The Front Page. - Copy 226 (Seafrance Liquidates. Latest Police News, Breathalyser in France, Local Health.)
6 January 2012
The sad news has reached us that SeaFrance has been officially liquidated by a French court and told to cease trading, with the loss of approx 800 jobs overall, 130 of those here in the UK. This sad news is what many of us expected, although we all lived in hope of a revival. The offer by staff to run the operation was rejected by the French Court and declared not acceptable. This is a bad blow for those here in Dover currently employed by the company and it leaves only one firm operating the Dover to Calais route...P&O.
The three sleek and attractive SeaFrance vessels above were pictured recently in Calais, November in fact, and have not been seen since in Dover.
See the latest news on the thread in our Forum...with official comment from leader of Dover District Council Paul Watkins (pictured left) just in.....
There is also talk today, as we speculated previously, that DFDS and LD Lines are jointly planning to run a service, but...with an all French staff ! This news wont do much to cheer those losing Seafrance jobs this side of the channel. However early days yet...
LATEST JUST IN: DFDS/LD Lines statement on the plans for a new service.
More here........
http://www.doverforum.com/letters/viewtopic.php?id=8542&p=8
* * *
Police are appealing for witnesses to an altercation between a driver and men reported to be working on a building in Church Street, Dover.
The driver has reported that he was parking his car in a bay in the street at about 9.30am on Thursday 22 December 2011 when he was sworn at and told to move his car by the workmen. The 43-year-old man told police he was racially abused and his car was damaged by one of the workmen who punched or kicked the rear the vehicle. A 23-year-old Ashford man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has been released on police bail until 11 January 2012 pending further investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact PC Jade Symons at Kent Police on 101 giving reference ZY/3792.
A Deal shoplifter got more than he bargained for when he tried to make off with a set of knives from a town store during the festive season.
The 61-year-old man had tried to take the block of seven kitchen knives from Laughtons department store at about 11.30am on Tuesday 21 December 2011.
But PC Sophie Bramble and police community support officer Anita Pollard were patrolling in the High Street and heard the shouts of “Stop him”, from members of the public.
PCSO Pollard began the chase whilst PC Bramble headed round to intercept him. Trying to throw away the knives as he ran through Chapel Street and towards the seafront, the man ran past the Royal Hotel and along the beach front with Anita still in hot pursuit.
Finally he ran into Sophie and was arrested and handcuffed with help from members of the public. The knives were all found and returned and in agreement with the store the man paid the £36 for the knives and a further payment of £44 to be given to a charity of the store’s choosing.
PC Bramble explained: “I cannot praise PCSO Pollard’s actions enough – she sprinted after him and I really don’t think we would have caught him without her actions!”
Speeding motorists in Deal got an end of year reminder to slow down.
A speed check was run in Beach Street, Deal, last Friday (30 December 2011) following concerns that drivers were ignoring road safety by exceeding the 30mph limit.
During the check three drivers who were driving at nearly 10mph above the limit were stopped. All accepted the offer to attend a Driver Awareness Course, instead of being fined and having points put on their licence.
Attendance at these courses in Kent costs £85, which is paid by the speeding motorists. The courses cover a number of areas including driver attitude and consequences of inappropriate driving behaviour.
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Chris Gurney said: 'The people we caught speeding all lived locally so I am glad that they took the opportunity to attend this course with a view to changing their driving habits as this will have a long term positive impact on the safety of drivers and other road users in Deal. Drivers should be warned though that they won't get a second chance and if we catch them speeding again then points on their licence and a fine are inevitable.'
Advice was given to three drivers who were travelling slightly above the limit.
Police are appealing to anyone in the Rivals club in Queen Street, Deal, last Tuesday (27 December 2011).
A 20-year-old Dover man was hit on the head as he was standing talking to two friends near the dance floor. He was taken to the QEQM Hospital at Margate to be treated for a cut to his head but did not need stitches.
It is not known what he was hit with.
Anyone who saw the incident which happened between 1am and 2am is asked to contact PC Jade Symons at Kent Police on 101 giving reference ZY/4212.
Many thanks to Kent Police for sending us these items above.
See also the CCTV image story locked at the top of our forum section.
* * *
Leading Dover – France ferry operator, DFDS Seaways (formerly Norfolkline), is highlighting the need for drivers to begin carrying disposable breathalysers in their cars when driving in France, as this will be made compulsory under French rules from this spring.
As part of a continued programme to cut the number of road deaths in France, the new measures were proposed by President Sarkozy at the end of last year. The breathalysers will allow drivers to check whether they are under the legal limit before driving. Drivers caught without a breathalyser in their car will face a €17 fine.
