Gravesend Town Pier is the crown jewel of our heritage assets, and we cannot afford to get this wrong. I remain utterly unconvinced that the that the taxpayer is getting value for money and unconvinced that future access has been adequately safeguarded.
I am very disappointed that Labour Members voted against referring this important decision back to Cabinet for further consideration. Too many questions remain unanswered and the Council has failed to properly engage with existing river users and local businesses.
It is farcical that the Labour administration pride themselves on being a 'Listening Council' when the truth is that they did not bother to consult or speak with existing river users, local businesses or residents prior to this decision being made.
As a London commuter myself, I want to see a river service established, but we must make sure that the deal is right for the residents of our town and as things stand that is sadly not the case.