Radio Sausage

A few ounces of reconstituted tree, shaped into a local freesheet, thump to the floor. The crisp metal edge of the letterbox snaps back into place, briefly trapping a small fleshy obstruction. The pain-numbed child continues its paper round.

This is what passes for effective communication in 21st century Kent.

But things are looking up: I read in that very freesheet that one of our elected representatives (Cllr Perkins) seems to have 'the vision thing' (article). He has proposed that Council meetings be recorded and broadcast on the internet, arguing this would encourage greater engagement in local politics - I approve. Anyone who actually gives a toss could listen live, or any time later that suits them. They wouldn't have to get themselves to whichever Council meeting place at whatever (more or less inconvenient) time of day.

Cllr Perkins accurately predicted that other Councillors would oppose the idea. Cllr Gilbey is quoted as saying  

"My personal view is that I wouldn't want to give the opportunity for grandstanding in front of cameras or recorders."

I may be warming to Cllr Gilbey's sense of humour: the idea that the mere presence of a microphone or webcam would transform Council into a casting session for Chicago! just makes me chuckle. On my one exposure to Council I observed:

• very little excessive or unnecessary expenditure of effort
• peer and group pressure to conform
• many conventions and procedures to curtail or restrict Councillor participation
• only about 5% egomania

This is not an ideal nursery for 'grandstanding' prima donnas. And they're limited to three minutes each, anyway.

The dark voices in my head tell me that some Councillors oppose this move towards greater transparency for bad reasons: embarrassed by what they say, or by how little they say; wanting to lay claim to non-existent protests and challenges; not wanting their words to be remembered too precisely; not wanting to be seen as a low-budget part-time imitation of Parliament at its braying worst; and so on.

The saying goes that law-making and sausage-making are not pleasant to witness. The proposed internet broadcast would be like listening to sausages being made (every one a sizzling banger, hopefully). It might set your teeth on edge. It might send you to sleep. It might play havoc with your blood pressure. But if it gets more people more involved, and makes more Councillors more responsive, it will be worth every penny.

If CCC 'doesn't have the money for this sort of thing' as Cllr Gilbey is reported as saying, I am more than happy to discuss digging into my own pocket to help make it happen. Any Councillors wanting to take me up on this kind offer can contact me via the Comments below.

Gale's attitude problem

Saturday: a beautiful frosty, sunny winter's morning in Herne Bay, and time to meet our MP. My fine & beloved woman and I strode up to the dodgy automatic doors of the Herne Bay Council offices and pried our way in. There we found Roger Gale, and Cllr Ann Taylor (HoS) who had kindly made time to see us.

Given that the Evil Land Grab is entirely a Council-level rather than MP-type issue, we asked Roger about the options open to us if the Council behaved illegally. He came up with some sensible suggestions (Secretary of State, Local Government Ombudsman, District Auditor) and a couple of other useful leads.

However, I was taken aback by his views on the covenants. "Twenty-five years experience as an MP... a Council can just say 'Rats!' to a covenant... not worth the paper they're written on...".

Bad attitude, Roger!

I'm disappointed and dismayed to see an elected law-maker wearily accept the spectacle of other elected representatives trampling over covenants. When it comes down to it, even the Law of the land is 'worthless' unless and until it's enforced. The covenants are legally binding, cannot be disregarded, and will be enforced.

Gale's View: Sports Hall Relocation

Herne Bay MP Roger Gale has submitted his views, in relation to the re-location of the Sports Hall, to the City Council in response to the Herne Bay Plan public consultation. The full text of his submission is below:

House of Commons,
3rd March 2008

Connecting Herne Bay
Area Action Plan Preferred Options

Objections to HB1 and HB2 submitted by Roger Gale, MP.

A recognition of the need to replace the existing sports facilities on the pier and to both facilitate the development of the pier itself and upgrade the sports facilities is not only welcome but essential.

However...

Proposals to re-locate the Sports Facilities and Roller Hockey Arena from the Pier to Herne Bay High School and other fitness and health facilities to the Heron Swimming Pool complex have been taken in isolation and do not reflect the wider needs of the approaching two-thirds of the population of the City district resident on the coastal strip.

The High School is located at the back of the town on a road that is already inadequate to meet the traffic demand generated by new-build housing. Very little consideration appears to have been given to the safety of access or to the impact of traffic upon the local environment.

