Welcome to Update and to new residents that joined our community in 2012.
This newsletter finds itself hot on the heels of the estate AGM for Granville Cliff Estate Residents, which was held on: Tuesday 16th August at the Seasalter Water Ski Club. Approximately 80 plus residents attended. We thank them for making the effort and their opinions heard.
The severe state of the roads caused by the many large works vehicles was discussed at length and how to counteract this, once repairs are carried out. Those attending the AGM were of one mind and strong agreement was reached on estate maintenance fees, an entrance barrier and new build levies(we like your style!). Strangely enough for all of those that think differently, dogs were hardly mentioned!
Roads Report for Newsletter October 2012
As you will have noticed the roads are being damaged by residents transport, delivery vehicles, council waste collections, contractor’s vehicles, sightseers and weather. The last two winters have been the worst for a number of years with the frost, ice and snow causing general damage to the sub base and causing small potholes to enlarge.
The roads have a speed limit and a weight limit to reduce damage but both are regularly broken or ignored.
The expenditure on road repairs and maintenance over the last 4 years has been in excess of £34,000.
A schedule of repairs has been prepared and competitive quotations from contractors have been requested with a view to having repairs completed before the winter sets in.
As a guide £38,000 could easily be spent, properly repairing the roads and verges, applying a top dressing to 50% of the roads and replacing 17 flattened speed humps of the 34. The money is not available for this; so only the worst damage and potholes will be repaired.
We can reduce the road damage by complying with or enforcing the weight limits (there will always be some exceptions) keeping speeds down, limiting the use of the roads to Estate residents and visitors, essential services and deliveries.
We legally stopped contractors in Admiralty Walk using Estate roads (without having requested access) for their heavy plant, deliveries etc. by threatening them with an injunction and trespass. Unfortunately this caused us to incur legal fees but news spreads quickly and developers for works in Admiralty Walk and Seasalter Beach have already telephoned asking if access was being restricted. The legal fees are much less than the cost of repairing the damage would be.
We shall continue to do our best to maintain the roads with the funds available.
Estate Management Fees
Here are some answers to questions that have been raised, following the recent ballot papers sent to all properties. There is a need to clarify why an increase in the Estate Management Fee is needed.
It is a misapprehension that the fees received, simply pay for road repairs.
Agreed, the largest expenditure is on repairing the roads due to wear and tear.
The increase to £5,000 per new build property levy and a pro-rata charge for extensions will go a long way towards the costs of repairs to our roads, as a result of damage from works vehicles.
The building of extensions which require planning permission will be charged at £17.00 per square metre.
This covers the deliveries and taking away of materials from the site accross Estate roads.
This decision was unanimously voted in by residents at the AGM. The meeting also came down strongly in favour of an increase in the Estate Management Fee to £100 per annum.
Replacement road signage, notices and estate boards are paid for out of the funds.
Tidying up of the verges, gardening and maintenance of company land are another expense.
Previously we have had all of our printing and some postage donated to us but this has now been withdrawn, so must come out of the estate fees, along with administration and rocketing insurance costs, such as public liability.
Unfortunately, we have had to use the services of solicitors to safeguard our community and fees have also to come out of the funds.
Social events are self funding and no monies come out of estate management fees for these.
The annual fee is £100 per annum. This equates to £1.92 per week to help pay for everything detailed above.
We all know that this is a private estate when we come here and have to live with this reality. Most of us know of other estates around the country, run by management companies that levy an annual charge on their residents of at least several hundreds of pounds a year, giving them proper roads and very large bills!
Social Committee
Beach Clean-up
Thanks to the 30 or so residents who gave up their Sunday to carry out the Beach Clean up on
16th September. The excellent results were there for all to see. 23 orange sacks were collected by the Council. Thanks to the Social Committee who organized the morning and provided hot drinks to get everyone through.
Summer Garden Competition
We are delighted to announce that the winners of the GCE Summer Garden Competition are joint winners this year.
36 Preston Parade, (Mr and Mrs John Cann) for design and original display and 23a St Mary’s Grove (Jean and Ed Haver) have turned out a consistently beautiful display of colour and original design. Congratulations on a fine display and thanks for sharing both gardens with passers by.
Bonfire Night Celebrations
A double sided flyer was delivered to all properties on the estate detailing the Bonfire Night get together on the beach in front of 25 Preston Pde on Monday 5th November. Bonfire materials only wanted on the Sunday 4th November or on the Monday. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and hot punch this year.
Christmas Lights Competition
We hope you are gearing yourselves up for the ‘blue riband’ GCE Residents Christmas Lights Competition, 2012. Good luck to all those participating but be warned, competition is fierce!
FATHER CHRISTMAS!!!
If you would like Father Christmas to deliver presents personally, to lucky people on our estate; please contact Reece at 5A, St Mary’s Grove well before 21stDec and he will make sure they are in F.C’s diary. 770863
He has stated he can call between 5pm and 7pm on 21 22 23 24 of December 2012
£2 to be paid for each gift delivered and the proceeds will go to: Demelza House, Hospice Care for Children
What’s On in Whitstable?
Whitstable Harbour Village, the unique community of local artists, artisans and independent retailers, all trading from their own timber fisherman’s huts. There are over 30 local harbour traders for autumn and winter 2012. The huts are open every week-end and bank holiday from March until Christmas 2012, from 10am-5pm. Sample local Kentish food & produce, talk to local crafts people, browse around local art or just admire the views.
Christmas at the Castle at the Whitstable Castle and Gardens
Your chance to buy that special gift for Christmas at Whitstable’s leading venue. The Castle will open it’s doors to a host of unique gift stands and Christmas Fayre, music, entertainment, refreshments and carol singing. All rounded off with the lighting of the Castle’s very own 50 feet high living Christmas Tree. Fun and entertainment for the whole family: Saturday 17th November 11-5am.
Contact:The Whitstable Castle and Gardens, Tel:01227 281 726
Tankerton Christmas Market
Sunday 2nd December, 1100 unitl 1630 Event will take place at Whitstable Castle and Gardens. Craft, charity and trade stalls inside the Castle and outside in the Gardens. Some small fairground rides. Good food. Santa Claus will hopefully visit. More attractions to be confirmed.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas & New Year !!
