deal across both sites at Dover Health Centre and Folkestone Civic Centre. This figure also includes care home residents and staff.