Question from Martin Vye to 22 July Full Council Meeting: Respecting Canterbury's History [Updated with answer]

4.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Jul 2010

Question by Mr M J Vye to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste:

Given the harmful impact of recent installation of Traffic Management signage on important views of the cathedral and of other historical buildings in Canterbury; and given insensitive replacement of road and footway surfaces in the Old City with locally inappropriate materials; will the Cabinet Member for Environment Highways and Waste agree to instruct Highways Services commissioning officers to insist that contractors have proper regard for the special sensitivity of the historical environment of the Old City of Canterbury when planning and implementing highways improvements?

Answer given at Full Council meeting, 22 July:

"Kent Highway Services will always have proper regard for the special sensitivity of historic locations and this has to be balanced with effective location.

"I shall ask that the signage that Mr Vye refers be investigated to see if a more suitable location can be mutually agreed."