'Deangate is an essential community asset, which should be protected' say the Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrats are calling on the Council to retain and protect the whole of Deangate Ridge, stressing its importance to the social wellbeing and social interest of the local community.

Deangate is a natural area next to to Lodge Hill which is the only protected SSSI site in the country for breeding Nightingales; designated after a national campaign led by the RSPB and the local community. Retention of Deangate free from development, roads and traffic would further protect and enhance the rich biodiversity of Lodge Hill.

The Council's planned spur "relief" road from a new roundabout on Peninsula Way, is not needed and if went ahead would effectively destroy the western end of Deangate and split it in two. Medway Council will not release the traffic assessment to justify the road. It is clearly linked to proposals to develop Deangate with luxury housing, described in the plan as "Parkland living".

John Castle, Chair of Medway Liberal Democrats said "We have proposed that specific plans should be drawn up, using money allocated to the environment budget in the Housing Infrastructure Fund, for a Country Park at Deangate. This would act as a buffer to Lodge Hill, which is the only protected SSSI site in the country for breeding Nightingales, and would be a continuation of a green wildlife corridor connecting the two. A Country Park at Deangate would protect and enhance the rich biodiversity of Lodge Hill, as well as Deangate itself.

Deangate belongs to the people of the Hoo Peninsula, and we feel that Deangate's future should be at the heart of any future development in Hoo. That is why we are calling for the scrapping of the pointless relief road through Deangate, and instead use the land to create a Deangate country park. A park that will not only protect the wildlife to the north, but will be a green oasis for the growing community in Hoo.

Liberal Democrats believe a section of Deangate could be allocated for the provision of allotments to local residents where need is identified. The popularity of allotments is currently again very popular, and we believe there is currently a waiting list for allotments in Medway."

'Deangate already acts as a Country Park with residents demonstrating the need to protect the whole Deangate Ridge Golf Club and Sports Complex as an asset, by their continued and extensive use of the site for recreation. Deangate Ridge Community Partnership succeeded in registered as an Asset of Community Value ("ACV") a recognition of its importance to the social wellbeing and social interest of the local community' - KM Online quote

Liberal Democrats want to stress that we are not opposed to the Hoo development, but the area of Deangate clearly shows that it plays a vital role in the community, providing an essential wildlife sanctuary and an area for public recreation acting as a treasured green lung for local residents.

ENDS