On Monday October 3 there was a planning meeting at Rye Town Council. Initially there was nothing dramatic. One particular planning application was rejected because of over development, an erection of a two storey one bed dwelling in The Drive, Shipyard Lane. It also was deemed to take away amenities from the neighbour. There was a discussion around building work, additional or new, where flat roofs are being suggested which was seen as taking away from Rye's townscape.
The main discussion was about Lion Street, how best to prevent cars and vans parking on the pavement or endangering people walking up and down. Councillor Boyd who is taking the lead in researching a solution, reported that he feels CCTV was a possible way forward, or making Lion Street pedestrian.
Councillor Rogers felt that RTC should not look at a solution that would cost a lot of money for the few people who might benefit, e.g. no cars at all would mean re-direction of the whole town. Eventually a consensus was reached that all were happy for Councillor Boyd to continue the research of CCTV at both ends of the street. It was felt that seeing a camera might change people's behaviour regarding their car parking and would be the most reasonable concerning finance.
A question, that could, and perhaps should have been asked at that point, might have been: "OK, we look at the CCTV and catch several drivers. But what happens then? The police will not act on a parking issue" although it is to be hoped that they would act if someone who damages property is captured on film.
Councillor Boyd is forming a small group to research the finances. He will meet with Headcorn councillors, a town which has already used cameras, and will also meet with Sussex police to discuss the way forward.
Photo: Rye News Library
