Meeting on The Marsh to discuss its future

A public meeting to discuss plans for the future of Romney Marsh will be held on Thursday 21 June.

Kent County Council has organised the event, which will be chaired by the area's county councillor Carole Waters. Residents and business owners are invited to The Marsh Academy, Station Road, between 7pm and 9pm.

Topics on the agenda include KCC's vision for the future of the area (KCC leader Paul Carter), the case for Dungeness C and government opportunities for growth (Folkestone & Hythe MP Damian Collins) and an update on the consultation for a possible nuclear research and disposal facility (Shepway District Council).

Also attending is one of the country's leading nuclear energy experts, Malcolm Grimston. The published author and associate fellow of Chatham House - the independent policy institute on international affairs - will give his views on the country's nuclear future. The evening concludes with a question and answer session.

Carole Waters said:

"I would urge people to attend to hear what is happening about the possibility of a new power station - Dungeness C, whether we can prolong the life of Dungeness B and other matters relating to the local economy in the short to medium term. There will also be an opportunity for residents to have their say and influence those speaking on the night."

Paul Carter said:

"I have made my position on the proposed nuclear waste site abundantly clear. I am totally opposed to initiating any process that even entertains the possibility of building a nuclear waste disposal site anywhere near or around Kent. The East Kent economy is with brimming with opportunity and I want to focus on business growth and job creation on Romney Marsh and across the Shepway district. I will outline my vision for the area at the meeting and I am keen to hear direct from residents and business owners to get an insight of local opinion."

People have until Friday 20 July to make their views known to Shepway District Council about a possible nuclear research and disposal facility. Comments can be made via www.romneymarshnrdf.org.uk.