Save the Barge “WESTMORELAND” says Roger on RootsChat.com

There’s news about the present plight of Westmoreland in a post by Roger on the Web Forum, RootsChat.com.  

He writes that Geoff Gransden, who is Project Manager for Westmoreland’s restoration, had hoped to carry out the work at Lower Halstow, her home port for sixty years.

After Colin Frake bought her, some immediate repairs were carried out at Standard Quay, Faversham, but she had to move from there.   At present she is in a lighter at Otterham.   A lottery bid is being made for funding to carry out the restoration.

Lower Halstow Parish Council was asked to agree to the restoration of Westmoreland being carried out at the dock.   There is apparently considerable public support in the village for Westmoreland to “come home”.   At first the Parish Council was split on whether to give permission, but now its members have voted unanimously to refuse, so Westmoreland has no base for her restoration.

Roger is asking for support in trying to change the Parish Council’s decision.   Here’s the link to the story: 

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=591047.msg4417870;topicseen

Roger also gives some websites where well-wishers can record their views, and here they are:-  

http://www.edithmaybargecharter.co.uk/westmoreland-restoration/

http://www.lowerhalstowpc.kentparishes.gov.uk/default.cfm?pid=messages