Agenda item

The Leader of the Council reported on various projects that were planned across the district, including those for: Ramsgate Harbour; East Pier Yard, Ramsgate; Dolphin Lights, Ramsgate; Planting at Royal Parade Alcoves, Ramsgate;  Eastern Promenade Gardens, Ramsgate; The Centre Redevelopment, Newington; Empty Properties, Ramsgate; Ramsgate Tunnels; Harbour Projects; “The Green Box”; King Street, Ramsgate; Royal Pavilion, Ramsgate; Dreamland, Margate; Refurbishment of four Play Areas across the district; Skateparks; the Shed Project, Broadstairs; Ellington Park Ramsgate; and the SUCCESS (South-East Urban Coast Creative Enterprise Support Scheme) Programme.

The Leader of the Council also reported that, following the announcement of the closure of Manston Airport, he had proposed an emergency motion to regional meetings to explore extending the Enterprise Zone to cover Manston Business Park and Manston Airport, and that the Government had now been asked to consider such an extension.

Councillor Bayford, as Leader of the Conservative Group, commented that he always had believed that Manston could match the success of Southend, where, as a result of partners pulling together, there was a thriving airport employing 2,500 persons. 

He asked why the Leader of the Council had not, from the outset, worked with local skateboarders to resolve the issues identified in the ROSPA report that related to the Little Oasis Skate Park.

He also referred to the judge's ruling in relation to the decision to ban animal exports at Ramsgate Port and noted that an appeal was not being pursued.

The Leader of the Council responded by stating: that he had been proactive regarding Manston Airport; that the decision to ban animal exports had been the right decision from the perspective of protecting staff and animals; and that the negative situation regarding the Little Oasis Skate Park had been turned into a positive, with skateboarders now being fully supported to bring the site up to standard

Councillor King, Leader of the Independent Group, noted that quite a few of the projects mentioned in the Leader of the Council’s report related to Ramsgate and enquired what was being done for Westgate particularly in relation to play equipment for Epple Bay.  He also suggested that senior officers at Manston Airport felt that the Council’s attitude towards the future of the airport was one of negativity.

In response, the Leader of the Council stated that projects covered all parts of the district; that Councillor Johnston was in communication with a party regarding a new pitch and put facility for Westgate; and that he did support the Airport.

Councillor Cohen, as Leader of the Thanet Independent Group, welcomed the projects referred to by the Leader of the Council, particularly those in relation to affordable housing, the Green Box, Ramsgate Tunnels and Dreamland.  He also expressed support for Manston Airport, subject to controls being in place to protect the local community, and for the Council’s decision to ban animal exports from Ramsgate Port.

Councillor Wiltshire, Leader of the UKIP Group, expressed disappointment that the Little Oasis Skate Park had been demolished and referred to the legal costs likely to be incurred in relation to the ban on animal exports.

The Leader of the Council responded by stating that the decision regarding the Skate Park had been regrettable, but inevitable, and that skateboarders were working with the Council to find a positive way forward.