Harbour plan petition handed in

Campaigners say the plans will ruin Whitstable Harbour

A 10,000-signature petition opposing plans to redevelop Whitstable Harbour has been handed to councillors.

The Hands Off Our Harbour group claim Canterbury City Council's plans will ruin the waterfront.

Three proposals have been submitted for changes to the South Quay area. The public consultation ends on Friday.

Canterbury City Council said more thought and consideration would be given to the plans before a final decision on a design was agreed.

The petition is calling for the authority to stop the forthcoming selection process and to "take time to become better informed".

My view is that I am very sympathetic to what they have to say Councillor Jean Law

The group, which has also launched a poster and leaflet campaign, says the three current proposals are not sympathetic to the town environment and are a waste of money.

Deputy leader of Canterbury council, Jean Law, said: "We have to look at it very seriously and take it into consideration.

"My view is that I am very sympathetic to what they have to say... but I'm not the only one that will make the decision.

"I think they have been so robust in what they have to say that we really do have to listen to them, and that's why we will go to consultation of course."