Sad news from CCC Executive - but the fight goes on.
Last Thursday night was a sad night
for Kingsmead, a sad night for open space in Canterbury Canterbury
There were 15 powerful
presentations (including 3 impressive speeches by local children) in front of a
packed Council chamber. However, the debate between the Executive members
was short and weak; not one of the critical points raised in the presentations
was seriously addressed. Campaign activists feel that the intellectual
and moral battle was won, although the vote was lost.
The
future
The Executive's decision
to appropriate Kingsmead Field was instantly called in for scrutiny by
opposition councillor James Flanagan. This debate is likely to take place
next Wednesday morning at 9.30am and is open to the public (more details to
follow). After that, the Executive decision will have to be ratified by
full council.
The Village Green
application is still pending. No building can take place on the field
until this has been heard, and this is not likely to happen until the middle of
next year. Its chances of success are slim (because of the stringent
criteria that need to be fulfilled), but the result is still uncertain, and no
developer will want to buy the field until they know the final outcome of this
application.
It is clear that the field
is still greatly appreciated by local people and that there is a huge need for
open space in this city. With a little vision and investment, the
potential recreational value of the field to the local community could be
immense. Hopes of this happening are fading, but are by no means
extinguished; the fight goes on.
Press
coverage
There was excellent
newspaper coverage of the campaign in this week's local papers (front page in
the Canterbury Times) and a large article on page 5 of the Gazette. Without
doubt, there will be coverage in next week's papers too. If you were at
last night's meeting, please consider writing a short letter to one or
both papers: Gazette: kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk /
To keep right up to date with the campaign visit :
http://kingsmeadfield.blogspot.co.uk/
