The post you are reporting:
One of the tricks in teaching is making the deliberate mistake particularly when you have reason to believe they have other things on their mind. In my submission of yesterday I made a deliberate mistake, twice ... as I was sure that those who oppose Lara, Alexander and myself are not interested in why we feel so strongly about protecting the National Ancient Monument of Western Heights and the Arthurian Farthingloe Valley against wanton development.
My deliberate mistake was in my paragraph on the £20million Dover Community Hospital, that I went through the legal process to secure for Dover, but whom one of the contributors, Reg Hansell postings #1009/#1013 along with a couple of other politicians successfully blocked.
Thanks, Howard for publishing the pix #1028 - and the kind words.
I am please to note that Cllr Roger Walkden was happy with the wording of our petition (#1031) - we make a point of telling the truth. Of note, later a representative of CGI told us that they had been told the heading we used was a lie.
Alexander has given some of the views that folk expressed who signed our petition; I am collating all of the views expressed and will publish a full account on this site. Suffice to say our petition was aimed at getting a 'snap-shot' of public opinion. KCC Highways allowed us two hours: 10.00hrs-12.00hrs in Biggin Street and Cannon Street but not Market Square. Public Opinion is strongly against the development.
Finally, SWWood (#1026) asks what next for Western Heights if the development proposal is stopped.
There are two answers to this question, in my opinion of DDC/English Heritage have their way, the site will be left to the WHPS, WCCP and others who voluntary make an effort, with increasing financial cutbacks. In a few years time another grand proposal will come along to develop the site. This is what as happened since I successfully brought my case in 1992/3.
My own feelings have not changed since that time. I strenuously believe that Western Heights desperately needs both TLC and the FINANCE to take it off the Heritage at Risk Register and turn it the major tourist asset we strived for in the 1990s. This has to be front led by DDC and English Heritage with the same level of commitment as DDC has shown in their support for the CGI proposal - I have copies of their letters ... Cut backs are no excuse.
More immediately, there is need for electricity, water, car parking and toilets in the vicinity of the Drop Redoubt and Grand Shaft.
Then Dr Gibbs recommendations (Built Heritage Conservation Framework for Dover Western Heights p175-176) should be taken into consideration. These include the drawing up of an integrated conservation management, following public consultation that is adopted by stakeholders and implemented.
A Conservation Plan, consistent with the BHCF's approach, should then be drawn up and to achieve this plan the stakeholders should actively show commitment to implement them.
Does that answer your question, SWWood?
Lorraine