5th Nov 2008
Rochester Airport Should be a Public Space
Medway council are to review the use, and future, of all the land of Rochester airport. Therefore Medway Green Party are beginning a campaign for the airport to be given back to the people of Medway.
The current arrangement has this vast area occupied and rented, by Rochester Airport PLC, who pay Medway council just £16,000 pounds a year for it. Medway Greens would like to see this huge green space being used for an urban farm, woodland walks and an adventure playground for the benefit of everyone in Medway. This would also re-connect a 'green corridor' from one side of Kent to the other, helping to repair damage caused by roads and endless construction.
A new park, farm and wood could establish an excellent science and nature educational facility and let school children see how their food is produced. The produce from the farm could be used by local schools and sold direct to the public.
Mike Evans Coordinator of the Medway Greens said; "At the moment Medway council charge Rochester Airport PLC the astonishingly low sum of just £16,000 a year for this huge area of land. While working in South London I recently paid an equivalent rent for a small 1 storey office! This deal represents a miserable return for the Council tax payers of Medway. An Urban farm which was properly managed and run would be popular with the public and generate much more income for taxpayers. I understand a proposal has been put forward for a new tarmac runway to be laid. This may mean heavier planes will be using the airport increasing noise pollution for locals and the risk of greater carnage if, God forbid, there were an accident. It cannot be right that, with green space so scarce in Medway, potentially our biggest park can only be used by rich aircraft owners many of whom actually live outside the UK and pay no tax here."
Mike continued; "Medway used to have an urban farm that was open to the public. Bringing one back now would be a win-win idea. Teachers know children need to get out of the classroom and experience nature more and the farm could provide fresh, local, seasonal food which children could come and witness being produced. There are also the health benefits of a good nature trail and play area for adults and children alike. Furthermore adding trees to the area would re-connect a green corridor for the movement of wildlife that is so badly broken by all the roads and construction. Finally local people would see their living environment transformed much for the better and most likely an increase in the value of their houses to boot."
