Friday 2 January 2009

A Green and Grand Vision for Thanet

Laura Sandys press release


With recession biting at our heels and our lives in a state of uncertainty this might not seem like an appropriate moment to be looking optimistically to the future.

But Thanet is an extraordinary place. It has natural beauty, unique architecture and great historical significance. Thanet also faces many challenges – unemployment, low skills, and high dependency on benefits. We need to grow economically and to attract more jobs to the area to thrive.

So let’s use our assets to meet our challenges. Combine our grand history with our green environment and we can play to our strengths instead of our weaknesses.
We should develop a long term strategy to become the nation’s leading Eco Zone – economically green. Attracting "Green collar work” could offer us the opportunity to beat some of the worst ravages of the recession, attract a growing business sector and complement our traditional natural and architectural beauty.

I t is, of course, already happening. Thanet Wind Farm and London Array are on the horizon. Thanet Earth is about to start production and Roger Gale MP is pushing for a Bio-Digester so we can a leader in eco-waste management. And we could do more.
With one of the country’s leading Eco house building companies, based in Thanet Westwood Cross should become a totally eco friendly village not the bog standard housing estate that John Prescott appeared so keen to promote.

Green engineering and green technologies do not yet have a geographical home in this country. With our existing natural environment - not least our fair share of wind - what better place to create an Eco- Economic Zone.

Thanet is also a Grand Isle with history that spans all periods and illustrates the beauty of all ages. Every significant style of architecture is represented with a unique history of artists, writers, generals and even Saints – never mind the successful and unsuccessful invaders. We must make more of our history for tourists and secure high - margin non-seasonal visitors that will support our leisure sector. Thanet is a MUST see location!

The time has come for "The Little Green Island" to take her rightful place at the Green and Grand forefront of this country.

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