A ceasefire between the two sides of the Crab and Winkle Line debate moved a substantial step closer this week.

After several years of acrimony, a 14-point peace plan put together by historian, railway enthusiast and businessman Bob Winter, of Tankerton Road, Whitstable, is being considered by the warring parties in the dispute, over plans to extend the cycle path along land behind Clare Road, Whitstable.

The vociferous 67-year-old (pictured right) is determined to forge a consensus between the Crab and Winkle Line Trust and the Whitstable Green Lung Association.

The Crab and Winkle Trust’s plan is to transform the land into a shared-use walking and cycling path, extending the current path between Whitstable and Canterbury.

The Whitstable Green Lung Association has proposed a rival plan for a nature reserve or wildlife corridor and an outdoor education centre. Their plans are yet to go before the council.

Mr Winter, former finance director of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, believes the fierce debate has polarised opinion and drowned out the voices of those interested in preserving the area’s heritage, conservation, railway history and infrastructure.

He said: “In recent years the population of Whitstable have had heated debates concerning the plan which still commands extensive coverage from the Press.

“The next public meeting, organised by Canterbury City Council’s planning committee, is due to take place today (Thursday) and battle lines are being drawn up with much acrimony being shown by both sides.

“With goodwill, my proposal could form the basis of agreement to resolve these problems, prevent further division in the community and relieve members of the city council of their onerous task of deciding what, for them, could be an impenetrable issue.

“Pursuit of the present planning application by the trust will leave behind a divided community.”

Site meeting

City councillors are due to take part in a site visit today (Thursday) on land earmarked for the extended Crab and Winkle cycle path. Up to 10 speakers from those opposed and those in favour of the planning application can address the city council’s development control sub-committee meeting at All Saints’ Church hall in Church Road, Whitstable, from 11.30am.

Councillors will then visit the disused railway embankment between All Saints Close and Northwood Road on foot.

More than 300 letters, both for and against the scheme, have been received by the council.

Unless withdrawn, the application will be discussed in full on Tuesday, September 15, at the Guildhall, Canterbury.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week's Whitstable Gazette.