Andrew Kelly, Marketing and PR Manager, DFDS Seaways English Channel, said: “Although the new law is not due to be implemented until the Spring, and final details are still to be announced, we want to ensure our passengers are fully aware of the obligation to carry a breathalyser in their vehicles when driving on French roads, and will be fully prepared.” “DFDS Seaways will continue to provide its passengers with the opportunity to purchase compulsory driving equipment on board, so that drivers can ensure they are compliant with all French driving laws.”
DFDS Seaways sails from Dover – Dunkirk up to 12 times a day and crossings take around two hours. For more information about DFDS Seaways, or to find out about the latest sailing times and book tickets, visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk or telephone 0871 574 7241.
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Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution and not kept to it? Have you wanted to make a change to your life? If you said yes to either or both questions, then Dover Gateway, Dover Discovery Centre and NHS Health Trainers are there to help you.
New Year New You launches on Tuesday 17 January 2012, and a range of health advisors will be on hand with support and advice from 10am to 2pm at the Dover Discovery Centre. There will be a range of events going on throughout the day, which will be run at the Discovery Centre in an exciting partnership with the Gateway.
Dover Gateway is located on Castle Street, Dover. Kent County Council and Dover District Council joined up to launch the Gateway office, providing increased services for residents, including a whole range of voluntary and community support services.
Matthew Munson, Front of House Coordinator for the Gateway, said: “The NHS Health Trainers offer free and confidential support to help you make positive and healthy changes to your life.”
Health Trainers can help you access other free NHS health services such as emotional wellbeing, exercise and healthy eating, advice on sexual health concerns, and stop smoking advice – as well as a lot else.
“You can see a Health Trainer for up to six sessions to help encourage and motivate you,” Carly Blanch, Health Trainer Coordinator, added. “They can also help you to develop your own skills to manage your health in the future.”
Partners attending the event include National Blood Service, Disability Drop-in Centre and many others, so if you have any health concerns or would like support with your New Year resolutions, they will be able to offer you the support and guidance you need.
“But don’t worry if you can’t make it on 17 January,” Matthew added. “You can make an appointment to see a Health Trainer by either visiting Dover Gateway or by calling 08458 247 202 or 0800 849 4000 (option 3).”
The above is press release information from DDC
* *
Previous features can now be found in All Recent Features...see menu left.
SeaFrance goes into Liquidation.
The sad news has reached us that SeaFrance has been officially liquidated by a French court and told to cease trading, with the loss of approx 800 jobs overall, 130 of those here in the UK. This sad news is what many of us expected, although we all lived in hope of a revival. The offer by staff to run the operation was rejected by the French Court and declared not acceptable. This is a bad blow for those here in Dover currently employed by the company and it leaves only one firm operating the Dover to Calais route...P&O.
The three sleek and attractive SeaFrance vessels above were pictured recently in Calais, November in fact, and have not been seen since in Dover.
See the latest news on the thread in our Forum...with official comment from leader of Dover District Council Paul Watkins (pictured left) just in.....There is also talk today, as we speculated previously, that DFDS and LD Lines are jointly planning to run a service, but...with an all French staff ! This news wont do much to cheer those losing Seafrance jobs this side of the channel. However early days yet...
LATEST JUST IN: DFDS/LD Lines statement on the plans for a new service.
More here........
http://www.doverforum.com/letters/viewtopic.php?id=8542&p=8
* * *
Four New Police Stories.
Dover : Racial Abuse
Police are appealing for witnesses to an altercation between a driver and men reported to be working on a building in Church Street, Dover.
The driver has reported that he was parking his car in a bay in the street at about 9.30am on Thursday 22 December 2011 when he was sworn at and told to move his car by the workmen. The 43-year-old man told police he was racially abused and his car was damaged by one of the workmen who punched or kicked the rear the vehicle.
Deal: Shop thief nabbed by speedy officers.
A Deal shoplifter got more than he bargained for when he tried to make off with a set of knives from a town store during the festive season.
The 61-year-old man had tried to take the block of seven kitchen knives from Laughtons department store at about 11.30am on Tuesday 21 December 2011.
But PC Sophie Bramble and police community support officer Anita Pollard were patrolling in the High Street and heard the shouts of “Stop him”, from members of the public.
PCSO Pollard began the chase whilst PC Bramble headed round to intercept him. Trying to throw away the knives as he ran through Chapel Street and towards the seafront, the man ran past the Royal Hotel and along the beach front with Anita still in hot pursuit.
