Protect Kent's New Publication - Keeping the lights on

Deal With It has a few copies of Protect Kent's new publication 'Keeping the lights on'. The new booklet follows on from the successful  CPRE conference at the Pines earlier in the year.

The booklet, written by Sean Furey, details the energy options open available to individuals, communities and largescale generation

Cost £10 - available at DWI meetings and we are hoping to get some into the Deal Bookshop.

Protect Kent concern over 'New Homes Bonus'

Protect Kent - the county branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England - Has expressed concerns over impact on local communities of the Coalition Government's 'New Homes Bonus'

(From Kent News:) The fears have been voiced by Protect Kent following the announcement of the proposed New Homes Bonus, which could see local authorities and communities that build new houses receiving substantial extra funding to spend how they wish.

The scheme looks to ease the house building decline, which is at its lowest level since 1924 with 4.5 million people across the country on council house waiting lists.

But while the New Homes Bonus is being greeted with delight by town hall chiefs, Protect Kent – the county branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England – is remaining wary.

Chairman Richard Knox-Johnston said although he welcomes the move to give local people more power, cash incentives to councils could cause problems.

"Firstly, we’re pleased with the decision to discard the centrally imposed housing figures for the area," he said.

"We also welcome the decision to give local councils and local people the control to make decisions about how many houses are built instead of using these centrally-imposed figures.

"The concern, however, is that cash-strapped councils needing money may be encouraged to promote housing schemes that will damage the environment.

"Even if there is opposition from local people, a council will be the one to make the final decision. If it decides the opposition is not strong enough, the development could still go ahead." read more at Kent News

Protect Kent CPRE warn about pumping stations on the river stour

From 'Your Sandwich' front page - "The River Stour could be at risk if plans by water companies to increase their supply network are given the go-ahead.

A public inquiry has been launched into the strategy, which critics say would fail to meet future demand or provide secure supplies during times of drought.

In particular, there could be more water being pumped from the Stour to make up the shortfall, say conservation campaigners.

Protect Kent’s Graham Warren said: “There has been a lack of joined-up thinking between the water companies, despite attempts to get them to work together.

“In addition, the companies have been given a strong steer from the regulators that only the cheapest options can be pursued.

“We believe this puts both our supplies, and Kent’s fragile rivers, at risk.”

He said the group had “severe technical reserv-ations” about proposed new groundwater sources and a new reservoir at Broad Oak, near Canterbury:

“We think they won’t work. In dry periods, as we’ve had in recent years, this means more frequent hosepipe bans and more pumping from the Medway and the Stour at a time when the wildlife of these rivers is at its most vulnerable.”

Protect Kent deputy director Sean Furey said: “Our concern is what impact the proposed reservoir and plans would have." 
for full article follow link http://www.yourdeal-sandwich.co.uk/kent-news/Water-pumping-plans-a-big-drain-on-the-Stour-newsinkent35979.aspx?news=local

Keeping the Lights on -CPRE Protect Kent Videos

Videos from the Protect Kent energy conference "Keeping the Lights On" held at the Pines Calyx, St Margaret's Bay.

Richard Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Protect Kent outlines the challenges:
1)   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0_UATwmTkk&feature=youtu.be&a
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6plDLSNLMo

Sir Crispin Tickell
1)   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIGAjgD3hyw&feature=youtu.be&a 

Alistair Gould (Bay Trust)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXaTuxIk2XQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjIPhzdrMPQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vORcB7ygVBc

CPRE Kent Pines Calyx Video

A recent video from Protect Kent CPRE's 'Keeping the lights on' Meeting at the Pines Calyx in St Margaret's


Link is : http://www.yourkenttv.co.uk/community/tvpopupnew.aspx?aid=12394&vid=5451

Keeping the Lights on - 20th April - CPRE Kent Pines Calyx

The Kent area of the Campiagn to Protect Rural England have a conference event 'On Keepting the Lights On' on the Tuesday 20th April at the Pines Calyx centre in St Margarets10:30-1:45pm. £20 for CPRE members.
Speakers included:  Peter Harper (CAT), Alastair Gould (Carbon Free Group) and Sir Crispin Tickell.
http://www.cprekent.org.uk/read-event.php?id=3