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

[dj]

I for one was gutted to hear about the Scenic. I really hope it can be restored.

[EAS]

I think it won't be rapid, but I think there is every hope that it will one day run again.

It won't be the same, but the fire will become part of its history, as the other fires have.

[EAS]

Also delighted with the news the cinema has been upgraded to II*.

[kevinashe]

thanet council are threatening to buy the scenic and restore if the current site owners dont,nick does that mean that they will buy the whole site or just the part the scenic stands on.Also would this pave the way for a trust to run the site.

[EAS]

I think there's a very long way to go yet before a CPO will be considered.

[paul69]

how do we know that, why the permanent negativity EAS. I dont think its fair for the comment when really you dont know if TDC has something up there sleeve.

[EAS]

Well I don't think it is negativity - I do have some idea but maybe things should take their course.

However, a CPO takes a long time - and is not straightforward.

Owners also have some rights with their own land and buildings in law, and planning law is complex and we should try to be patient is my suggestion.

When there is news, I know it will be posted here.

Anyone involved in conservation issues will tell you that's it's complicated.

[vince69619]

I don't think EAS is being negative. She (if I remember correctly) knows her stuff on these subjects.

Personally I can envisage that this sort of thing would take a while.

It's not negative, it's realistic.

That's my thoughts.
Vince.

[EAS]

I do know my stuff. I also know how hard it all is and how nothing is straightforward and we should just try to allow things to take their course without thinking it will be rapid.

When there is news, I am sure it will be posted here.

[paul69]

i am a surveyor myself so i do know it works but thanks anyway.

[porf]

Another Grade II structure in Margate owned by developers catches alight :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7387123.stm

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kol08/article/default.asp?article_id=41211

[EAS]

Yes, I was just about to post that.

Not good. It seems arson attacks are becoming the norm in Margate.

Let's hope the perpetrators are caught very soon. Of course. listing restricts what can be done so a fire can be very convenient.

[Geoffers]

Out of interest.... do know who owns the property.... it couldn't be.... could it?

[EAS]

Couldn't tell you that.

But here's more:

http://margatearchitecture.blogspot.com ... -goes.html

[Geoffers]

Wow... another site that had been bought and awaiting development, and... oooops it goes up in flames.

I'd say there was something fishy afoot.. but with all the smoke on the margate air, it'd be a kipper by now!