Anger grows at Island exclusion

by Nathan Rao

nrao@thekmgroup.co.uk

The county council's decision not to include the Isle of Sheppey in a brochure extolling the attractions of Kent has been branded "unforgivable".

Last week the Times Guardian reported how Kent County Council's publication Around Kent detailed major tourist events in the county for the next few months but included nothing about the Island.

The booklet went into detail about the celebrations in Dover to mark Bleriot's crossing of the Channel, but no mention was made of the events to mark the centenary of British Aviation at Leysdown and Eastchurch.

None of the Island's summer events were given any space, a decision which has been met with disgust by some who say the council should issue a full apology.

The Island's Parliamentary Conservative candidate, Gordon Henderson, was appalled at the booklet's neglect of "the Island's leading role at the heart of the world's aviation history".

He said: "The events taking place on Sheppey this year to celebrate the Island's unique place in the history of aviation deserve all the publicity they can get, and it is unforgivable that Kent County Council has failed to include those events in Around Kent."

His comments were echoed by Swale councillor Ken Pugh (Con), who said: "Many people are tirelessly working in an effort to put Sheppey on the map, only to see their efforts snubbed yet again.

"To say that the Island was not mentioned because of space limitations is actually pretty insulting.

"I think Kent County Council should apologise to Islanders and make sure, even at this late stage, that the important events taking place on Sheppey this year get the publicity they deserve."

Owner of Muswell Manor Sharon Munns said she approached the council before the magazine was published to tell them about next month's events in Leysdown to commemorate the history of aviation on the Island.

She said: "I was disappointed we did not feature, and I did phone the council before it came out to tell them about the events going on. I was told to call back nearer the time."

Response from Kent County Council

KCC would not be drawn on the growing anger about the Island being left out of the guide.

But its deputy leader Cllr Alex King said: "Around Kent is designed to reflect the busy and diverse life of the largest shire authority in the country, and there is always pressure on space.

"So we are looking at ways to provide a more local approach to Around Kent to recognise the richness of the county."

• What do you think of the issue? Write to Times Guardian, 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL or email timesguardian@thekmgroup.co.uk