Barriers to progress

Years of waiting, thousands of pounds, and one snafu after another.

Following relentless pressure from Andy Lawrence, our councillors raided the Herne Bay Opportunity Fund for £3,000 to pay for the barrier across Mortimer Street (instead of getting KCC Highways to pay for it), and CCC put the job out to tender.

They awarded the job to a fencing company (!), who turned out not to have the right paperwork to allow them to work on Highways projects. Oops. Further delay while they find another contractor.

The next contractor installs the two gates that swing closed to form the barrier. A Council official comes along with the padlock that will lock the gates shut. Oops. It doesn't fit. More delays while they search for a padlock that's the right size. Ta-dah! A padlock is found that will fit the gates... everything is ready.

Self-promotion

Oops! There's still something missing, a magical ingredient without which the expensive new barrier cannot possibly be used - a photo opportunity for local councillors. There is an election coming, after all.

Our lovely new barrier will be unveiled today (23rd March), by councillors Andrew Cook, Joe Howes, Jean Law, and Peter Vickery-Jones, with the paparazzi in attendance.

Free parking - is it worth the money?

It's hard to tell whether this scheme is gibberish or not.​The money to pay for this free parking experiment is coming from the "Opportunity Fund" - £10k set aside by CCC for the Herne Bay councillors to spend on local projects.

I had fondly imagined that this would cover stuff that wouldn't easily be funded from any other part of the Council structure - the Christmas grotto at the Bandstand, a grant for the Umbrella Centre, that sort of thing.​

It appears, however, that it can be used for things that I would have thought came under the Highways budget (the new barrier in Mortimer Street) or CCC's traffic budget (this proposal). It looks and feels to me like the Council simply recycling the same money - CCC gives Herne Bay money which is then returned to CCC to cover the revenue that CCC loses through Herne Bay’s free parking experiment.​

Andrew Cook gave us a breakdown of where the money will be spent: £400 for advertising, £250 for recalibrating the machines, leaving £800 for the parking. I think his maths is a little out - £750 would be left to cover the cost of lost parking revenue.

One of the councillors, I think it was Peter Lee, revealed that the horrid little parking meters scattered across town are cleverer than I ever expected. They are linked in to some evil central parking brain, and chatter away all day long, boasting about how much money they’re taking.

Surely this takes all the guesswork out of estimating how much parking is making the Council, and how much free parking would cost them. Nonetheless, Andrew Cook says in the press article that it will give them "a clear idea of what it costs to do free parking". Peter Lee says the money being asked for is "a fair estimate of the income lost". CCC already know what the experiment is likely to cost - the parking meters have told them.

What they haven’t explained is how they will know if the experiment has succeeded, or what their criteria for success might be.

How is this going to be assessed? If someone arrives at 9:15am and leaves at 10:30am, how will anyone (or the parking meters) know they were ever there? Will there be a Council officer standing there every April morning, counting the cars in and counting them out again?

Peter Lee refers to the possibility of free parking being “self-funding” - what on earth does that mean? Presumably, he thinks that the £800 of lost parking revenue might pop up somewhere, somehow.

So what’s actually happening here - is our Council simply using some rather unsubtle money-shuffling to give the appearance of trying to help our town?

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Free parking trial for Herne Bay town centre approved by councillors

Shoppers will be offered free parking on weekday mornings next month in a bid to tempt them into Herne Bay. Councillors agreed to spend £1,400 on a trial of free parking between 9am and 11am, Monday to Friday, in the Kings Road car park where the market is held on Saturdays.

The money comes from Herne Bay Area Member Panel’s opportunities fund - a pot of £10,000 a year for community projects that benefit the town. It will pay for advertising, changes to parking meters and for any lost revenue from car parking charges.

Dylan Hampshire, of Cockett’s Mattresses, suggested changing the time and copying other town’s ‘free after 3pm’ schemes. Andrew Lawrence, who runs the Speciality Food Store in Mortimer Street, said both mornings and afternoons were difficult for traders:

“From 9-11am is a dead zone, as is the last part of the day. After 2.30pm, Herne Bay is dead. We are suffering then. We could probably open from 11am to 2.30pm and then close our shops and go home because we have so few customers.”

He said local people refused to pay anything for parking, and seafront charges also put holidaymakers off.

But West Bay councillor Peter Lee said parking was free for most of the year in Central Parade. Heron councillor Andrew Cook added:

“This is an excellent project that both residents and businesses have been pushing for. It will give us an accurate idea of what it actually costs to do free parking.”

