A threatening phone call is not putting off a Kent film maker organising a second screening of her controversial piece claiming Thanet is being over-developed.
Producer Christine Tongue said she had the call from an anonymous man warning her not to show the film again.
But she said it had no effect on her resolve – and she is going to press ahead with the showing.
The film is called Thanet Under Threat and claims that the district’s environment is at risk from too much building.
It got its first screening at Ramsgate’s Granville Cinema with more than 200 people in the audience.
Word spread fast and due to overwhelming public demand, it will be shown again today at noon and at 5pm tomorrow at the Palace Theatre, Broadstairs. Admission is £3.
Ms Tongue, from Broadstairs, said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed with the numbers of people contacting us about the film, wanting to know when they could see it.
“We even had a call from Thanet council asking us for a viewing – but we told them they could come and watch the film with members of the public.”
On the phone call telling her not to show it again, she said: “It was an anonymous call from a man warning me off doing any more screenings. “He was trying to bully me really. But he was very much in a minority and we won’t be put off by people like him.”
In the film, Thanet residents speak out about threats to parks, playing fields and green spaces in the area and passionately condemn planned developments at Westwood and across the island.
Ms Tongue says she has been amazed by the strength of the response. She said: “There is a real feeling of revolt in the area. People are saying ‘enough is enough’ and they want an alternative plan for the island, which respects our green and public spaces.”
Dr Steve Ladyman, Labour MP for South Thanet, Thanet MP said he thought that Tory-run Thanet council’s current policies risk ruining the island’s environment.
He said: “The council is not so much over-developing rather than inappropriate developing.
“They are looking to put houses on tennis courts and sports fields. The council is already ahead of government requirements for house building, so I am not sure why they are still looking to put even more on back gardens. It will change the shape of Thanet eventually.”
But Cllr Roger Latchford, Thanet’s cabinet member for culture and economy, said the council had an “outstanding record” of ensuring that the “vast majority” of new development is on existing brownfield sites.
“In 2006/07, 95 per cent of new and completed homes were on previously developed sites and when you consider our target is just 70 per cent, we’re far exceeding that,” he added.
“Developments in our existing town centres are vital to help support our shops and businesses.”
POSTED: 08/12/2007 09:00:00
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