Kent County Council has applied to “stop up” the road leading to the old ferry hard at Harty Ferry (Sheppey side) except for access by foot. This would make it impossible to launch small craft such as dinghies. It would be yet another loss of access to the water for boaters.
Tim Bell of the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club says: Access to the water at Harty Ferry is vital for safety at this dangerous part of the Swale. This will affect all boat owners who want to use Harty Ferry in an emergency, and for the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club for its coverage and safety of the Round the Island Race.
UPDATE: KCC’s Highway Department have now gone through the various comments/responses received as part of the consultation process. The council has decided not to proceed with the current stopping-up application and so the court hearing has been vacated..
Stupidity of the highest degree.
What about emergency services access.
This has more to do with the clay pigeon shooting range, surely?
The action that is needed is for the hard to be revamped: currently visiting is hazardous.
Kent needs to look at what has happened at many Essex public rights of way to the water (Excluding the hard at Paglesham) – the majority have been turned into floating pontoons… Brightlingsea, Burnham and West Mersea are good examples.
Not saying this should happen in this instance, but does anyone know who owns it?