21 July 2010 - The Green Euro-MP for South-East England was in Chatham and Rochester yesterday (20 July) to listen to residents’ concerns that Medway Council’s poor consultation process is preventing people from having a say about development in their area.
Residents and campaigners have expressed particular concerns about the development of the Paddock, one of Chatham’s few remaining green spaces, into a new ‘dynamic’ bus station. The proposal, which is proving unpopular with locals who perceive it as badly designed, is part of Medway Council’s planned changes to the local Pentagon shopping centre – and the riverside green spaces.
Keith was joined on his visit to Medway by local candidate Steven Keevil, who will stand for the Green Party in the upcoming River Ward by-election.
Green MEP Keith Taylor said:
“Green spaces in Chatham are increasingly scarce, so building on the few that remain seems ill-advised. This ‘re-development’ will see dozens of mature trees cut down and will also lead to charges being brought in for the use of publicly funded toilets.
“Polling done by the Council has shown that 80% of people who use the services oppose the changes – yet this strength of feeling is being ignored. The lack of consultation and of thoughtful forward planning by the Council has also led to key areas being neglected.
“Perhaps one of the clearest examples is the stretch of the Chatham/Rochester High Street which was once a thriving part of the community, but is now a hub of empty shops – termed ‘Desolation Row’ by local group Medway Eyes (1). In fact, there are over 160 empty shops and business premises in the Medway Towns.
“I understand that the Council wants to attract people to the Pentagon Centre and compete with the likes of Bluewater and Maidstone. But why not boost the local economy with smaller, independent and specialist shops – and make Medway a really unique place to visit?
“The development of the Paddock seems to be yet another example of how the line between public spaces and private property is being continually blurred. And given that the Medway Area has the third highest rate of childhood asthma in the UK, we must ensure that development of natural land is sustainable and in the interests of public health.”
Steven Keevil, Green Party candidate, said:
“It’s great to see Keith visiting Medway as this area’s MEP – he is clearly eager to listen to the concerns of his constituents and explore ways to improve services and boost the local economy in a sustainable way.
“I am standing for a seat on the Council as it is important that somebody raises these issues. Scrutiny of the Council is notoriously weak, and it is not good enough to say that that is just the system and the way it has always worked. Residents of the Medway Towns are being given a raw deal and they need to see positive change to enable them to want to be part of proactive sustainable communities.”
Phil Dillon, Medway Eyes, said:
“Desolation Row is an ongoing multimedia project that aims to point out the social heritage of a small part of Medway against a backdrop of civic cultural vandalism, seemingly unstoppable so-called ‘regeneration’, and white elephant retail.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
1) Medway Eyes is an independent grass roots community group promoting music and arts in the Medway Towns.