Either the proposed centre will be under-used and not generate traffic, in which case it will have failed to meet its purpose, or it will cause traffic congestion and danger.

(It will be interesting to see how planners propose to create a “clear and strong ….dedicated cycle route between the school, the station and the town centre” and to enable such a route to safely traverse the Thanet Way.)

The report says that “The identification of a suitable site in the Town’s catchment area has proved problematic in advancing Option 4”. From where has sprung the imperative that determines that a completely new fitness centre and five-court hall should be located “within the town’s catchment area” and which options have actually been seriously considered?

Herne Bay enjoys the only international standard roller hockey club in the United Kingdom. Skaters from the whole of the coastal strip use the facility and need and deserve a modern arena with adequate spectator provision.

The coastal strip also lacks a good, accessible, modern performance venue and sports facilities.

Canterbury City District has a one-off opportunity to create, with the backing of Sport England, Kent County Council and other relevant authorities, a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor sports and leisure complex that will serve the needs of the whole of the populations of Herne Bay, Chestfield, Tankerton, Whitstable and the hinterland villages and developing and expanding settlements.

I share wholeheartedly the view that it is desirable to protect the green land between the coastal towns and can think of no better way of securing that objective than by designating such land as playing fields. Supported by a well-designed pavilion/sports hall that is in keeping with the rural landscape (an exciting project for a good architect) it should be possible – and there is land available – to provide sports, leisure, fitness and performance venues for the existing and future population.

It would appear that the "High School Option" has been driven by the attraction of Building Schools for the Future funding and free land at the expense of the real needs and aspirations of the wider community.

There is no doubt that a purpose built Centre would be more costly than the proposed but second-best alternative. But are we seriously suggesting that a City of the size and importance of Canterbury, the "County Town of East Kent", a city that proposes to raise and spend in excess of £20 million on a city theatre designed for sedentary leisure, is unable to provide, also, for facilities designed to promote and enhance the health and active leisure of people of all ages?

My understanding is that no City Councillor of any political party has yet visited the K2 Centre at Crawley to see at first hand what can, with the political will, be achieved. I am not advocating a project on such a lavish scale but K2 is living proof that where there is a will there is indeed a way.

I would respectfully urge Canterbury City Council to shelve the High School proposal, to literally go back to the drawing board and to further examine both possible sources of funding and potentially available sites. I fear that if this opportunity is lost then the coastal strip will be denied, possibly for good, the facilities that it deserves and that future generations will not forgive today’s elected politicians if this golden opportunity is not seized.

Roger Gale M.P. (March 6th 2008)

Obvious need for a safe solution

Canterbury City Council Development Brief for Land West of Mill Lane, 16th February 2006, says:

Consideration should also be given to improvements at the Blacksole Bridge over the railway to assist pedestrians and cyclists using this route, it is noted, however, that provision of a pedestrian bridge is a requirement of Blacksole Farm development. Improvements to the bus shelter in Canterbury Road and provision of a bus shelter in Margate Road should also be addressed.

It was clear enough then. In fact, it's been obvious to anyone who has looked closely at a map (or walked across Blacksole Bridge) that a busy road with blind bends and no pavements needs sorting out.

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Visit www.SaveHillborough.info for more

Blacksole Bridge: Obvious in 2004

Canterbury City Council, Talmead Development Brief, October 2004, says:

Margate Road bordering the site to the north poses a particular danger to pedestrians from vehicular traffic due to the blind corner with no pavements. The road is particularly hazardous for pedestrians crossing Blacksole Bridge to the North East of the site.  Blacksole Bridge does not have pavements but is the only means of pedestrian access over the railway line from the site to Herne Bay and local facilities and is currently well used by Broomfield residents via the Thanet Way underpass.

click it to big it

It was clear enough in 2004. This problem was visible from a long way off, but CCC refused to see it.

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Visit www.SaveHillborough.info for more

2004 Pier Report: CCC summarise the findings

Consultants report on pier's future

Consultants have concluded there is the potential to develop Herne Bay pier into a major attraction that could help regenerate the town as a thriving seaside resort. However, their report makes it clear that there is no prospect of attracting sufficient public or private funding, in the foreseeable future, to restore the full three-quarter-mile long pier.

