Eight candidates for the council elections on May 5th have now come out publicly against controversial plans to build a community centre in Broadstairs Pierremont Park
Three candidates for the Liberal Democrats, three candidates for the Labour Party and two independents spoke against the centre. No Conservative candidates spoke at the meeting.
Meeting organiser Norman Thomas said: “There was a remarkable consensus among the candidates that while a new community centre might be a nice thing to have, the decision to build it in Broadstairs’ tiny Pierremont Park
“At least now people opposed to the new centre will have a chance to express their feelings about the new centre at the ballot box.”
Many people at the meeting expressed their anger at the Conservative-controlled Broadstairs’ Town Council’s determination to press ahead with the project despite widespread objection.
Mr Thomas said: “Many people were amazed that in the current financial climate Broadstairs town council has taken out a £500,000 loan towards the building of the new centre.
“With interest payments this mean the council will have to pay back a total of £895,598 by the time the loan comes to maturity. Many of the councillors who voted for this will be dead before the debt’s paid off.”
The new centre will be owned and run by a trust – but it will be funded to the tune of £1.4 million by Broadstairs Town Council, Thanet District Council and Kent County Council.
Concern was also expressed at the money Thanet District Council plans to contribute to the building of the new centre. Mr Thomas said: “There is a belief that money is being diverted from spending on much more pressing needs in the deprived parts of Margate
Mr Thomas added: “It’s clear that Broadstairs town council sees this as a trophy project for their own self-glorification and are determined to try to carry it through regardless of people’s wishes.”
The candidates who have come out publicly against the centre are:
Viking Ward: Margaret Branscombe Kent, Lib Dem, James Langton-Way, Independent, Colin Kemp, Labour,
Bradstowe Ward: Clare Hunt, Louisa Latham, Robin Vaughan-Lyons,
Beacon Rd Ward: Jenny Matterface, Labour
Kingsgate Ward: Nigel Utton
Notice of this meeting was only published on this site less than a week before the meeting and nine days after the list of candidates was published. Only candidates known to be against the centre were individually invited though one of the TAG organisers claimed invites were sent to political parties.
ReplyDeleteThere is simply no excuse for Thanet Action Group not sending personal invites to all the candidates, but that would have ruined the cunning plot. Far better to have no Conservatives there so they can point the finger at them for not attending.
OK, you have played your hand and it is now down to the election on 5th May and I, for one, will be voting for candidates that support the centre.
Why shouldn't a town the size of Broadstairs have its own centre and on the site of existing buildings, not parkland. Why must we have to seek to hire halls of other organisations who have first call on them. Indeed, some of which have no disabled access.
Enough, let democracy take its course and I will accept the decision of the electorate. Somehow I doubt that Mr. Thomas and friends will.
There were about thirty five people at this meeting. Hardly a massive turnout and not all of us there opposed the centre. I for one only went to see who was there.
ReplyDeleteWhat amuses me with this group is that, if they are so convinced there are suitable alternatives, why do they always use the Pierremont Park Hut. Maybe because they would look lost in anything bigger.
Why use Park Hall? Why not? It's there, it's available and, I assume, it's relatively cheap to hire.The Baptist Church venue isn't open yet and the schools are on holiday so I assume they're not available. Many of the local venues are pricey to hire.
ReplyDeleteIf Katherine went to see who was there why did she not feel able to put her view across?
Local Tax Payer, you have hit the nail on the head. The schools are on holiday and the Baptist Church hall was not available so they used Park Hall. This is a scenario that could be repeated anytime in the future, but unless a new centre is built, there will be nowhere else to go.
ReplyDeleteAs to Katherine, would you speak up in a gathering who are anti to your views. I was at the Pavilion a couple of weeks back when the council did their report to the public. Most civilised people could not get a word in edgeways because of the repetitive questions, frequently shouted out, from the Thanet Action Group noisy minority.
Anyway, as Bill Richards said, let the polls decide on 5th May.
The best place for a meeting about the future of the park is in the park!
ReplyDeleteSo long as there remains somewhere to have a meeting in the park one assumes.
ReplyDelete