Upset and Angry

[harlowgirl]

Today we went to Margate and Dreamland.

Alough I'd heard that it was looking less than nice, I was horrified to find the place looking like a traveling fair...without the atmosphere !

With most rides costing at least a pound, and the more exciting ones up to £2...It made it a very expensive day out for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids.
There were no offers such as buy 20 tokens get 6 free...each token was sold individually at 50p each.
It cost us six quid for one ride together on the great scenic railway.

No wonder the place was half empty.

Why not introduce a wristband sceme along with the tokens. It would encourage more families who are there on holiday.
There were no sideshows, the place looked like a giant car park.

I could have cried.

The love and atmosphere was non existant.

Ride operators looked bored, rides stood still and many were half empty.
We couldent get out of there fast enough.

Its bad enough to put a second rate fair in dreamlands place, but to price rides individually is an insult to families who cannot afford more than a couple of rides.

Oh and we walked by the gallopers and noticed that there is now not a barrier around the roundabout.
A small toddler making a swift run for it and falling against the fast moving ride would get seriously hurt.

We have decided not to come back to margate in the forseable future, unless they improve dreamland.

The beach alone with the very dirty (well minging I will not discribe ! ) ladies toilets opposite dreamland end...is not worth it.

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

Hi Elaine,

Sad, isn't it? None of us has much faith in the current operator.

In fairness, it's not entirely his fault, as he has only been offered a short concession which isn't likely to make him invest any time or money in the park.

We need an operator who has a long-term interest in Dreamland, and this will only happen when TDC make it clear that Dreamland will remain as an amusement park, with no change of use permitted whatsoever.

Let's hope things are better when you next visit.

Vince.

[harlowgirl]

Hi

Lets hope dreamland gets sold to someone who will restore it.
I will come back if things get better.

I was looking at some recent photos of dreamland from May this year (on another site) and half of the rides are now gone.

I have many memories of Margate, all of them good ones. Its such a decline.

Pull the punters in and make it something worth seeing and it will do all the business's in Margate a favour.

Let it decline then once the sun starts going down at teatime, there will be no reason to stay.

I was looking at the Great Yarmouth pleasure beach site.
That has token rides and also a £15 wristband price...well worth it on a day out....and while people are riding the rides, they are spending money on the side shows and eating from the parks cafes and take aways.

In the future if Dreamland survives, and takes on a simular approach, maybe during winter months, the car park can house a market or boot sale to boost funds..
A bit of greenary, a nice picnic area , a lick of paint and a bit of a seaside theme to make it more of an identity.

Just a thought.

[Bob]

It seems pretty much the same in most of what wre seaside resorts. Most are now run down dumps pretty much as Margate is. No investment is made in the resorts and the Local councils seem supprised when they do not get any tourists. They really need to open there eyes. Would anyone really want to come to visit Margate in the state it is now. Its dirty, run down, derelict and has no facilities. The local council really needs to wake up as do the businesses in Margate. No one is going to come to visit a third rate dump.

Clacton has gone pretty much the same way but at least its not a dump. They missed a golden oppertunity to revitalse their tourist industry when the old Butlins site closed. They could have turned it into a Modern facility it was an ideal location right on the seafront next to a golf course and airstrip and close to town. What did they chose to do though, Build cheap and tacky housing on it. It killed of their tourist industry.

[marc]

i visted clacton a fornight ago on a sunday.
there was not many people about and the only ride running full was
the jump and smile.
i agree that a lot of seaside towns have gone down hill in the last few years.
here in felixstowe it has been a very quiet year (weather not helping)
but when the sun is out also ,so are the punters. and it seems that there is not a lot of spare cash about ( dont think petrol price's have helped)
pics of clacton click on the link in the signature

[Sarah]

I see Bob's been on the happy pills again.

No arguments at all with the comments on the sad state of Dreamland, but to describe Margate as derelict is a rather sweeping generalisation. We have a few derelict buildings, yes can't deny that, but really - a third-rate dump? How many dump ratings do you have Bob? Is third as bad as it gets? Do I really live in the worst possible town on the face of the earth in your opinion?

And us businesses need to wake up do we? Some of us are working our bloody guts out and investing our money in this town, rather than sitting on the sidelines and whinging.

This would be a much longer post if I didn't have customers (happy ones) to look after.

Sarah

[Bob]

I see Bob's been on the happy pills again.

No arguments at all with the comments on the sad state of Dreamland, but to describe Margate as derelict is a rather sweeping generalisation. We have a few derelict buildings, yes can't deny that, but really - a third-rate dump? How many dump ratings do you have Bob? Is third as bad as it gets? Do I really live in the worst possible town on the face of the earth in your opinion?

And us businesses need to wake up do we? Some of us are working our bloody guts out and investing our money in this town, rather than sitting on the sidelines and whinging.

This would be a much longer post if I didn't have customers (happy ones) to look after.

