11/04/07
Nice site, as a local (bit hard pushed to call myself a native as I was born at the K&C) having lived in Whitstable up until a few years ago. I too get pretty narked about all the DFL's / tourists/weekenders that come down to my once beautiful home town ....flashing their cash and barging the locals out the way.
Thankfully, I have scrimped and saved and am now in the process of moving back into the town after fours years in Fraggle Rock (Herne Bay), so that's once less Londoner to worry about :-)
Local councilors really have to do something soon, if they are to stop the town from becoming like every other cliched seaside town (I have a grandmother that lives in Hamble.....the very same changes happened there quite a few years ago now. The upshot being that the village is dead during the winter, and the community atmosphere has long since died)
Already, the signs of rot are setting into Whitstable. The once brilliant community spirit has gone to be replaced by expensive (overly expensive) properties that only the rich and famous can afford. Forcing the majority of young locals to move into expensive rented accommodation (my sister for one) Local public houses, are devoid of any real character as they panda to the holiday makers that swamp the town for five months of the year.
Okay, so a few years ago, Whitstable was a bit tatty around the edges, but at least it had a great community feel to it. I will remember great nights in the Assembly Rooms, hectic Friday nights in the Bear and Key. The ability to walk down the high street and know a large number of people. Jeez... even the Carnival was an event worth going to (don't even get me started on the Regatta, which has not been the same since the live music was removed).
Now I’m not against, the humble day tripper...who come down, spends their cash in the local shops etc and then clears back up to where ever they happen to come from. But I am totally against the people that come down, buy up the town for their own good ,and force the town to change to suit their needs.
Its about time something was done, so that the silent majority of locals who are sick of these unnecessary changes can let their voices be heard.
Sorry about the whinge, but looking at your site got me all fired.
04/04/07
Hi,
I have just booked my holiday to Whitstable for this coming July.
I came across your wonderful website whilst looking for places of interest to visit whilst on holiday and it was a breath of fresh air (well not the parts about the dogs muck!), to read your virtual tour guide.
It has not put me off of our holiday as I live in Leigh on Sea (Essex) which is portrayed to tourists as quaint etc, so I know the reality - cocaine dealers and er dogs muck!!!!
Thank you for a very entertaining website and when I come back from our holiday I will give you a report from a tourists point of view! Best wishes
12/02/07
Dear My Whitstable. Thank you very much for the nice things you have said about my embroideries on your website and thank you for showing the pictures of them. I am honoured to have been given such a mention!