Critics argued that the money was effectively going back into the council’s pockets, to replace the income lost from parking charges during the trial. But Cllr Lee, who is responsible for finance on the council, said it was important to be able to tell how much revenue was lost. He added:

“We can repeat it in the future if we can prove it can be self-funding. This is a fair estimate of the income lost.”

Officials also vowed to investigate another suggestion of extending the free parking in town centre streets from one hour to two. The Kings Road car park scheme will start in April.

thisiskent 12th Mar 2013

KCC Elections

On May 2nd you'll have the chance to choose the people you want to represent you on Kent County Council. First out of the blocks are our two local Independent candidates - John Moore and Stan Truelove.​

I must confess to having a great fondness for Independent candidates, on principle (I stood as one in the last District elections in 2011). Being an Independent candidate means that you don't owe allegiance to any particular party, and you're free to do the job you were elected to do - representing the people in your constituency. You don't have to toe a party line, and you're free to speak out on the issues that matter to your people.

Most of the (non-Independent) political parties conjure up a manifesto of vague promises that they think will be popular, and present it to the voters as a package deal - take it or leave it. In contrast, ​John and Stan are starting from the much more sensible, and democratic, position of taking the trouble to ask people around town what they actually want and need. They will be taking their instructiions from you, not from some party bigwig.

Let them know what you think. Tell them the top 3 things that you think KCC should be doing in and for Herne Bay. Send them an email - they'll read it, and they'll pay attention.

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Murray might make a mint

Our beloved Council will be giving away land to a developer. Not just any old land, but money-making car park land. And not just any old car park, but valuable car parking land near the sea front. And not just any developer, but one that's been on telly.

​Let's not forget, the Council is simply holding things on our behalf. So when the press reports that:

"A formal planning application is due to be submitted shortly and a land swap deal is close to being agreed, where Canterbury City Council would gift part of their land, used as a car park, for the scheme."

the phrase "their land" should be taken with a pinch of salt.

​Free Money

I'm intrigued by the "land swap deal" and what the other half of it might be. What, if anything, is being gained for this land? Our Council appears to be about to give away some or all of the two car parks either side of the Beach Street cul-de-sac. Between them, they have the capacity for some 65 cars - about two-thirds of the capacity of Morrison's roof-top car park.

What would the value of this land be on the open market? What would the Council be taking in parking revenue, week after week, for years? These two numbers are an indication of the value of the "gift" that our Council wants to make.

The press report indicates that the "land swap deal" is nearly a done deal. Presumably this has taken a while to organise and negotiate, so we're looking at the end of a process that's been a while in the making.​ I don't think CCC will be putting any obstacles in Mr Murray's way at this late stage, and as you can see from the pictures below - from the Herne Bay Showcase on 6th March - Mr Murray gets on famously with our smiling star-struck councillors (Jean Law, Peter Lee, Peter Vickery-Jones).

I don't know much about the planning process, but I have a feeling that this application will have a smooth ride.​

Once there was a plan. A bad plan.

The driving force behind our Council's exceptional generosity (are Coplan and Denne getting the William Street car park for free?) is the conspicuous failure of the CDA, or Central Development Area plan. Back in 2009, CCC decided that the Area Action Plan gave them a free hand to dispose of the William Street car park to the highest bidder. This would of course mean a windfall for the Council.

The developers (Coplan and Denne in this case) would then be able to use the large town centre site to generate a windfall for themselves. Obviously, they would be looking for maximum benefits for themselves, rather than delivering maximum benefits for the town. As a result, they developed what appeared at the time to be a safe (i.e. stunningly unimaginative) clone town proposal for a development, centred on a new supermarket that would be built literally next door to the existing supermarket.

​Pinning their hopes on a new supermarket was the fatal flaw in an already pretty rubbishy plan - as explained here. Which supermarket would want to invest millions to set up shop next door to a competitor? Clearly not Tesco or Sainsbury, which is why they're pursuing options on the edge of town. Would Morrison's be coaxed out of their current store into the new one? Clearly not. They've withdrawn from negotiations, having calculated that it would take decades to recover the millions the move would cost them, quite apart from the problems of selling their old (current) store.

The lynchpin, the cornerstone, the catalyst for the whole CDA project has failed to materialise, and as a result we have nothing to show after three years apart from planning blight on all the properties bordering the William Street car park, the Bus Depot, and the Beach Street area - the three blocks ear-marked for development.

​Murray's mint

And this is where Mr Murray comes in. His interest in developing the Beach Street area must have been very welcome news. Our Council will present this as contributing to the town's regeneration; Mr Murray's architect says it will revitalise the ​bottom end of Mortimer Street and Central Parade. Quite an achievement for three dozen dwellings and a handful of shops.

