What has the OHDS achieved?

In the fulfilment of its objectives the Society has been active over the years in a wide-ranging number of activities and initiatives. The following are but a few recent examples.

• The Society initially opposed and has subsequently maintained a constant watch over the activities of the St. George's Place Chicago Rock Cafe (formerly Churchills) and Planet Lazer and has, on numerous occasions, objected to the expansion of their activities and operating hours.
• The Society commissioned the creation of the murals depicting local scenes and prominent local or visiting personalities that are to be found on the walls of the south-western side of the St.George's Underpass.
• The Society spearheaded the campaign that successfully saw the removal of the City Coach Park from the Longport to Kingsmead in 1994. More recently, it vigorously opposed twelve-month trial of a coach dropping-off and pick up facility at Longport and is closely monitoring its effectiveness.
• Tree planting at St. George's Place, New Dover Road and Upper Chantry Lane has been supported with donations from the Society and Local History Group.
• At the Public Enquiry the Society opposed the relocation of Canterbury College, concerned about additional traffic and wanting to keep the College close to the local community.
• The Society has been amongst the leading campaigners in the fight to stop the downgrading of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and helped to set up the Concern for Health in East Kent (CHEK).
• Generally the vigilance of the Society and its members over planning matters has prevented the worst excesses of development detrimental to the area to take place.
• Successful opposition to the over-development of leafy areas such as back gardens of large properties.
• Lately the Licensing Act 2003 has seen the Society engaged in objections to extended licensing hours to many pubs and clubs in our area and has represented the concerns of the local residents and Members on numerous Licensing hearings held in the city.