Deal in 2022 - A Message from the Mayor

Published: 22 January 2022

We’re 22 days into 2022. After the trauma of the last couple of years we are looking optimistically to a brighter 2022 and there seems to be a glimmer of light at the end of this dreadful pandemic tunnel.

If anything shows us the character of Deal, it is that during these terrible times we have supported each other, been innovative and resourceful.

Despite the virus, there’s other work to be done in 2022. Two years after the first High Street survey, a second one will be out next month asking everyone their views on continuing the pedestrianisation on Saturdays. In spring a new Town Plan will be taking shape created from the views of hundreds of you. June sees another royal milestone as we all celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In autumn we are hoping that the Braderie will be able to return. Towards the end of the year, Southeastern Railway will begin work on improving access for everyone to the station.

Our independent High Street remains vibrant, but the impact of the closing of national brands like HSBC, Barclays and M&Co is painful. Whilst the Town Council does not have any direct influence over retail property, we will work with partners to encourage the filling of these units as quickly as possible.

There’s also serious work to be done to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis. We have to ensure that our historic Town Hall is fit for the 21st century and not a burden as we push forward on the Council’s ambition to be Net Zero by 2025. Thermal improvement work at the Town Hall should begin in February. In the wider community, our tree surveying will restart in May which ultimately will enable us to understand the real benefit of our green infrastructure and ensure that the right trees and shrubs are planted in the right places.

I hope our example will encourage people to consider their own carbon footprint, in the home and in the workplace. We are going to have to pull together on this one.
Finally, it has been my pleasure and privilege to meet so many people of Deal as Mayor. I hope the demands on my time do not diminish.