Knock down this disastrous eyesore

Cllr Jeremy Adby is unhappy with the proposed development of the old Ashford Christian Fellowship (ACF) building (Controversial plan for flats facing rejection, KE, October 13).

Cllr Adby, who clearly has a self-centred interest in any development as a ‘Nimby’, needs to stand outside the building and look at the eyesore it is.

Redevelopment is the only practical solution. It has no potential re-use, it is ugly and, given the other buildings around it, is completely out of character.

Look at Woods, the Swan pub, the old police station, even the old Courts building has been rejuvenated as the Phoenix and provides vital accommodation above it.

As an ex-ACF member I was involved in the purchase of the building. It was a disaster waiting to happen. The building is out-dated, the drainage inadequate and the roof leaks badly. Demolish and rebuild.

I would urge that the building be razed, and a decent, low-level, low-cost housing development be created. Ashford needs more housing.

I despair at the self-orientated approach that local councillors adopt. Just what is the motivation? Are you here to help and develop Ashford, or just to protect your own interests and preservation?

We all have to accept that demand for housing is far beyond the levels available.

Oh, and by the way, I live opposite the old South Central School which, as I understand it, has been designated for a potential massive redevelopment. Oaktree Road is a cul-de-sac, Noakes Meadow divided. School traffic is already unbearable.

So, Cllr Adby, an obscured view is pretty low on my agenda. Mike Brown Ashford taxi to extract pushchair and baggage and then, finally, gets one of the children to shut the door. 2. While this scenario is being played out another car pulls up outside Subway, again on the footpath and just sits there. 3. The bus is now ready to pull away but no! Some idiot decides to park at 30 degrees to the footpath immediately in front of the bus and sits there while somebody manipulates an elderly lady into the front passenger seat.

Does nobody these days grow up with a sense of thought for others? I have been driving for over 50 years and have seldom seen such a collection of selfishness. T. Abbott Ashford

Reader John Bailey starts his reply letter to me (Council has failed us over parking, KE, October 13) by saying that my letter “typifies the belligerent manner” when it comes to parking, then goes on to agree with me about lack of parking!

Of course it is “intrusive” for residents to have trucks parking every day near their homes, but does he really think that truck drivers enjoy going to the toilet behind a hedge, be unable to wash and shower, or be stuck in their cabs for hours because all governments have failed to provide facilities?

Because we are now being packed into Britain like sardines in a tin, the traditional transport cafe, with parking, is no longer viable, because of astronomical land values, unless done on a large scale.

As he says, government and councils have persistently failed to provide enough parking in all areas. That is because authorities all clamour for us to give up our cars and walk and cycle. But most of us do not share their view of this utopian society and the total hypocrisy of these driving bureaucrats.

While these bureaucrats dream of this cycling/walking Nirvana and limit car parking in the hope it will deny you the journey, people have to get on with their lives.

Nowadays car parking seems to be restricted (because of land costs) to ground level. The days of underground or multistoreys seem like throwbacks to more carfriendly, enlightened times. Terry Hudson Russell Drive, Whitstable