In a demonstration of his commitment to the community, Malcolm Watkinson, the Green Party candidate for the upcoming Romney Marsh by-election on 22nd February, has taken proactive measures to address security concerns at The Saltings development site in St Mary’s Bay. This move comes weeks before the election, showcasing Malcolm’s dedication to addressing the immediate needs of local residents.
Malcolm, alongside the hardworking Romney Marsh Green Team, has been actively engaging with residents to understand their concerns and priorities. One recurring issue that has emerged from these discussions is the state of The Saltings development site, which has been in limbo for almost a year since the developer, Compass Builders Limited, went into administration.
Today, Malcolm wrote to the administrators, Lines Henry Limited, calling for urgent improvements to the security at The Saltings site to prevent further vandalism. The letter, which you can read below, highlights the alarming state of security, from instances of perimeter fence breaches to open doors, turning the site into a target for vandals.

I hope that in raising the issue of vandalism and security with the people responsible for the site, improvements will be made to secure and tidy up the area.
Malcolm expressed deep concern for the safety of residents living close to the vulnerable site. He called for a prompt visit to assess and bolster the security measures, reassuring the community that every possible action must be taken to prevent further acts of vandalism.
The Saltings development site, formerly the Sands Motel in St Mary’s Bay, has been at a standstill since Compass Builders Limited entered administration in May 2023. The ambitious project, intended to provide 59 houses and 21 flats, faced challenges in securing sufficient funding for construction, leading to the eventual collapse of the developer.
With the looming by-election, Malcolm's swift action reflects his commitment to actively address the concerns of the residents even before polls have opened.
The by-election provides an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and elect a representative dedicated to effecting positive change in the community. Malcolm's proactive stance on The Saltings issue shows his commitment to putting residents first and addressing critical issues head-on.




