Film Companies to take-over streets (Faversham and Mid Kent Liberal Democrats)

Faversham and Mid Kent Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Film Companies to take-over streets

October 29, 2009 5:21 PM
Originally published by Liberal Democrats on Kent County Council

Liberal Democrat Kent County Councillor Martin Vye has called on Kent County Council to ensure local residents view are taken into account any time proposed new Council powers to close roads for film companies are used. At the most recent County Council meeting, Councillors considered and agreed a proposal to seek legal powers to close streets so that film companies can film freely.

The new powers would be by means of a request to Parliament to pass a by-law for Kent County Council. The reasons given were that Kent has many locations much sought-after by film companies: about £12 million has flowed into Kent in recent years as a result of filming, into bed-and-breakfast, catering establishments and employment of extras.

Martin Vye, Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Canterbury, said:

"I understand the reasons, and I welcome the money that has come to local people and businesses.

"However, my division covers the picturesque Old City of Canterbury, where many films have been shot in the past. It is crucial that the timing of any road closure for the purpose of filming is negotiated locally.

"I want to be sure that, if, for example, a company wants to film in Palace Street, Kent Highways sits down with local businesses and residents and myself to work out an agreement that allows that to happen without significant disruption to business, and unacceptable inconvenience to local residents."