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At the planning meeting the representative from LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) made the following comments during his period of public speaking:
There would be a local committee deciding the content of what would be shown on the screen.
If an event was deemed to be unsuitable for Dover in any way - it would not be shown.
If an event was likely to require added security or specific organisation - it would be up to the DDC Events Group to also agree to the event being shown.
If an event was likely to need a high level of security or arranging that was consiered unaffordable it would not be shown.
The screens are LED and not plasma so any fear of flickering can be ruled out.
If approved the screen will be in place by the end of April.
The Market Square is the only place in Dover that meets the present criteria.
This is a one-off chance as funding for future screens has not been secured and after the games the screen could be moved.
I have listened to the nearby residents' views and those of others in the town who have raised the subject - I can really see their points of view but most of their concerns can be attended to through the management of the screen if planning permission is granted.
I have been very open minded on this - I need to be both as the Ward Councillor and someone who has an elderly mother living just off the Market Square, but when the potential is looked into, we cannot afford for this to be another missed opportunity for Dover - we have seen so many come - not be grabbed - and lost - McArthur Glenn - a larger MFI - for example. No use thinking in 10 years time - if only we'd had the foresight.
In looking very deeply into this whole picture, looking at various websites relating to places where screens are already in place and having at least two colleagues who have seen them working first hand, I feel that through strong mangement the screen can be of great advantage to the community. Cultural events linking with other parts on the UK, let alone the rest of the world, through the excellent links that a renouned organisation such as the BBC has, the advantages to our school children in particular is immense. Imagine a local school stage production being seen by youngsters in other parts of the world - image the cultural differences from across the globe being shown right here in Dover.
Some have said, who would go to the Market Square to watch 'X or Y' when you can sit in the comfort of your own home watching it - OK, if you are a loner - I'm not but do live alone and when sitting alone downstairs watching some events or productions I would sometimes like to discuss the game or whatever with someone else - why do so many congregate and cram themselves into pubs to watch some events even when, most of the time, the picture at home would be better? Not for everyone, but take the Red Nose Show the other night could have probably been screened - good old fashioned variety to a degree - Last Night of the Proms is another possibility and what about Wimbledon, Motor Racing Grand Prix's (Now that the BBC have them back), Ballet live from the Royal Opera House, or even Opera as a few ideas as well as some of the supurb outside broadcasts that are carried live from all corners.
I have seen the DVD that is referred to and the final clip is where a local businessman says - remove it now - over my dead body. The number of people visiting areas where screens have been installed has increased - the potential for us to secure the Olympic Flame through Dover in 2012 would get a hugh boost and, after the Games themselves, the possibility to open up the use to promote our area and what we have to offer needs to be grasped. There would be a tremendous boost for tourism and our attractions in the area - these could also be promoted both on the screen and to the wider audience no doubt.
It would be more than a screen - it would be a community tool to keep people and visitors alike informed of anything going on and much more.
Somewhere the figure of 8,000 people attending an event was mentioned - you wouldn't get this number in the Market Square - you'd be pushed to get 2,000 but this would constitute a major event and would be planneed down to the last detail with the police and others involved in health & safety, insurance, environmental health, highways, etc - all partners who regularly attend the DDC Events Group meetings. Public safety and protection of property would be paramount and such large events would be few and far between I would expect.
One thought - in yesteryear people went to the Market Square to get local community information from the Town Crier - bring that to the 21st Century with modern technology and not only local community information but world wide input and a worldwide audience for output.
Yes, it is not an easy decision for friends and colleagues sitting on the planning committee but hopefully they will weigh up all the pros and cons during their deliberations and make the final decision whether this goes ahead or not - all the information has been sent to them through the Cabinet Agenda for 23rd February (1 voted against), Council Agenda for 5th March (2 voted against) and their own Planning Committee Agenda for 12th March when a site visit was decided - all of these documents should be read very carfefully a number of times as approving or refusing planning permission for this application will no doubt send out a message to all partner and potential partner organisations regarding Dover's regeneration and plans for the future.
On the Canterbury issue, I have been shown articles in the press where their decision to reject the offer of the screen is being regarded as mistake and a missed opportunity.
Is Dover wanting change? - I think it is - we have rested on our unique fantastic history far too long - we are now in the 21st Century and I for one want to leave this earth sometime in the distant future knowing that during my time as a Councillor working for Dover and the District as a whole, I will have done my best to do what I have said on all my election literature - improve this area and give our community what the good people of our District deserve. Dover deserves better.