Dear Residents,
Welcome to the latest edition of our Herne Bay community news! I have a lot of exciting updates and developments to share with you, so let’s dive straight in…
Bandstand Repairs
Last year we celebrated the centenary of the iconic Bandstand, which is such a beloved feature of our seafront. But given the decline in its condition, I also launched a campaign calling on Canterbury City Council to prioritise the repair work required to fully restore it. Many thanks to the hundreds of people who have signed the petition!
This has taken a frustratingly long time, but there is progress now, with roof and heating system work ongoing, and the Council advertising to re-let the corner retail unit (formerly the Maharaja). The new tenant could be in place by June.
The glass panels for the roof have been ordered but I understand could take another couple of months or so to arrive, so it is touch and go if they can be installed and the scaffolding taken down in time for the peak summer season. Certainly we are all pushing for that!
The long-term picture for the Bandstand’s stage is unclear, and like you I really hope it will once again be able to host music events and community gatherings, providing a vibrant space for all to enjoy. While we await completion of the structural survey which will provide options for repair, I suggest you support our petition to ensure the Council hears our voice loud and clear.
Slump in Car Park Usage
I was at Scrutiny Committee last week to hear the news of the drop in car park usage in the Bay – almost 10% in the past year! This was sadly inevitable and exactly as we predicted, given the huge hike in car park prices that the Labour/Liberal coalition introduced in April 2024.
Canterbury City Council is pointing to a relatively cool summer last year as contributing to the drop in visitors, but whatever the mix of causes, what is undisputed is that this is very damaging for our seaside economy and the shops and restaurants who depend on tourism.
As such, the Council agreed to the proposal from the Conservative councillors to undertake a specific review on Herne Bay car park usage, as the warmer weather arrives, with a view to agreeing an action plan to restore the situation. I am clear that this will require reductions in car parking rates, so will keep making the case for our town.
Local Disability Sport Scores Big via the Boccia Super League!
In better news, I have huge congratulations to give to the Herne Bay Boccia Club, for their incredible achievement in qualifying for the National Super League of this disability sport.
Herne Bay Boccia is run by local resident Sheila Appleton, who said:
‘This is a massive milestone for our talented players, and we couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and hard work. The Super League features the top 8 clubs from around the country, so we are delighted to represent Herne Bay at the highest level of competition.
I’d also like to thank Dan Watkins and Kent County Council who have done a lot to support the club and our local disabled community over many years’.
Herne Bay ‘Time & Tide’ App – New Project to Boost Visitors
I’m excited to announce the launch of a brand-new 'Tide & Time' app, designed to bring even more visitors to our beautiful heritage town.
I’ve been working with the local University to create an ‘augmented reality’ app which will plot a walking route through the historical features of the Bay and bring them to life through a smartphone.
The app will be available free-of-charge from the summer for locals and tourists alike to download and enjoy, bringing the history of our town alive! It will create an exciting experience which both young and old can enjoy, while generating additional footfall for our shops and businesses, boosting the town’s economy. More to say on this topic in the months to come.
Burton Down Park Achieves 'Village Green' Status
I will always stand up for the protection of our local green spaces, so was pleased to assist the recent application for Burton Down Park to achieve 'Village Green' status. With support from residents and local Beltinge ward councillors Jeanette & Ian Stockley, I was delighted that Kent County Council listened to our argument and granted this extra protection from development. This ensures that the park will remain as an open green space for generations to come.
So, plenty going on! As always, thank you for being such a vibrant and engaged community, and I look forward to seeing you around town.