Latest news with #LiberalDemocrats-led
Telegraph
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Lib Dem council criticised for ‘namby-pamby' plan to rename path
A Liberal Democrats-led council has been criticised for its 'namby-pamby' plan to rename a path. A section of footpath in Faversham, Kent, currently known to locals as Shooting Meadows Path, could soon be officially named Queen Matilda's Way. Faversham town council will not make the name official because 'shooting could be misinterpreted as an incitement of violence', according to locals. The council are against the proposed new choice, branding the decision to name it after the wife of King Steven, the medieval English monarch as 'bonkers and absolutely nuts'. Residents accused the council of 'historical vandalism,' claiming the footpath is known locally as the Shooting Meadows Path because men have practised archery there in the past. More diverse But councillors explained they are trying to make the town's street names more diverse after discovering there are 'currently more roads named after apples than women'. They insist the road has never officially been named so has requested the path be called Queen Matilda's Place. It is understood Swale Borough Council, which will make the final decision, has advised that the name Shooting Meadows be prohibited amid fears it could be 'misconstrued'. The main opposition to the name change is the Faversham Society, which launched a petition, has been signed by nearly 800 residents. The group's chairman, Ann Furedi, criticised the 'namby-pamby style of politics'. She added: 'I think it is bonkers and absolutely nuts. The argument is that 'shooting' could be misinterpreted as an incitement of violence. 'Does it mean a netball team can no longer have a goal shooter or footballers can't have a penalty shoot-out?' 'Historical vandalism' During the medieval period, men practiced archery every Sunday morning in the fields by the path, leading to the area being known locally as the Shooting Meadows. Historians said it was English law from 1252 that all men between the ages of 15 and 60 were required to practice. Mrs Furedi added: 'We took the view it was historical vandalism to simply change the name of the path. We were pretty appalled there had been no consultation. 'The council had decided it would do this and pressed on with it without anyone knowing.' Another path in the area will be named The Shuts as a nod to the local pronunciation of The Shoots, which is an abbreviation of Shooting Meadows. Mrs Furedi said the Faversham Society does not have an issue with this new title because it pays homage to local history. 'Significant local difference' Councillor Charles Gibson said Faversham town council had recently started renaming paths in a push for Kent County Council to take better care of them. He explained the names form part of a list of local heritage names, adding councillors were looking to diversify. He also claimed that not all locals agreed that the path should be called Shooting Meadows. Mr Gibson said: 'In recent years, we have made a specific effort to make this list more diverse as there are currently more roads named after apples than women. 'However, what developers choose to use is not up to us. 'We have started naming paths because it has recently become clear that Kent County Council is more inclined to repair paths with names, and, frankly, a number of our footpaths are absolutely crying out for repair.' He said there was a 'significant local difference of opinion over whether Queen Matilda Place would have historically been called Shooting Meadows'. 'This is because the two paths crossing the shooting meadows started at either end of it, and so lots of people don't believe using that name, (or a version of it), would be historically correct.' Not 'renaming' Cllr Gibson added that Faversham town council is not 'renaming' anything because the path 'does not have any official name'. He also said he is working with local organisations to arrange information boards that explain the area's historical significance. Swale Borough Council is expected to reveal the final decision later this year.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pier work delays 'cultural vandalism'
An opposition councillor has criticised Hull City Council for not carrying out repairs to a 200-year-old pier. The Liberal Democrats-led authority said it was exploring options for the future of Victoria Pier, which was closed to the public about five years ago for safety reasons. Labour's Daren Hale, who previously led the authority, said it was "only ever meant to have been shut temporarily" while repairs were carried out. The Lib Dems, who took control of the council in 2022, said they had inherited "many half-finished and unplanned projects". Speaking to BBC Look North, Hale described the lack of action as "cultural vandalism". "This [pier] is part of Hull's history," he said. Hale insisted the money was there to carry out the repairs, but said "you've got to have the will to do it". "This is 200 years of history and it must be saved," he said. In a statement on Friday, the council said: "Sadly, the previous Labour administration under Daren Hale left so much of the city to decay and rot. "The Lib Dems deeply value our infrastructure and cultural heritage, but we inherited many half-finished and unplanned projects from Labour. "We are moving forward with plans over the future of Victoria Pier, alongside other investments in the budget proposals." Labour was yet to put forward a "credible plan", the statement added. The authority previously said it had secured a specialist contractor to "inspect and assess the possible future options for the structure". However, it has not confirmed whether one of the options would be to demolish it. The pier, originally known as the Corporation Pier, first opened as a ferry terminal in 1825, linking Hull and Lincolnshire. It was renamed following a visit by Queen Victoria in 1854. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Council considers options for 200-year-old pier Drone footage shows revamped maritime museum 'Massive' £42m flood defences officially opened Hull City Council
BBC News
21-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Hull Victoria Pier work delays 'cultural vandalism'
An opposition councillor has criticised Hull City Council for not carrying out repairs to a 200-year-old Liberal Democrats-led authority said it was exploring options for the future of Victoria Pier, which was closed to the public about five years ago for safety Daren Hale, who previously led the authority, said it was "only ever meant to have been shut temporarily" while repairs were carried Lib Dems, who took control of the council in 2022, said they had inherited "many half-finished and unplanned projects". Speaking to BBC Look North, Hale described the lack of action as "cultural vandalism"."This [pier] is part of Hull's history," he insisted the money was there to carry out the repairs, but said "you've got to have the will to do it"."This is 200 years of history and it must be saved," he said. In a statement on Friday, the council said: "Sadly, the previous Labour administration under Daren Hale left so much of the city to decay and rot."The Lib Dems deeply value our infrastructure and cultural heritage, but we inherited many half-finished and unplanned projects from Labour. "We are moving forward with plans over the future of Victoria Pier, alongside other investments in the budget proposals."Labour was yet to put forward a "credible plan", the statement authority previously said it had secured a specialist contractor to "inspect and assess the possible future options for the structure".However, it has not confirmed whether one of the options would be to demolish pier, originally known as the Corporation Pier, first opened as a ferry terminal in 1825, linking Hull and Lincolnshire. It was renamed following a visit by Queen Victoria in 1854. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
