Dover News - August 2009

A Greek lorry driver was due to appear in court today after officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) seized approximately 371 kilos of cannabis at Dover's Eastern Docks over the weekend. The drugs have an estimated street value of £111,300.

Another fantastic free outdoor cinema event is returning to Connaught Park, following the success of screenings over recent years, and a special showing of Dreamworks' Monsters Vs Aliens (PG) will be taking place at the park on Friday 28 August.

A 35 year old Lithuanian lorry driver has been jailed for nine years after being convicted of smuggling cocaine into the UK through Dover. The drugs had an estimated street value of £476,000.

A man has died after a collision between two powerboats at Dover Regatta earlier today (8 August). 41 year old Alex Edmunds was taking part in a race in Dover harbour when the accident happened, and died at the scene.

A special cultural celebration is bringing a range of dancing for the whole community, centred around Dover Market Square - with a nationally recognized Cultural Olympiad event, All Dancing Dover, taking place in the town from 10am on Saturday 29 August.

An important scheme has been launched in Dover District to encourage, acknowledge and promote good standards of privately rented accommodation, and to help support tenants and landlords for the future of the district.

Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Bernard Butcher, with the Kent Branch of the Merchant Navy Association, is organising a special service at Dover Town Hall for Merchant Navy Day on Thursday 3 September and all are welcome to attend.

Important funding news has been announced for community groups in Dover District looking for help with projects that will benefit the area for the future.

A Newry man who smuggled six million cigarettes and half a tonne of hand rolling tobacco in lettuce has been jailed for three years. Lorry driver Martin Fitzpatrick, 28, was stopped by customs officers at Dover Docks in May 2008.

As part of their commitment to continue to improve the planning process and promote quality development for the future, Dover District Council Planning has reviewed how it works to provide more advice at an earlier stage to help people make the most effective applications.

Exciting ideas are being sought for an innovative and creative play area for Kearsney Abbey, and for improvements to play facilities in Russell Gardens.