Major fire on the Scenic Railway 7th Apr. Suspected arson.

[troy]

Difficulties ? DIFFICULTIES ! EAS

Margate had a chance, a faint glimmer of hope and I am as well aware as anyone that the campaign has been tireless in their efforts but I am also a realist.

There will be no insurance to cover the damage.

The Council issue a mealey mouthed statement which squarely puts the rebuild costs firmly on the owner.

The owner will not pay.

It's as simple as that. Most press figures are now saying that about 40% was destroyed which I am guessing included all the workshops, trains and BOTH lifthills ? So that 40% is not really 40 % is it ? More like 70%. I would love to be proved wrong, and as am upset as anyone else here, but I seriously think that it is all over for The Scenic.

[kevinashe]

i think its best to wait until nick posts info as he probably will be talking to people today and will be able to give full extent to the damage.a question for eas could thanet council compulsory purchase the land the scenic stands on to allow securing of structure,security etc.

[smilerbaker]

afraid I have to agree with troy, the site is now clear, no one is going to pay to restore it, the site for the access road was cleared recently too.

being realistic its all over

Just glad I dragged the wife and my son down to dreamland the weekend it closed a couple of years back so my son could actually ride the railway.

[kevinashe]

negativity negativity that all im hearing the now,positivity breeds positivity and the park will reopen hopefullly sooner rather than later

[EAS]

CPO is not easy. That's way down the road from here really.

I agree - it's not good, but then the history of this entire campaign has been one of a battle in the face of adversity.

And as for the 'access road' site - that would require change of use from residential/commercial. Not sure anyone has as yet applied?


Same with Dreamland. No reason why an amusement park cannot be built on the site, as in the planning brief.

It could be a modern one, or it could feature replicas of historic ride types - and who knows what else may be able to be placed on site?

Many of the things in storage were only parts of machines, the rest would have to be replicated anyhow.

[smilerbaker]

Same with Dreamland. No reason why an amusement park cannot be built on the site, as in the planning brief.

It could be a modern one, or it could feature replicas of historic ride types - and who knows what else may be able to be placed on site?

I'd love to see this happen, but in the real TDC world, some envelopes will change hands PP will be granted for flats and shops and some companies with directors who are on the council will get some sweet contracts.

Just who they think will occupy these new shops escapes me.

[jonshrub]

My recommendation to the council would be to stick by their statement made this morning and do a little more to ensure this vital piece of history remains.

How about The council bin the Turner Centre Project and use the money to CPO the land. building a new amusement park to attract holiday makers back to Margate and a couple of porta-cabins for their sacred "art" exibition.

I put money on it that the people of Thanet would rather see the council pump some money into the sea front and all its potential than building the Turner Centre.

Much better use of cash IMO...

[EAS]

Look to see who is actually funding the Turner, and if that cash could be spent on other projects.

Look too at CPO's and how they work and what they can be used for.

This is the Save Dreamland Campaign; the Scenic is listed, as a nationally important structure, and that's the situation at the moment.

Long way to go yet before anything can happen.

[Shane]

Hi,

I am not sure if this has been mentioned but from an article in the Daily Mirror Tuesday. 08.04.2008 - It says and I quote, "Part of the Railway has been lost and all the carriages appear to have gone".

[smilerbaker]

My recommendation to the council would be to stick by their statement made this morning and do a little more to ensure this vital piece of history remains.

How about The council bin the Turner Centre Project and use the money to CPO the land. building a new amusement park to attract holiday makers back to Margate and a couple of porta-cabins for their sacred "art" exibition.

I put money on it that the people of Thanet would rather see the council pump some money into the sea front and all its potential than building the Turner Centre.

Much better use of cash IMO...

its all about prestige, the art centre makes all the up there own bottoms councillors pat each other on the back, look what we created, the fact its going to be surrounded by a waste ground doesn't seem to bother them.

Fiddling while Rome burns springs to mind.

Or, they could push and invest in the town, bring in tourists, jobs, cash, companies etc but they wouldn't have there showcase, or there back handers. Really for the rest of the world its a no brainer.

Now I can understand why businessmen screw over everyone and everything, but why are the council? are the incompetent, corrupt or just plan stupid?

But look back on other TDC decisions and it wont surprise you.

[kevinashe]

the lottery would perhaps fund work if the site could be sorted out,if its not given it all to the olympics

[thanet26294]

Just been confimed on the radio it was arson.............

[EAS]

The Turner is County Council. And a Trust.

Personally I have no problem with it - I visit galleries and will visit the Turner I have no doubt. I think there are plans for the surroundings also.

I'm unsure about the architecture as yet, I wait to see it in the glass. But as someone with a huge interest in architecture, old and new, I think a Chipperfield building will be an attraction for many, and bring people to see it.

The councils, as far as I can see, have many plans in place, but they can't work miracles and outside what they have the cash for - and the remit.

[EAS]

just been confimed on the radio it was arson.............

Thanks. Unsurprised really...

[flataeric]

As a Margate resident who has grown up here and spent much of my youth on the beaches around Thanet, working in the hotels and burger bars in the summers, I have to admit that although I have always been adamant that the Scenic should remain. I haven't, sadly, spent anywhere near enough time supporting the campaign. I intend to lend it my full support now and will give up any time I can. Once the situation is clear, a plan of action can be drawn up. Once this is sorted, can I suggest that a big loud voice is heard very clearly demanding the rebuilding. I am just one resident who has just about had enough of this farce of a council and all these continued developments. I will stand firm with you.