Keep calm and carry on

I sent this to all the Herne Bay Councillors, in the hope of encouraging them to keep their collective eye on the ball.

Dear Councillor,

It is now public knowledge that BAWC have pulled out of their negotiations with Infratil.

PLEASE don't let the issue of planes over Herne Bay drop off your radar. It is as important as ever, just temporarily less urgent.

For their own (presumably good commercial) reasons, Infratil couldn't allow Thanet or Canterbury Councils enough time to give their proposed increase in air traffic the careful attention it deserves. I got the impression that everything became rather hasty and rushed.

This temporary setback in Infratil's growth plans gives us all a much-needed breathing space. It is essential that we all use this interlude to agree a robust framework which allows Infratil scope for commercial success, while maintaining the quality of life for the residents of Herne Bay. Rather than rushing into this half-cocked, we can work towards a sound and solid "win-win" solution.

At Tuesday's HBAMP meeting, I was delighted to see you all agreed that this issue transcends party boundaries. At the meeting with Infratil on the 24th March, I think it is essential that you have Paul Twyman and a flight path expert present. Only then can you be sure of establishing what is possible and what is practical in terms of flight paths, monitoring and policing. And that is how to get the best deal for Herne Bay.

Bigger than politics

Herne Bay Area Members Panel, 10th March 2009 

Well, we went, we saw, but I'm not sure we've conquered quite yet.

Everyone paid attention when we gave our speeches, no booing, no rotten tomatoes - excellent behaviour.

Canterbury City Council has a long-standing appointment to meet Infratil in a couple of weeks. Cllr Ron Flaherty (LibDem, Heron ward) called for cross-party, non-political support from all Herne Bay Councillors to press CCC to get an independent expert on flight paths to attend. This expert would be able to spot if/when Infratil dodge, duck, dive or fib.

Cllr Flaherty also pointed out that Paul Twyman (head of the Kent International Airport Consultative Committee, the statutory body overseeing Manston) should attend. I'm absolutely boggled that he isn't automatically invited to everything Manston-related (do any of you, dear readers, have any idea why he isn't?).

Motion carried unanimously.

Hopeful.