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3 Counties Group Press Release Marching in the Same Direction—At Long Last! Those were lively elections! Congratulations to successful County candidates. In EG Division, veteran Margaret Collins is joined by newcomer, Conservative Margaret Ball. From Imberdown, Philip Coote continues to carry the flag at Chichester. The threatened 2500+ Houses was a key issue in local party campaigns. Leading candidates identified with the pro-housing position—Andrew Brock and Edward Matthews—were decisively rejected (Brock for the second time) by voters. Those that weren’t did better. One does hope that the Lib Dems who represent us at East Court and at MSDC, and who have remained deaf to the pleas and outcries of local people for nearly 10 years, may now HEAR what the people of EG—their constituents—are saying. We do NOT want, and we have NEVER wanted, to be swamped by such a huge number of houses—regardless of whatever infrastructure may, or may not, be provided. Growth to meet local needs is one thing. Indeed up to 900 units of Town-infill have been built in just the past few years—with very few of these, it might be added, in the “affordable” category. But a development of this size (effectively a “New Settlement” providing housing for up to 8000-10,000 people) remains, just as it has in the face of intermittent pressure over the past 20 years, totally unacceptable. Congratulations also go to Nicholas Soames, who secured re-election as our local MP. Mr. Soames has taken seriously the views of the 10,000 who have petitioned against the threatened mass-housing. He has spoken out against the devastating scale of development being inflicted on this area. He has called on Government and Planning Authorities, as a matter of the greatest urgency, to ensure infrastructure requirements are met, BEFORE ANY new development is undertaken. He has carried our case to the Whitehall Housing Minister, to other concerned Government departments, to SEERA, to the various statutory facility (water, electricity) suppliers. He remains responsive to new ideas, to rational argument. He has worked closely with the PRC. He remains ready to take up cudgels again on our behalf. With our newly-elected representatives to County Hall fully re-sensitised to the concerns of local people; and with Mr. Soames continuing to listen, and to provide guidance, and new, and renewed actions as needed; EG residents are justified in feeling re-assured and hopeful. Much can be achieved when energies are focused and concentrated; and when all, at long last, are marching in the same direction. Sincerely, Alan Whyte Press Liaison: Peter Haskell 01342 322622 | Close | |
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