There is continuing disarray surrounding the site and design of the Chatham bus station, raising fears that it may not be completed within the time necessary to qualify for Government money to build it.
This problem started as far back as 2007, when the proposed location for the station was changed to the Paddock. 
The Labour Group immediately objected to this plan.  I am  aware how valued the Paddock is to people, both as a green space in a built up town, and also as a part of Chatham’s history.  There was a specific concern that many of the old chestnut trees would be removed.
Growing public disquiet forced the Conservative administration to consult residents on the issue, and unsurprisingly they delivered a clear message that they wanted to protect the Paddock.  At the time, the administration appeared to take this on board, and agreed a new dynamic bus station in Globe Lane, which would preserve the Paddock.
However, in the intervening two-years - the bus station was meant to have been operational by Spring 2009 - it has become apparent that once more, the Conservative administration has ignored the consultation results and made a mess of the plans.
The most recent design put forward to the Planning committee was deferred before members could even vote.  The plans would have involved the loss of nearly all the trees on the Paddock, as well as a significant section of the perimeter - precisely what residents were most opposed to.  Another design flaw was the lack of any public toilets.
The Tories are trying to lay the blame for this mess at the door of Medway Renaissance, but this is simply another department of the Council that they control.
I know that having a good bus station is vital to the regeneration of Chatham- but equally important is listening to residents’ concerns, protecting our green spaces, our heritage and finding the right location.
The administration is now running out of time to sort out their self-inflicted mess, and the first thing they need to do is take responsibility for it.