As many of you know my campaign to have the lifts open for weekends during the winter months has been going through its paces for the last year. After the initial issue several years ago when it was settled that it was closed and TDC rightly changed this and we have had the pleasure of it being open every summer giving disabled, elderly and those who cannot negotiate the steps and slopes access they rightly deserve along with their peers. Well it was mentioned and disabused at the TDC meeting last month and sadly this was the response from Cllr Steve Albon in relation for funding for the weekend openings in winter.

"Hi Barry Apologies for not responding. I can advise that at the last full council meeting last month, no extra money was put in the budget for the Viking Bay lift. Perhaps the Town Council may be able to fund this. Kind Regards. "

I am extremely disappointed at this response when TDC are advertising the fact that they have approved £1.2 million for a skateboard park in Cliftonville. I also discussed this matter with our MP Polly Billington last year who told that access for all is a priority for Broadstairs as with all other areas in Thanet and she would do all she can to help.

My campaign will continue and I would like to thank Cllr Mike Garner for his support at all stages. I will now contact Polly directly to ask what she can do in relation to the rejection for funding.