Village Green at Westbrook
Feb 8, 2011 at 18:57 
Congratulations to WASPS (Westbrook Against Selling Promenade Site) for getting the Westbrook Promenade at Westgate-on-Sea registered as a village green, thus preventing Thanet District Council from "disposing" of this locally valued asset for development.
Village Green Hearing
At the Village Green Hearing on 8th February 2011 it was decided by the KCC Regulation Committee that the land adjacent to Barnes Car Park on Westbrook promenade be registered as a Town Green. WASPS are delighted with the result that protects this land from development and ensures the continued use by local people.
The site on Westbrook Promenade remained on the asset disposal register awaiting the outcome of the village green application and we assume it will now be removed.
You have probably seen the publicity about the fact that we have persuaded TDC that an ideal solution for this site would be to create a nature park. This could be achieved involving local people in planting shrubs on the site and managing the grass to encourage wildflowers and biodiversity. This would be part of a larger project run by the Kent Wildlife Trust to manage cliff tops and other sites around Thanet under the Thanet Wildlife Project. This site will form an important part of this project. It is good to have support from TDC, Natural England and the Thanet Coast Project.
A presentation was given at the January Westgate and Westbrook Resident’s Association meeting by Paul Pearce of the Kent Wildlife Trust who outlined the scheme which will be supported by local volunteers.
Volunteer Day
There will be a volunteer day on Sunday 20th February 2011 and and full details of the event are in the previous posting. Following the event we would like to set up a group, possibly called Friends of the Westbrook Undercliff Nature Park. This could consist of local volunteers to help Kent Wildlife Trust manage the site and determine its future.
The success of the village green application will give protection and allow local people to create something on this site for the benefit of the community and wildlife. This also strengthens the protection under European law as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). This campaign has demonstrated to TDC the feelings of local people and the value of this site to the community. It has also made local politicians think carefully about other sites up for disposal.
I would like to thank all those people who have supported us and gave evidence. It has been a long road to reach where we are at present but it has been worth it.
Village Green
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