NOW is the time to have YOUR say on the future of 17 buildings and sites as some of Thanet's beaches, caves and woodland go up for grabs on the latest council sell-off list.

Thanet council confirmed on Tuesday the 17 sites to be considered for disposal in 2009/10 as part of its ongoing Asset Management Plan.

Properties that could end up under the hammer include Ramsgate Maritime Museum, Margate Caves, an area of Margate main sands, a strip beach along the cliff at Viking Bay in Broadstairs, woodland at Tivoli Park in Margate, tennis courts at the Montefiore Games Centre in Ramsgate and part of Ramsgate harbour.

The list, which has been drawn up to comply with Government requirements to use assets effectively, also suggests possible uses for each property. Each site is chosen if it meets a majority of five criteria laid down by council officers including: whether the building is in disrepair and possible to renovate at a reasonable cost; whether there could be a viable alternative use for the site; whether the condition of the property breaches health and safety requirements; whether it supports the corporate plan; and whether any sale would be of value to the council.

The Isle of Thanet Gazette revealed some of the assets being considered in September but council bosses have now finalised the details and are launching the consultation process on Monday.

They say they want to hear ideas and views from as many people as possible before the end of the consultation period on December 5.

Information on all the sites will be included in the next copy of the council magazine Thanet Matters which will be sent out to 60,000 homes next month.

Leaflets will also be posted to addresses near to proposed sites and three drop in sessions have been arranged.

Cabinet member for economy and culture Roger Latchford was joined by asset manager Justin Thomson and planner Doug Brown to announce the plans.

Cllr Latchford said: "This is an annual process to ensure that all the council's land and property is providing the best possible value for money to local council tax payers.

"Where we find sites that we believe aren't providing enough benefit to the whole community, these are the ones that we are bringing forward for possible disposal. However there's a long way to go before we reach that point and, before then, we want top hear local people's views on the sites being proposed. I hope this consultation will attract just as much interest and response as the one we carried out earlier this year."

The disposal list for 2008/9 which included Northdown House in Cliftonville, Albion House in Ramsgate and the Vere Road car park in Broadstairs attracted controversy and this year's selection could generate even more reaction.

The Montefiore Games Centre is already the subject of a campaign by the Hands Off Our Tennis (HOOT) group, while Margate's heritage is protected fiercely by many. Tony Snow, secretary of the Margate Civic Society, said: "I think anything on the beach front should be kept as open land and it's a potty idea to get rid of the caves. We are so lacking in attractions here in Margate. I think they should re-develop the caves as a major attraction."

Margate Cllrs Clive Hart and Iris Johnston urged as many traders and residents' groups to look at the plans and contact the council with their comments.

Cllr Hart said: "I firmly object to any sale of the caves. They are in a conservation area and the council should be investing in Margate's history, not selling it."

Jocelyn McCarthy, chairman of the Ramsgate Civic Society, was concerned for the Maritime Museum, a Grade II* listed building. She said: "It is the only museum we have. The council have recently paid to restore the canons outside. We are totally against the sale of our museum. Ramsgate has so much history and we will lose anywhere to exhibit our artefacts. It's a disgrace."

Jack Tullett, chairman of the Broadstairs Conservation Area Advisory group, has already been involved in discussions over the Broadstairs' sites. Speaking about the dilapidated shelter and lift house included in the land on Viking Bay he said: "We would welcome any improvement to the eyesore that currently stands there providing it is sympathetic to its bay side location and within conservation guidelines. Our group put forward the scheme for improvements to the car park which assumed the inclusion of Retort House."

Local residents can give their views over the next few weeks by writing to Communications, FREEPOST SEA8273, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, CT9 1XZ or by e-mailing Hannah.thorpe@thanet.gov.uk.