One shop would be demolished - 73 Central Parade, the left-hand side of Tivoli Amusements. The new development would include 4 shops, 8 three-bedroom town houses, 2 three-bedroom apartments, 16 two-bedroom apartments, 9 one-bedroom apartments, 27 private parking spaces and 11 additional parking spaces. Clearly Mr Murray stands to make a pretty penny if all this turns out well.

I'm not sure that our Council realise that there's a difference between making it easier for people to make money out of Herne Bay, and regenerating Herne Bay.

Beach Street development

Finally, here's a document that's celebrating its third birthday.​ First issued in March 2010, it's Canterbury City Council's vision for the future of Beach Street. None of this has happened yet, of course.

Beach Street Development Principles by HerneBayMatters

Herne Bay sea front development

A TV bad guy is shrugging off his image to develop a positive project to regenerate Herne Bay. Actor Bill Murray, who played Johnny Allen in EastEnders, is poised to submit plans to provide a link from the town centre to the seafront, opening up views of the historic clocktower.

The star owns properties along Central Parade and plans to demolish one, number 73 – a boarded up arcade – and build shops, flats and townhouses behind it. He told the Times:

"The development is to expose the clocktower and create something to really improve that whole area. It means demolishing the property in front of it and losing some of the public car park but the result will be a new shopping area that people can enjoy."

Mr Murray's company, Beach Street Associates, is working with Clague architects on the scheme, for Beach Street, and the proposals have been discussed with Canterbury City Council officials.

A formal planning application is due to be submitted shortly and a land swap deal is close to being agreed, where Canterbury City Council would gift part of their land, used as a car park, for the scheme. Funding would come from Mr Murray and his company. Architect Geoff Mitchell said:

"It would open a pedestrian link between Beach Street and the clocktower, which is a really strategic movement for the town. The glimpse of the clocktower will draw people along through and hopefully create a space people can enjoy. It will revitalise the bottom end of Mortimer Street and Central Parade."

Under the proposals, Beach Alley would not be affected but buildings bordering it would be redeveloped. Mr Mitchell added:

"It could be an arts quarter for Herne Bay, with a real cafe culture feel, and we have already spoken to the Arts Council about their involvement. The idea is that people will be happy to sit there and meet there, with very few cars and lots of space for pedestrians to enjoy."

He said the team was hopeful the development would give plans for the rest of the town centre a boost. These plans stalled after Morrisons pulled out of building a new store, and no other investors were found. Mr Mitchell said:

"This will create the momentum for regeneration of the rest of the town. It will give people confidence. It just has to start and people will see we are investing in Herne Bay and they will follow."

thisiskent 16th Mar 2013

Independents to stand in county council poll

Two community campaigners have announced their plans to stand as independent candidates in the county council elections.

John Moore and Stan Truelove will fight for the two seats available in Herne Bay on the basis that party politics is not working in the town.

At the moment, both seats are held by Tory councillors - David Hirst and Jean Law - and the other main parties are expected to field candidates as well.

Mr Moore, who runs Sweet Magic in Mortimer Street and is a member of Herne and Broomfield Parish Council, said:

"People want independent councillors on Kent County Council to speak up for local people. The roads in Herne Bay are outrageous and they are not being fixed properly. It is the top complaint by people in the town and, when we are elected, it will be our top priority, too."

The pair have already started their campaign by distributing leaflets around the town, calling for people to contact them with their top three priorities. They also plan to encourage people to report potholes to them so they can compile a list for contractors to repair.

Mr Truelove has no political experience but is known for his fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices via his Christmas lights displays in Canterbury. He also decorates his daughter's shop, Down to Earth, in Mortimer Street.

Mr Moore has previously stood for the UK Independence Party but said:

"UKIP has moved on and I still support them and follow them. I prefer to concentrate on my parish stuff and the county stuff. People love Stan and he is very well known and I know we have the support of 90 per cent of the independent shops in the town centre. We are feeling confident and ready to get to work."

For more information, contact the pair via e-mail to johnandstanforkcc@gmail.com

Nominations for the elections must be sent to Kent County Council by Friday, April 5. Voting is on Thursday, May 2.

thisiskent 15th Mar 2013

John Moore

Stan Truelove

Open Day at Beach Creative - 23rd March

Here's a date for your diary.  Beach Creative, Herne Bay's newest art hub, will be holding an Open Day on Saturday 23rd March from 10am - 4pm.

Beach Creative houses Galleries, Artist’s Studios and Workshop Rooms. This is an opportunity to see some of the activities that take place behind the scenes, chat with artists and workshop leaders and have a go at some taster sessions.   

Beach Creative galleries are open daily 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday, and 10am-1pm Sundays.

Howes that! Army out. Is there a silver lining?