Sarah

Well its not just me that thinks that , on Radio 5 Live its currently pretty near the worst seaside town on a poll they are taking.

If a town is to attract Tourist it cannot afford to be run down and derelict. It needs to be smart, attractive and have good facilities.

Rather then trying to look at Margate through rose tinted glasses take a real hard look at it. Particularly the town centre & seafront. Its seedy and run down with derelict & boarded up shops the tatty Dreamland site and dirty seafront. Putting youself in the place of a tourist would you want to come and stay in Margate ? I somehow think not.

Margate needs to see reality. It needs a good kick up the backside. The Council & Local Businesses have allowed the place to decay to the dump it is to day.

If Margate is to survive as a resort (my own feelings are it will not there is not the drive and commitment there) then it needs to wake up and get the town sorted out . You just need to see the comments on this board from visitors to Margate to see what the general thinking is. Most if not all have gone away with a very poor impression. Will they come back ? Probably highly unlikely.

Margate sort yourself out before its to late. This is probably your very last chance to survive as a resort. Where is the plan to sort it. As far as I can tell there is not one.

[micktee]

Once again the GREAT Bob thinks he knows it all!!!!!!
Margate does have its problems with run down areas.. but before you shout find out what is going on in the town.
There is the Margate Master Plan which is being put into to place which includes Dreamland..the Seafront..the Old Town area..consultants and Government agencies are working with a dedicated top level team on Thanet Council to put Margate back on the Map.

The Turner Art Gallery starts construction on Tuesday 23rd August and on the 5th September the revamping of the road network on Margate Seafront begins, this is just the start..

GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT..YOU HAVE NOT GOT A CLUE!!!! BECAUSE FROM YOUR POSTINGS ON THIS SITE, I AND OTHERS FEEL ALL YOUR DOING IS KNOCKING THIS TOWN AND THE BUSINESSES, THAT IS NOT WHAT THE 'SAVE THE DREAMLAND CAMPAIGN' IS ABOUT

[porterm]

Re: Bob's Comments Re Current State of Margate

Like Sarah I can only agree that the current condition of many facilities around Margate can leave much to be desired. However, in the current economic climate, I think boarded up shops and businesses are fairly commonplace (even here in the so-called County Town where I live).

I think what needs to be re-emphasised here is that the current operation at Dreamland is only a TEMPORARY concessionary one until the Local Plan makes a decision, hopefully in our favour, to restore the site to a state of the art 21st century amusement complex with the historic Scenic Railway at its heart. Previous forum comments have surely re-enforced that most Campaign members are only signed up here to enhance and support Margate and Dreamland's future viabilty prospects under a committed new owner.

Finally, yes, there is indeed a Local Plan which we are all waiting patiently to hear the outcome of, hopefully late this year. Until the long-term future of Dreamland can be positively positioned sadly nothing much can be done to regenerate the amusement park and the local infrastructure. Until a major tourist attraction like Dreamland is fully back in business the knock-on effect to local businesses will sadly only suffer without sufficent tourists and daytrippers around.

As a side comment, when I was in Miami's South Beach area last November a local told me how he wished he had taken some shots of the then run-down area. About ten years later the whole Art Deco area had been totally transformed and became the resort it is today. The moral here is, I feel, maybe one should take some current shots of Margate now and then come back in about 5-10 years time to see, hopefully, how the area has been transformed. I think one has to remain optimistic as it is all too easy to be cynical and somewhat negative. One has to have a vision I believe.

Martin

[Bob]

Once again the GREAT Bob thinks he knows it all!!!!!!
Margate does have its problems with run down areas.. but before you shout find out what is going on in the town.
There is the Margate Master Plan which is being put into to place which includes Dreamland..the Seafront..the Old Town area..consultants and Government agencies are working with a dedicated top level team on Thanet Council to put Margate back on the Map.

The Turner Art Gallery starts construction on Tuesday 23rd August and on the 5th September the revamping of the road network on Margate Seafront begins, this is just the start..

GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT..YOU HAVE NOT GOT A CLUE!!!! BECAUSE FROM YOUR POSTINGS ON THIS SITE, I AND OTHERS FEEL ALL YOUR DOING IS KNOCKING THIS TOWN AND THE BUSINESSES, THAT IS NOT WHAT THE 'SAVE THE DREAMLAND CAMPAIGN' IS ABOUT

You reply really proves that the Local Council does not have a Clue. " Lets Build an Art Gallery the latest in thing for councils to squander money on. Lets have a Master Plan. ho hum now where have we heard that before.
There are Arts Galleries being built every wher. They have all been a total disaster.

The last thing Margate needs is an Arts Gallery. I can now fully understand why Margate is in the mess it is. Get the Basics right. Clean up the disgusting filth and dirt in Margate, get the building smart and tidy.
But no they are going to waste millions on an Art Gallary.

