Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Heritage champion’s war on ‘plasticky’ shop fronts
Canterbury’s new heritage champion is vowing to tackle the issue of unsightly shop fronts in the city centre.
Cllr Rob Thomas says his overall aim will be to “protect and enhance” the city’s historic urban landscape in an appointment being welcomed by the Canterbury Society.
The Conservative, who represents Chartham and Stone Street, says the issue of shop fronts in historic streets will be a particular priority.
“There are some that are not in keeping with the heritage side of things,” he said. “They’re plasticky and don’t fit in .
“It’s not a case of being antibusiness, but perhaps of gentle persuasion and trying to encourage shop owners to make sure their fronts are more sensitive to their environments.”
Cllr Thomas believes that the best way enhance the historic elements of Canterbury is by encouraging organisations and individuals to unite in common purpose.
He said: “The city council has limited resource to enhance and protect the historic environment in our district.
“I want to gain as much synergy as possible to protect and enhance what we have here. The priorities are bringing together interested parties into one forum, protection of the heritage assets and also promoting the heritage we have to as many people as possible.
“The recent Tourism Economic Survey suggested that we’re the third most visited destination by overseas visitors outside London and I think that both residents and our visitors should get to enjoy the these assets for many years to come.”
Cllr Thomas was voted into to the role at last Thursday’s meeting of the city council’s regeneration and property committee.
But the idea for heritage champion was devised by Historic England, which is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Which shop fronts in Canterbury need toning down? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk or write to Gazette House, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.