More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A campaign to save the Island from further housing developments has moved a step forward, with a musician writing a song about it.
Last week we reported how angry Halfway residents had formed an action group after learning that Kent County Council is considering selling off a playing field at Danley Middle School.
Although nothing has been confirmed, residents are concerned that if this does happen, it will be used for more housing which they say the Island doesn’t have the infrastructure for.
The group is called Save Our Sheppey and was formed by members of the Abbotts Mead Neighbourhood Watch and the Halfway Houses Residents’ Association.
Gillian Berry, chairman of SOS, said since last week the campaign has grown even more and there are almost 200 people involved.
Such was the reaction to the campaign that Chris Stearns, a member of Sheppey Folk and Blues Club, has penned a song about it.
The 60-year-old, who lives in Minster, said it took him about 20 minutes to come up with the words and tune for Save Our Sheppey. He added: “It was done in a bit of jest, but I do believe that the Island has had enough of too many buildings and no infrastructure.
“Because I’m involved in the club as well, I thought it might draw people to our website and to the plight of the Island.”
Meanwhile, KCC has moved to reassure residents that they are listening to their concerns.
Sarah Hohler, KCC cabinet member for education, learning and skills, said: “Our immediate priority is to work on the refurbishment plan of the former Danley building and to find out the outcome of the planning application for that work.
“Once we know the outcome of the application we will look at all the options of how this can be funded, which may include the sale of surplus land at Danley.
“Any sale would be subject to public consultation before a submission to Education Secretary Michael Gove is made. It is likely that it would be many months before it gets to that stage.”
SOS is encouraging residents to go to its next meeting, which will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, February 23, at Sheerness Golf Club in Power Station Road, Halfway.
Save our Sheppey lyrics
Come join our protest against developers and grime
Most of us have lived here for very long time
Our Island no longer remains as we know
So help Save Our Sheppey, don’t let it grow, no, no
So Save Our Sheppey
Save our Island by the Sea
It’s been a lovely home
For you and for me
But it now has started to overgrow
With brick trees that are starting
To grow, grow, grow
The council is starting to take the P
Out of all of us Islanders that live by the sea
They are building houses on green and playing land
There will be nowhere for our children to play or even stand
So Save Our Sheppey
Save our Island by the Sea
It’s been a lovely home
For you and for me
But it now has started to overgrow
With brick trees that are starting
To grow, grow, grow
The council is beginning to take us for a ride
They think they can ride roughshod over all our hides
They think they can do just as they blinking well please
Let’s show them we won’t be put down on our knees
So Save Our Sheppey
Save our Island by the Sea
It’s been a lovely home
For you and for me
