We were delighted to welcome His Majesty The King to Deal and Walmer on a fantastic sunny day this summer.

His Majesty visited the district on 10 July. The day began at the historic Walmer Castle, where His Majesty was welcomed by the Lord Warden and met representatives from the Confederation of Cinque Ports.

His Majesty then visited the Captain’s Garden at Deal Castle, before making his way to Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station then to a beach clean on the seafront, where he was welcomed by and spent time talking to the crowds. 

• His Majesty The King visits Kent

Works are nearing completion for the installation of a colourful new ‘Dover Time Tunnel’ artwork as part of key improvements to renovate the Townwall Street underpass.

The artwork complements the multi million pound development of the Dover Beacon project alongside it, that remains on target for practical completion in 2026, and is all set for ‘topping out’ this month.

The Dover Time Tunnel has been designed in-house by DDC, following public engagement, and gives a fascinating insight into Dover’s past. The bold and creative design includes an array of information and pictures from a whole range of partner organisations and individuals.

• More regeneration updates

As plans for the multi million pound Deal Leisure Centre continue to move forward, exciting new visuals have been released showing what the centre could look like, as shown alongside.

This follows news that the planning application for the new leisure centre was given the green light by Planning Committee in August.

Works to prepare for the demolition of the Tides Leisure Centre pool building started in July, with demolition set to follow in the autumn. Works on a temporary safe entrance for the tennis centre and sports hall have taken place, so they can remain open for customers.

• More on Deal Leisure Centre

A fantastic range of events and activities are held across Dover, Deal, Sandwich, Walmer and the surrounding rural areas, with a whole host of great things to do.

A 'raptor-ous' reception was given at Pencester Gardens in Dover for the return of the Dino Day this summer (pictured), which attracted thousands of visitors.

Events this autumn include Heritage Open Days from 12-21 Sept, including events at the Maison Dieu, Dover Museum and Roman Painted House. 

• Events in White Cliffs Country 

A second phase of key works has been given the go ahead by DDC's Cabinet as part of a major programme of investment to protect Deal Pier for future generations.

The next phase includes planning and design work, and a tendering process for the repairs, with concrete repairs to the pier legs set to take place in spring/summer 2026.

This follows a £140k programme of works to beams and steps on the lower deck in autumn/winter of 2024/25, which followed a full structural survey in 2024. 

• More on Deal Pier

As we continue to work with partners to support communities, we are preparing for the next Jobs Fair on 8 Oct, and three new job clubs are being introduced across the district, starting today, to provide invaluable free support to residents looking for work.

The job clubs, with the first one at Dover Charlton Centre today, include qualified staff who will be on hand to assist with job searching, CV writing, filling out application forms and interview practice. 

The monthly clubs will take place at Deal Welfare Club, Dover Charlton Centre, and Sandwich Jubilee Centre.

• More on job clubs

Community groups have been given a summer boost - with a total of around £50k awarded to 72 different groups as part of DDC's Community Grants Scheme.

The popular Community Grants Scheme has returned and has allocated funding to help local community groups deliver vital projects for the area.

This will be followed by another round of funding, due to open on 17 September, when a further boost will be available for local groups under the Cost of Living Community Impact Fund.

• More on grant funding

Annual Canvass forms are being delivered to every residential property in the district between 30 July and 5 September, and we ask that if you are required to respond or have any changes to make, to please do so as soon as possible after receiving the form.

You don’t have to wait for the canvass form to register to vote – you can register to vote at any time of year and the quickest way to do it is online.

The Elections Act 2022 limited postal voting arrangements to three years; therefore, the first batch of postal vote renewals is due soon. Any electors needing to submit a new application will be marked on the canvass form. Postal vote applications can be made at any time.

• More on elections

The government wants councils like yours in Kent and Medway to deliver services differently.

In the biggest shake up of local government in almost 50 years, the government wants to merge councils across the county of Kent to create a number of unitary councils serving roughly 500,000 people each. This is known as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Leaders and Chief Executives of the 14 Kent councils are working together to agree options. Full proposals need to be with ministers by Friday 28 November 2025.  

• More on LGR