Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, came to Ramsgate today to help Craig Mackinlay launch his ‘Regenerate Ramsgate’ plan.
Craig’s plan - which has won the backing of both Boris Johnson and the Leader of the Conservative Group on Thanet District Council, Bob Bayford - includes:
- One hour to London on HS1: Bring Ramsgate to within an hour of London by ensuring the extension of HS1 goes ahead and is delivered on time by 2019.
- New public-private ownership of the port and harbour: Create a public-private corporation charged with the redevelopment of the Ramsgate Royal Harbour and the surrounding area - together with a campaign for the resumption of the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and a bid for Ramsgate to receive appropriate support.
- Re-establish ferry services: Work with ferry companies to explore ferry links with Boulogne, Ostend and Dunkirk, maximizing Ramsgate’s enviable transport links, and putting an emphasis on passenger services as well as freight.
- Maritime Heritage-led regeneration: Work with the Government, Thanet District Council and the private sector to establish a Ramsgate Gallery and Museum, taking advantage of the local area’s extraordinary history and cultural inheritance - from the Romans, through to St Augustine, to the Vikings, to Wellington, the Battle of Britain and Operation Dynamo.
- Viking Coastal Trail improvement: Upgrade and improve the Viking Coastal Trail and open up new walking and cycling routes across the area.
Craig said: “I am delighted to welcome Boris to South Thanet today, and I am even more delighted that he has endorsed my ‘Regenerate Ramsgate’ plan.
"As a Ramsgate resident myself, and somebody who has been enjoying what Ramsgate Harbour has to offer for 25 years, I know the amazing potential of our town.
“What today demonstrates is that I am in a position to deliver this regeneration plan because I’m part of a strong Conservative team - including the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, lots of MPs and people like Boris - whereas parties like UKIP don’t have the power to get anything done.
"If you want to see my ‘Regenerate Ramsgate’ plan, you have to vote for it - and that means voting Conservative on May 7th.”
Boris Johnson said: “The election in South Thanet is a two-horse race between the Conservatives and UKIP.
"While Nigel Farage is using this constituency for his own publicity, Craig Mackinlay is a local man who lives in Ramsgate and cares deeply about the future of his community.
"And unlike UKIP - who can only shout from the sidelines - Craig is part of a powerful Conservative team so he can get things done. I am 100 per cent behind Craig’s ‘Regenerate Ramsgate’ plan.”