John F. Kennedy once said “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” That certainly applies to Hoo resident Ted Smith.
Ted, an active member of the Hoo Neighbourhood Plan team and a founder member of Hoo Stop Line Heritage Trail group has worked tirelessly to save four Second World War pillboxes and a roadblock, all part of the Hoo stop Line. This culminated in an application to add this defensive structures to the list of buildings of Special Architectural Interest.
Ted said, ” One small victory in our fight to preserve Hoo Peninsula. After fifteen months I have managed to secure Grade 2 listing for a group of WW2 pillboxes and road barrier plinths. With the continuing development spreading along Stoke Road, Hoo, I felt it was important to protect these first. I hope there are others who feel like taking up the cudgel to protect a lot more of the peninsula assets. This is part of the message I have received from Historic England:-
“Dear Ted, Thank you for your response. Your proposal for the re-excavation of the anti-tank ditch as a SuDS measure is very interesting and would certainly add to the physical context of the pillboxes if adopted.
I will let you know the DCMS’s decision regarding the listing case in due course.”……..
………”Group of four Second World War pillboxes and a roadblock (section of the Hoo Stop Line), Hoo St Werburgh – grant Listed Building Status.
Following your application to add the above World War II defensive structures to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, we have now considered all the representations made and completed our assessment of the building. I am pleased to inform you that having considered our recommendation, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has decided to add the group of four Second World War pillboxes and a roadblock (section of the Hoo Stop Line), Hoo St Werburgh to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The structures are now listed at Grade II.”
Great work Ted in getting Grade 2 Listings and keeping our local history alive
Thank you Ted for helping to keep our history alive
Great work Ted, it’s good to protect the heritage we have on our penisular for future generations.
Ted! Thank you Ted for your immense effort in this direction and there is still much to do and I’m sure you will carry on your brilliant work! Regards David