Mixed Messages at Lib Dem Eco Tourism Summit

Local interest groups and a small number of residents attended the ‘Eco –Tourism summit’ at the RSPB visitors centre on March 3.

Although only 24 people attended, the meeting was generally thought to be a success with important issues addressed and discussed.

Representatives from the wildlife organisations on the Marsh, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Angling Associations, Shepway Cycle Forum and several Conservative Councillors were among those present.

Many speakers were strongly in favour of the initiative, although sometimes the meeting was a fractious as attendees disagreed on several issues.

Concerns were raised that residents did not want extra tourists visiting the area and the current infrastructure, especially the lack of public toilets, would not be able to cope with an increase in numbers.

Chris Kirkham of Discover Folkestone cautioned against Dungeness becoming ‘tawdry and tacky’ if initiatives were not well managed.

The need to create jobs was repeatedly stressed and caused some of the sharpest exchanges.

Malcom Dyer of Romney Marsh regeneration Partnership said, ‘we have to provide something that will improve the economic wellbeing of the area.’ Conservative Councillor Russell Tillson echoed this point and cautioned that any plan would likely need a ’15 to 20 year timeframe.’

Resident Brian Godfrey raised the strongest concerns that the project would fail. Mr Godfrey criticised the speakers, saying ‘not one of you has talked directly about job creation.’

Lambasting Marsh-based organisations and councils for the lack of communication, Mr Godfrey also raised concerns that charitable organisations were taking over vast swathes of the Marsh and were stifling development and improvement of infrastructure.

Conservative Councillor Carole Waters criticised Cllr Beaumont for ‘sounding naive.’

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Beaumont admitted that the number of attendees was not as high as hoped, saying several organisations had expressed interest but were unable to send a representative.

Cllr Beaumont accepted the concerns raised but emphasised that an alternative plan was needed for the Marsh given that Dungeness C will not go ahead.

Cllr Tillson, who had previously called plans ‘cloud cuckoo land thinking’ said ‘I fully support any initiative to promote the Marsh,’ and added that he was pleased Ms Beaumont had been alerted to some of the difficulties faced by such projects.

The issue of the Marsh has become a major political issue in the area, and the Eco-tourism summit has so far been a key point in the Liberal Democrat’s green message.

Since the government decision not to consider Dungeness C as a site for new nuclear power station, Conservatives continue to fight for Dungeness C. This divide seems to be gaining in importance and could have a great effect on the national election this year and the District elections in 2011.