March 20th, 2017.

Brian Skinner writes:



Te Friends of Tide Mills completed their March meeting and clear up yesterday. As last month, in rather blustery weather (of course to be expected this time of year), 18 of us collected 8 sacks of rubbish.

Generally, the whole area remains in very good order, so let's hope we can keep it that way now that spring is imminent (we hope). We know that many people help in this work, just casually and without fuss. We appreciate the effort. Fantastic, and very heartening.

The first sign of emerging vegetated shingle plants is now very much in evidence. The bird nesting warning signs for the forthcoming breeding season are now installed. As always with these signs, if visitors could minimise disturbance, (including of course their dogs), of the signed area, that would be appreciated, not just us, but the birds as well.

On a more serious note, readers may be aware of the ESCC intention to build a heavy goods vehicle road bridge and road over the railway line and Mill Creek to provide an alternative road into the port. With this goes the possibility of non port traffic into Tide Mills itself. Needless to say we are extremely concerned about this proposal and are endeavouring to seek clarification from ESCC currently. It seems neither the port authority or any other developer has a particular, pressing, interest in this project, which makes the whole thing look like a waste of many millions of pounds. We are currently requesting a review of the project.

We meet from 10 - 12 on every third Sunday of the month and always welcome new members to our happy little band. Our next meeting is on April the 16th.

More information from me at brianjimskinner@gmail.com