Two Thanet councillors are working with residents and groups in a project which could see the creation of a community building for courses, cooking sessions and other services.
Cllr Jenny Matterface and Cllr Karen Constantine and volunteers, including Summer Kitchen scheme boss Sharon Goodyer, have been consulting with residents about what they would like to see in Thanet – with ideas mooted including a community hub building.
Both councillors and volunteers want to work with residents to come up with big ideas and proposals that would boost Thanet.
So far a number of mini events have been a rich source of ideas. They are now looking for groups and individuals who would like to give their thoughts as part of the project.
Cllr Matterface said: “We have really felt austerity in this part of Kent. It’s time to really start to think about how much better lives could be if we had proper funding and decent jobs here. Thanet has been left behind the rest of the South East.
“We want people to tell us what they would like to see in their communities. So far, ideas have included building the ‘TLC’ The Local Community hub. This would be purpose built, fully accessible, ‘super’ community building that could be used by everyone.
“We hope It would be a home for new community provision offering a wide range of services. It would be a beautiful and useful building, with indoor and outdoor space, both relaxing and rejuvenating.
“We are planning something really different and exciting that people would want to use. We would also expect it to help to create jobs as well as being a valuable community asset.”
The building could include healthy eating workshops with Our Kitchen on the Isle of Thanet boss Sharon Goodyer.
She said: “Some people have asked for somewhere they can buy good, local, affordable food and learn to make healthier, tastier cheaper meals with a cafe which welcomes everybody and encourages shared conversation and jokes.”
Thanet residents have also told the volunteers they want relevant short targeted courses rather than longer college courses and space for community discussions to plan for a better future.
The group are working with Lyn Brown MP, who is a shadow cabinet member with responsibility for social mobility. They are using a specially designed posters which outline some of the ideas already generated but are inviting people to add their own views.
The consultation will be paid for with councillor funding.
If you would like to discuss the ideas contact Cllr Constantine on [email protected]