Tuesday, 16 February 2010

FORUM & COUNCILLORS BACK RESIDENTS (EVEN IF THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL DOESN'T)

Thanet District Council should complete refurbishment of the Oval Arena in Cliftonville, start to maintain the venue properly for the future and provide more long-term support for Cliftonville Residents Association. That was the conclusion of a debate at last night's Cliftonville West Community Forum.

A proposal to apply for village green status for the Oval lawns as a tribute to the CRA's long and hard work in the area also met with support from the ward councillors and other resident and voluntary groups from across Cliftonville West.

Ward councillor Clive Hart said "several years ago now, Cliftonville Residents Association raised funding and refurbished the bandstand and the inner level of the arena, but TDC, the venue owners, have done nothing to help finish the project and just getting them to maintain the arena is proving increasingly difficult year on year.

Among many other events, Cliftonville Residents Association provide the - three times 'best in Kent' Farmers Market's - and the popular series of summer Sunday concerts for local residents.

As ward councillors Linda Aldred, Doug Clark and I have consistently warned leading officers and the Chief. Executive at TDC that the residents ability to continue their excellent work is in jeopardy due to the lack of real support from the council.

To plan their series of summer concerts the residents need a safe and clean arena and funding in advance to meet the cost of booking performers, but the council appears unable or unwilling to provide either. The lack of support for an organisation doing so much for Cliftonville is simply appalling".

Following Monday evenings meeting, the ward councillors Linda Aldred, Doug Clark and Clive Hart immediately contacted the TDC Chief. Executive Richard Samuel demanding swift action on the Oval Arena and urgent support for Cliftonville Residents Association.


Published by Cllrs. Aldred, Clark & Hart - 44 Northdown Road, Cliftonville, CT9 2RW.

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