Dear Residents,
The weather Gods' were with us along with 750 local residents and a handful of dogs. The coalition demonstration last Saturday was a massive success, bringing together action groups and associations from Shepway and beyond. The sounds of whistles, drums and sirens filled the air as we all marched along the High street with banners aloft.
Hythe will never forget the impact that our demonstration had, not in a negative way but truly of a carnival atmosphere that had shoppers and shopkeepers smiling and clapping us along. But the message was clear: Listen to us Shepway District Council and listen to us now. We are tired of being bullied by your chief bully, David Monk at the helm of the inner cabal. Residents are saying 'enough is enough' This style of politics has got to change and it will.
Starting off at Douglas Avenue, marching along the High Street and turning into the ring road, our appointed marshalls' did a fantastic job in controlling our procession and ensuring that safety was paramount: We even took the appropriate action in letting by an ambulance with siren blaring - Well done stewards. Another occasion saw a driver purposely swerve into a member of our procession. The registration was captured on camera and police informed. Other drivers waived and tooted their horns in support, smiling as they went.
Arriving at the High Street square, preparation was made to listen to speakers from various groups and conduct television interviews. Local press were invited and made great play of the massive turnout: cameras were everywhere.
Then came the speeches: Representatives from Princes Parade, Shepway Environment Community Network, Sellindge & District Residents Association, Monks Horton Parish Meeting and Susie Govett, UKIP Councillor.
The theme was consistent with the sentiment and purpose of the Demonstration. We are tired of unwanted development being foisted upon us from empire building SDC whose only motive is
money.
We were heartened to hear from Susie Govett, opposing the Lorry Park, Otterpool Housing Estate, Princes Parade and other 'out of scale' developments. We all agree that housing for local people is most welcomed, but only on a human and organic scale. This is the first time that we have heard a Councillor singing from the same hymn sheet as us - How we wish that our local Councillors shared her views.
Undoubtedly the Demonstration was a huge success which now provides the impetus to gather even more momentum.
Bless you all for coming along - We'll see you at the next.
S&DRA.
