Even parked up (or should that be 'moored'?) here in Trouville Marina on the north French coast, quaffing Krug and generally enjoying the high life, Thanet titbits follow me like a pack of bloodhounds sniffing out their news quarry.So it is that an email has winged its way into the comms room here on the floating gin palace to the effect that the master of our lovely harbour there in the Millionaires' Playground has been suspended from duty by Thanet Council, pending an appeal. Quite what the circs are is unclear. However, it was reported here on the big blog and elsewhere in July that irregularities in contract procedure had been flagged up by an audit report to Thanet Council last December, and rumours have been rife that there was some sort of 'investigation' going on.
So, for now at least we must say 'adieu' to Captain Dominic Evans. Whatever the background, it wouldn't appear to reflect too well on Port Ramsgate's political boss, Deputy Dawg Latchford, or the senior council executive in charge, Head of Degeneration and Pisspoor Planning Brian White. Who's going to be i/c of shovelling all that muck out of the harbour now? And with that, dear reader, I'm off to snuggle under my Hungarian goose down dooner, and lay the old barnet down on some rather fine Egyptian cotton!
Update: I'm reliably informed that this week's Gazunder has followed up my exclusive with its own front page, er, 'exclusive' and that the council are saying Captain Evans has been 'dismissed'. I presume, though, that he might be appealing against his dismissal. Apparently three other council employees have also been suspended, although it's not specified in which department they worked.
Click here for July's report re: port 'irregularities'
Update 13 May 2010: It seems that Mr Evans has won his appeal at Industrial Tribunal. Click here for more.
14 comments:
With someone else in charge things may improve - not just the dredging but also the disgusting state of the dry dock. Keep your fingers crossed!
Isn't 'Egyptian cotton' a euphemism for 'dry pussy'?
Or were you talking about your linen?
I see that TDC has plans to sell off more of the tax payers assets including quite a few sites in Ramsgate. Why dont they sell of the port and harbour and let sombody else manage and develop them?
I am sure TDC are already planning to do just that 12:50. After all it has only been a decade since they were in private hands maybe it is about time to return them back to the private sector?
And what is the betting that the people behind Euroferries would like a piece of that action or TEF for that matter? Think of all the luxury ocean-view flats they could build down there.
I was in Brighton Marina last week: what a state! It's one of those waterfront developments with a mixture of 'brand' shops, restaurants and bars with residential flats overlooking the water - and it wasn't very successful by the looks of things.
It's just the kind of development already mooted for Port Ramsgate.
Oh dear these Evening Class creative writing courses and old bound volumes of Punch have a lot to answer for don't they?
At least I have a basic understanding of English grammar and a well developed sense of irony.
Stick that in your funnel and puff on it, you ferry-spotting dork!
Would TDC and its auditors be digging deep into its mis-managed affairs without ECR and Thanet Strife exposing some odd goings on? What about Cllrs involved and where are Euroferries?
Ah...indeed 09:52.
The fact that TDC did not advertise the harbour masters job should be matter for investigation?
I wonder why the dredger has just been sold on for a lot more than it was purchased for?
Residents of Thanet should rightly be asking who is actually managing the manager and the portfolio holders?
Perhaps some Cllrs and higher management should be resigning?
D9
Today's Gazette is reporting three employees suspended. I wonder who the other two are?
No, it's three + the Harbour Master so that's four in total who have paid the price for being employed by the bunch in charge.
I take it this is nothing to do with this story "Thanet council audit probe" posted today (friday) on thisiskent web site.
Er, yes, it has everything to do with that story, but you read it here first. Do keep up!
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