Conservatives Are Destroying The Fabric Of Our Community (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

Conservatives Are Destroying The Fabric Of Our Community

April 29, 2008 12:55 PM

"Conservative plans to redevelop the Wincheap estate represent a missed opportunity", said Guy Voizey, parliamentary spokesman for Canterbury and Whitstable Liberal Democrats.

"This is a once in a generation chance to address the problems caused by traffic congestion in that part of the city. On this basis, the Conservative plans fail. There is no guarantee that the congestion along the A28 and around the inner ring road will be addressed. As is the case with many of these developments we see today, too much emphasis is placed on constructing houses and flats. The provision of infrastructure, in the form of road access and water services, and public services, such as health services and recreational areas are generally ignored.

"This redevelopment project should concentrate on putting infrastructure in place first. Only then should buildings for flats and businesses be built. That is how developments are made in other countries. We should not be afraid to learn from their experience.

"This redevelopment must be designed for the long term. Short-term solutions, like the proposal to change the Thanington recreation ground into a car park, represent a threat to the fabric of our community. Communities are not made from bricks and mortar, but from the people who live, work and play in those areas. Reducing the opportunities for recreation will reduce the chance for our communities to thrive."