Connected?

11th Feb 2013: the (almost) all-powerful CCC Executive have one of their all-too-common secret meetings - this one about a "strategic" (and cheap) property deal which is in a "key site for improvements to the road network in that area".

5th Mar 2013:​ the MoD announce the closure of Canterbury Howe Barracks. Cllr Gilbey says "I think this is a great opportunity for the city council" - not the City, or District you'll notice, but the council. Cllr Perkins said the site was "key to Canterbury's transport and infrastructure problems".

Hmmm, I wonder.​​

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Executive Minutes 11-02-2013

160. Confidential business relating to the acquisition of a freehold investment for a property in Canterbury. The Executive Members considered the report of the Director of Resources which set out the details of the potential acquisition of the freehold investment in Canterbury and sought authority to conclude a purchase on the terms reported.

The Council had already negotiated the terms of the acquisition with the vendor. The options were therefore -

(i)         the Council to confirm its approval of the acquisition of the property on the terms set out in the report;

(ii)        the council could decide for whatever reason not to proceed with the purchase.

RECOMMENDED (to Full Council) - That the Property Services Manager, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, be authorised to agree terms for the acquisition of the freehold investment of the premises detailed in the confidential report and to authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to conclude a purchase accordingly.

Reasons for recommendations

The valuation of the property justifies the purchase price as a strategic acquisition.

The acquisition is justified on the grounds that it helps meet one of the Council’s objectives in securing a key site for improvements to the road network in that area.

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Canterbury Howe Barracks closure 'an opportunity'

The closure of Howe Barracks in the shake-up of the UK's armed forces is an opportunity for Canterbury, the city council has said. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed the base will be "disposed of" when personnel are redeployed.

Some 600 people are set to move out when the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland moves to Edinburgh in 2014. Members of the council's Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups said it was a "great opportunity".

Leader of the Conservative-run council John Gilbey said:

"Much as we will very much miss the soldiers and all the relationships that we've developed over the years, I think this is a great opportunity for the city council."

​

Liberal Democrat leader Alex Perkins said the site was key to Canterbury's transport and infrastructure problems. He said:​

"There is obvious sadness at the closing of the [Howe] barracks, but we are left with a huge opportunity."

​Mr Perkins called for the co-ordinated development of the land with infrastructure such as schools, medical facilities and public open space, adding:

"What we must avoid is just building housing estates. We have to build a proper community."

Howe Barracks has housed soldiers from the South East since the 19th Century. Other South East bases to be affected are the Folkestone home of Headquarters 2nd (South East) Brigade, which will be vacated when it merges with another brigade, and Pirbright barracks in Surrey, which will become home to the 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards.​

bbc online 6th Mar 2013

Happy Easter, Mr Lawrence

​It's been a long time coming, but local hero Andy Lawrence has triumphed.

Regular readers will remember that Mr Lawrence risked life and limb to highlight the need for a barrier across Mortimer Street to make it safe for shoppers.​ That was back in September 2012.

Six months later, it looks like our beloved Council has finally got its act together, and we'll be getting the barrier.​ In a sensible world, of course, it would be open in the early morning - for deliveries to the shops - and shut the rest of the time.

We'll have to wait and see how sensible our little bit of the world (well, our Council) is in practice.​

Easter Colouring Competition

The shops are full of bunny-shaped Maltesers, so it must be Easter soon. To prove it, the splendid Karen Simpson has invented a colouring competition for anyone aged 11 or under. I'm gutted to find I'm just a couple of months too old, but never mind.

You can download your colouring in sheet here, or you can pick up a copy from any of these fine people:

• Beach Creative - Beach Street Herne Bay CT6 5PT
• Council Offices - William Street Herne Bay CT6 5NX
• Herne Bay Library - 124 High Street Herne Bay CT6 5JY
• Herne Bay Museum - 8 William Street, Herne Bay, CT6 5EJ
• Kids Korner toy shop - 98 Mortimer St, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5EB

Entry forms are to be returned by Saturday 23rd March 2013 to: Beach Creative, Beach Street, Herne Bay CT6 5PT.

There will be three prizes of £10, £7 and £5 vouchers in each age group 6 and under and 7-11. Prizes will be awarded at 9.50am on Friday 29th March at CO-OP 160 Mortimer St Herne Bay CT6 5DU.

This bundle of fun is being sponsored by Herne Bay Community Groups Project Ltd and supported by Beach Creative.

You can find out more about Karen on her website www.shoreisaloadofrubbish.com

​Click the picture to download your copy

Arts & Crafts at the Bandstand

The nice people from Portable Art Space are offering local artists an opportunity to showcase their work.