Finally he ran into Sophie and was arrested and handcuffed with help from members of the public. The knives were all found and returned and in agreement with the store the man paid the £36 for the knives and a further payment of £44 to be given to a charity of the store’s choosing.
PC Bramble explained: “I cannot praise PCSO Pollard’s actions enough – she sprinted after him and I really don’t think we would have caught him without her actions!”
Deal : Speeding motorists stopped
Speeding motorists in Deal got an end of year reminder to slow down.
A speed check was run in Beach Street, Deal, last Friday (30 December 2011) following concerns that drivers were ignoring road safety by exceeding the 30mph limit.
During the check three drivers who were driving at nearly 10mph above the limit were stopped. All accepted the offer to attend a Driver Awareness Course, instead of being fined and having points put on their licence.
Attendance at these courses in Kent costs £85, which is paid by the speeding motorists. The courses cover a number of areas including driver attitude and consequences of inappropriate driving behaviour.
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Chris Gurney said: 'The people we caught speeding all lived locally so I am glad that they took the opportunity to attend this course with a view to changing their driving habits as this will have a long term positive impact on the safety of drivers and other road users in Deal. Drivers should be warned though that they won't get a second chance and if we catch them speeding again then points on their licence and a fine are inevitable.'
Advice was given to three drivers who were travelling slightly above the limit.
Deal : Appeal after man injured in Rivals Club
Police are appealing to anyone in the Rivals club in Queen Street, Deal, last Tuesday (27 December 2011).
A 20-year-old Dover man was hit on the head as he was standing talking to two friends near the dance floor. He was taken to the QEQM Hospital at Margate to be treated for a cut to his head but did not need stitches.
It is not known what he was hit with.
Anyone who saw the incident which happened between 1am and 2am is asked to contact PC Jade Symons at Kent Police on 101 giving reference ZY/4212.
Many thanks to Kent Police for sending us these items above.
See also the CCTV image story locked at the top of our forum section.
* * *
It is compulsory to carry breathalysers when driving in France this Spring.
Leading Dover – France ferry operator, DFDS Seaways (formerly Norfolkline), is highlighting the need for drivers to begin carrying disposable breathalysers in their cars when driving in France, as this will be made compulsory under French rules from this spring. As part of a continued programme to cut the number of road deaths in France, the new measures were proposed by President Sarkozy at the end of last year. The breathalysers will allow drivers to check whether they are under the legal limit before driving. Drivers caught without a breathalyser in their car will face a €17 fine.
Andrew Kelly, Marketing and PR Manager, DFDS Seaways English Channel, said: “Although the new law is not due to be implemented until the Spring, and final details are still to be announced, we want to ensure our passengers are fully aware of the obligation to carry a breathalyser in their vehicles when driving on French roads, and will be fully prepared.”
DFDS Seaways sails from Dover – Dunkirk up to 12 times a day and crossings take around two hours. For more information about DFDS Seaways, or to find out about the latest sailing times and book tickets, visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk or telephone 0871 574 7241.
* * *
NEW YEAR NEW YOU!
Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution and not kept to it? Have you wanted to make a change to your life? If you said yes to either or both questions, then Dover Gateway, Dover Discovery Centre and NHS Health Trainers are there to help you.
New Year New You launches on Tuesday 17 January 2012, and a range of health advisors will be on hand with support and advice from 10am to 2pm at the Dover Discovery Centre. There will be a range of events going on throughout the day, which will be run at the Discovery Centre in an exciting partnership with the Gateway.
Dover Gateway is located on Castle Street, Dover. Kent County Council and Dover District Council joined up to launch the Gateway office, providing increased services for residents, including a whole range of voluntary and community support services.
Matthew Munson, Front of House Coordinator for the Gateway, said: “The NHS Health Trainers offer free and confidential support to help you make positive and healthy changes to your life.”
Health Trainers can help you access other free NHS health services such as emotional wellbeing, exercise and healthy eating, advice on sexual health concerns, and stop smoking advice – as well as a lot else.
“You can see a Health Trainer for up to six sessions to help encourage and motivate you,” Carly Blanch, Health Trainer Coordinator, added. “They can also help you to develop your own skills to manage your health in the future.”
Partners attending the event include National Blood Service, Disability Drop-in Centre and many others, so if you have any health concerns or would like support with your New Year resolutions, they will be able to offer you the support and guidance you need.
“But don’t worry if you can’t make it on 17 January,” Matthew added. “You can make an appointment to see a Health Trainer by either visiting Dover Gateway or by calling 08458 247 202 or 0800 849 4000 (option 3).”
The above is press release information from DDC
* *
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Previous features can now be found in All Recent Features...see menu left.