The report, by specialist leisure consultancy firm PMP, says it may be possible to extend the existing pier for a short distance and introduce new commercial leisure facilities to provide an all-year attraction. PMP found a strong level of commercial interest in developing the pier, but said the income from the private sector needs to be offset against the high costs of developing over water compared to land. They considered the most successful commercial use is likely to be restaurants, bars, a casino and family entertainment.

The report stresses that there will need to be considerable effort to secure external funding to achieve this form of redevelopment. It also highlights the need for a clear strategy for the regeneration of Herne Bay. A key part of this will be the future of the sports centre, which currently occupies the main pavilion on the pier. The consultants believe it cannot continue to provide the quality of facilities required in modern sports centres and say it will be essential to upgrade it, which could be more easily achieved on a new site within the town.

The study was commissioned earlier this year by Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Tourism South East. PMP's report will be presented to the city council's Executive in July when decisions will be taken on further study work into producing a regeneration action plan, relocating the sports centre and developing details of options for the pier. Canterbury City Council's Executive member for leisure, Cllr Roger Matthews, said:

"The city council's Executive will be able to use this report as the basis for a clear strategy for rebuilding Herne Bay pier as part of an overall regeneration action plan for the town. It may not be possible to achieve the full-length pier immediately, but we are very hopeful that we can provide residents and visitors with a major new facility. In the future, when the financial climate may be easier, I hope we can look to extending the pier progressively towards its former length."

Kent County Council's Cabinet member for regeneration, Alex King, said:

"We have been keen participants in this study from the outset. I am now looking forward to seeing how potential commercial development on the shorter pier can impact upon Herne Bay's prosperity within a wider regeneration programme for the town itself and provide a basis for further development in the future."

CCC website 29 June 2004

2004 Pier Report: PMP executive summary

Herne Bay needs a major visitor attraction if it is to thrive in the 21st century, a pier could provide such an attraction and could be the catalyst for regeneration and prosperity. There is the potential to provide a new pier which would "help regenerate Herne Bay as a thriving seaside town with good employment opportunities for local people" but there would need to be considerable effort in securing external funding.

Executive summary

PMP was appointed by Canterbury City Council in February 2004 to undertake a feasibility study into a new pier at Herne Bay. The consultancy team was comprised of:

• PMP (a specialist sport and leisure consultancy),
• Marks Barfield Architects,
• Donaldsons (property consultants),
• Yolles (structural engineers) and
• Gardiner and Theobold (cost consultants).

The aim of the study is to put forward technically feasible ideas for rebuilding the pier and to assess the financial viability and achievability of proposals. Two main types of proposals have been assessed:

• rebuild to the style of the former pier, with free public access and limited commercial development
• develop a large-scale commercial complex intended as a spur to regenerate the town as a major regional centre for leisure, maritime activities and other visitor attractions. Options for varying the length of the pier may have been considered.

The primary objective of the project is:

"to help regenerate Herne Bay as a thriving seaside town with a strong local economy and provide good employment opportunities for local people"

Five key conditions must apply to any proposal:

1. the pier must be accessible to local people
2. the present or improved sports facilities must be incorporated within the pier complex or be relocated to an appropriate alternative site within the town
3. the proposal will need to be fully funded by external sources, primarily the private sector. lt must not be assumed that significant capital or revenue sums will be available from Kent County Council or Canterbury City Council to fund this project nor to underwrite any losses
4. the project must be financially, environmentally and technically sustainable in the long term
5. any improvements required to the highway and transport network and other essential infrastructure development work must have a realistic prospect of being deliverable.

Summary of Conclusions

Herne Bay needs an attraction...

• Herne Bay needs a major visitor attraction if it is to thrive in the 21st century, a pier could provide such an attraction and could be the catalyst for regeneration and prosperity.

...but it also needs an overall strategy

• A missing component at this stage, however, is a clear strategy for the regeneration of Herne Bay. This is one of the fundamental points in Sea Changes, the strategy for resort regeneration. lt also anticipates the first question which will be asked by any potential funding body: "so where does the pier sit in the bigger scheme of things?"
• Furthermore, the pier project and the regeneration strategy are more likely to be successful if they are placed in the wider East Kent context. This will be the case for the tourism product as a whole. Redevelopment of the pier alongside projects such as the Turner Centre in Margate and the reputation of Whitstable as a character destination will add to the critical mass and will help maintain the vitality of the area for visitors.