I am lost for words at the stupidity of it.

[mattchewmann]

Re: Bob's Comments Re Current State of Margate

Like Sarah I can only agree that the current condition of many facilities around Margate can leave much to be desired. However, in the current economic climate, I think boarded up shops and businesses are fairly commonplace (even here in the so-called County Town where I live).

I think what needs to be re-emphasised here is that the current operation at Dreamland is only a TEMPORARY concessionary one until the Local Plan makes a decision, hopefully in our favour, to restore the site to a state of the art 21st century amusement complex with the historic Scenic Railway at its heart. Previous forum comments have surely re-enforced that most Campaign members are only signed up here to enhance and support Margate and Dreamland's future viabilty prospects under a committed new owner.
I totally agree all bob wants to do is critise the place i might not be local and i may not go down often but dreamland one day will be the number one tourist attraction Bob just have a little faith wait until you see the plans, when the plans do come out take a good look then see how you feel and also instead of just sitting there writing comments complaining about the place get out there and help out with the save dreamland campaign and then ome day it will be a tourist attraction and you could have said you helped out instead of critised it.

Finally, yes, there is indeed a Local Plan which we are all waiting patiently to hear the outcome of, hopefully late this year. Until the long-term future of Dreamland can be positively positioned sadly nothing much can be done to regenerate the amusement park and the local infrastructure. Until a major tourist attraction like Dreamland is fully back in business the knock-on effect to local businesses will sadly only suffer without sufficent tourists and daytrippers around.

As a side comment, when I was in Miami's South Beach area last November a local told me how he wished he had taken some shots of the then run-down area. About ten years later the whole Art Deco area had been totally transformed and became the resort it is today. The moral here is, I feel, maybe one should take some current shots of Margate now and then come back in about 5-10 years time to see, hopefully, how the area has been transformed. I think one has to remain optimistic as it is all too easy to be cynical and somewhat negative. One has to have a vision I believe.

Martin

[micktee]

Firstly I have NO intention of carrying on the saga of the WONDERFUL 'BOB' who seems to know everything about what is happening in Margate..WELL YOU DON'T the The Turner Center has nothing to do with Thanet District Council [apart from planning permission] is a KCC and Arts Council project and other funding bodies.. so once again BOB you do not know what you are talking about.. and perhaps you could mind your own business..people like you; who I believe do not live in the area [I am sure you you will correct me if I am wrong] are knocking Margate which is a town I have lived in all my life, and have a very active roll to play in it's future, do not need YOU to tell me and other people.. with your quotes how things should work..ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN A DAY...PERHAPS YOU MAY APPLY TO TO TAKE TONY BLAIRS JOB WHEN HE RETIRES..AND MAKE A COCK UP OF EVERYTHING

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

The Turner Art Gallery starts construction on Tuesday 23rd August

No disrespect Mick, but this is an example of everything that is wrong with Thanet. The Turner centre is- in my opinion- a complete waste of money and will end up as a white elephant which we- the taxpayers- will be paying for.

It will not even have any Turner paintings or any paintings of worth- the air is too salt-laden and this would cause rapid deterioration to any paintings displayed there.


As for the re-vamping of the road network, if TDC had been prepared to LISTEN to residents, we would not have had the Clock Tower lights fiasco in the first place.

Personally, I think we should be a little more prepared to listen to the constructive criticism being offered here. If nothing else, this is a forum, and not simply a site for plugging the local tourist industry. Bob is entitled to his opinion, and as far as I can see, his posts have been polite, respectful and considered.

If TDC has any interest whatsoever in reviving our tourist industry, then it will make it crystal-clear that there will be NO CHANGE OF USE WHATSOEVER permitted on the Dreamland site.




Vince

[Bob]

It does not really take a lot to at least tidy the Town Centre up a bit, it could be as simple as boarding them up and covering it over and put some illuminations on them. Tidy up the seafront, clean up the litter.
Margate needs more then that but at least they can get the basics right and tidy up the seafront and town centre.

Dreamland could be a major attraction if it was revamped and given a decent entrance. The Dark dirty ally way that leads to it is hardly inviting and is pretty well hidden. Maybe a part of the price to pay would be to have a small casino built the site is big enough to accomodate it

Sadly I suspect Margate will end up with a White Elephant Arts Centre which will cost the local council tax payers a fortune and certainly will not draw tourists & it will also have another tacky shopping centre built.

The likes of Thorpe Park & Alton Towers & Centre Parks prove it can be done.. I m not saying Margate needs facilities identical to this its just that it proves it can be done and with the seafront as well as an added bonus.
It needs moving upmarket. Do you see resorts abroad with the tacky Deckchairs they hire out in Margate. Get some decent loungers & Sun Umbrellas. The third rate facilties that are currently provided will not work.
Most of the facilties and cafes etc have not been improved since probably the 1960's. They have just been left to fall into decay