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

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

OK,
What needs to happen is that owners will be charged with suspected arson if their on-hold projects go up in flames. This may prompt them to take security measures to prevent such losses.

It's just too obvious.

[dave771]

Hi Kyle, that would be great if there was evidence to back it up which there probably wont be. Yes it may seem that something dodgy is going on but without concrete proof not a great deal can be done,

Dave

[Cheryl]

I remember seeing the developer on Homes Under the Hammer. He was actually buying a piece of derelict land below the Nayland Rock, where a former cafe building has been demolished. He stated that he was going to build a restaurant on the site with a balcony area overlooking the sea. I do remember fencing going around the site and a notice saying a restaurant was to follow. During the program it was also mentioned that this person owned the former Conservative Club in Hawley Square and his intention was to convert into flats. From memory this was about 2-3 years ago. I believe he had a fireplace business in London. Whether he still owns this land now, I don't know, but nothing ever happend with any of his ventures, perhaps money was the issue.

[EAS]

According to one news report, people have been made homeless by the fire. Maybe the building wasn't empty?

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

It said people were evacuated.... Could be the next door residences.

[EAS]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ruuB6-76I ... re=related

Here's something to keep everyone going:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fhEqe9y7g ... re=related

It will rise again!

[Becks045]

I remember seeing the developer on Homes Under the Hammer. He was actually buying a piece of derelict land below the Nayland Rock, where a former cafe building has been demolished. He stated that he was going to build a restaurant on the site with a balcony area overlooking the sea. I do remember fencing going around the site and a notice saying a restaurant was to follow. During the program it was also mentioned that this person owned the former Conservative Club in Hawley Square and his intention was to convert into flats. From memory this was about 2-3 years ago. I believe he had a fireplace business in London. Whether he still owns this land now, I don't know, but nothing ever happend with any of his ventures, perhaps money was the issue.

I saw that Homes under the Hammer and was particulary interested as I had mande enquires to TDC about that piece of land for similar purposes. Of course, TDC, were not helpful and claimed they didn't even know what I was talking about. Apprently Godden owned it many years ago and if my memory serves me right, there was a fire there too.

Anyway, I've checked with UK Planning and the application has been accepted recently for a cafe/bar on that site. I don't remember anything about him owning anything else though?

[paul69]

I would like to say thank you again to the main ( chiefs) crew for the back ground activity, with so much going on at the moment. With such a tradegy happening it does seem like to me, that everyone seems to be pulling together with many more local people involved the whole thing seems much more positive. thanks again.

[EAS]

It seems from this news report that at least one seaside arson attack may be solved, although I appreciate the dreadful loss of life in this one will have concentrated efforts, it shows that at times detective work can bring results:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7399895.stm

We can live in hope that those responsible for the recent spate of fires at Margate can also be brought to justice.

[neeshambles]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ruuB6-76IC4&feature=related

Here's something to keep everyone going:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fhEqe9y7g ... re=related

It will rise again!

In the second video, is that the shooting star painted red?

[dave771]

It is the Looping Star and has always been that colour, now in operation at Loudon Castle in Scotland. There was another Looping Star operational at Margate from 1982-1995 which is in photo galleries under "The Bembom years"

[neeshambles]

Thankyou, yes the one I remember was the blue one during the Bembon years. Never saw the red one.

[porf]

Tiny update on the arson attack as part of this Sunday's Kent on Sunday article about the Prince's Regeneration Trust.

A Kent Police spokeswomen said the investigation into the Scenic Railway arson attack was continuing and added "it is anticipated there may be some updates shortly"

[erclairedoc]

Thanks for posting that Paul as I don't always get that paper. I think we are all keen to read their findings from investigations. Hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer.

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

I think we are all keen to read their findings from investigations.

I imagine the Police will simply say that the investigation is over and that they do not have any idea as to who might have wanted to have the Scenic Railway burned down.