Strong commercial interest

• There is a strong level of commercial interest in developing on a new pier; however, the income from the private sector needs to be offset against the substantially increased costs of developing over water compared to developing on dry land.
• A casino would provide the main attraction on the commercial pier. It would be complemented by other uses to ensure a family friendly environment and all day/ year round interest.
• There is no certainty that a boat operation from the end of the pier would be commercially viable, so the rationale for providing a ¾ mile long pier must be questioned. Furthermore, any long pier option has a major cost which makes commercial viability impossible. Therefore, it is more beneficial to concentrate on short pier options.

The four main options arising

1. The two main options in the brief - a traditional pier and a modern, commercial pier - need to be seen in the context of two additional options: do nothing, and demolition.
2. "Do nothing" would mean that Herne Bay continues with the present pier and sports pavilion until both facilities, inevitably, decline to the extent that they are no longer functional or viable. At present this is costing the council £70,000 per year (£45,000 for the sports hall and £25,000 for pier maintenance) plus an additional £272,000 required in maintenance over four years just to keep the sports centre to its current standard (source: IPF condition survey).
3. If the pier were allowed to decay it would have a significant negative impact on the town. Furthermore, closure at the end of its life would force the issue of replacement in any case (with all the associated capital costs).
4. Demolition would avoid the problems that come with decay and dereliction (vandalism, public safety, blight, etc) but it would be a depressing and premature end to the pier. lt is not a way forward that we would recommend.

No self funding options

• Our analyses have shown that none of the options are self funding and all are likely to require some level of support from public grants, ranging from £0.6m to £12.8m. Clearly, options at the higher end of the scale are unlikely to be deliverable. There are a number of public sector grants available and the pier could make an attractive funding proposition based on its regenerative potential.
• To summarise, there is the potential to provide a new pier which would "help regenerate Herne Bay as a thriving seaside town with good employment opportunities for local people" but there would need to be considerable effort in securing external funding.

Recommendations

• This report is used as the basis for consultation with external funding organisations to clarify the level, likelihood and timing of additional funds.
• A regeneration strategy and masterplan for Herne Bay is prepared, setting the pier and other local initiatives in context, and ensuring that infrastructure improvements are not undertaken in isolation.
• Further public consultation takes place on the emerging options.
• There is a detailed feasibility study into the relocation of the sports centre.
• Further technical studies are undertaken into construction options in order to provide greater cost certainty, and to explore routes for cost reduction.

2004 Pier Report: CCC asking for opinions

Herne Bay pier - have your say

Consultants working on the study into the feasibility of rebuilding Herne Bay pier are asking local residents about the type of facility they would like to see and how it would benefit the town. A special website and email address has been set up to allow the public to make suggestions and put forward ideas for any new pier. The consultant, PMP and associates, has stressed that, as piers are very expensive to build and run, it is important to ensure that commercial interests can generate sufficient profits to cover these costs.

Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Tourism South East are jointly funding the study, which is now underway. The consultant is concentrating on the economic case and possible funding for the project and will be approaching a number of potential commercial investors. City council joint executive member for leisure, Cllr Roger Matthews, said:

"We're aware many people in Herne Bay have ideas as to the kind of facilities a new pier should provide and now is the time to send them in. The consultant will look at every comment they receive, so I would urge local people to make their views known."

CCC website 02 March 2004

2004 Pier Report: CCC announces kick-off

Pier study consultants appointed

Consultants have been appointed by the city council to carry out a feasibility study into the rebuilding of Herne Bay pier. PMP Consultants, a specialist leisure consultancy firm, have been selected from the three high quality tenders the city council received. The council will be meeting with the company next week to discuss the study in detail and agree its timescale.

It is hoped phase one of the study, which will investigate options for the new pier and assess the economic viability of the project, will be completed by the spring. If this initial report proves positive, further work will need to be carried out by the consultant to draw up a scheme in more detail, set out the likely impact and benefits for the town and establish a full business case for private investment. City council joint executive member for leisure, Cllr Roger Matthews, said:

"We're pleased to have chosen the consultants for this study. All three bids were of a high standard and the council now looks forward to working with PMP Consultants to establish whether the rebuilding of Herne Bay pier is a viable project."

PMP will work on the study alongside Marks Barfield Architects, who were the company behind the design of the London Eye and received the Queen's Award for Enterprise for that project in April 2003. Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and Tourism South East are jointly funding the first phase of the study.

CCC website 3rd Feb 2004