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3 Counties Group Press Release The People of East Grinstead Have Spoken! A Statement by 3CG Chairman At last the residents of East Grinstead have had their chance to speak. And with a very loud voice they have spoken. At Thursday’s (19 June) Referendum 96 per cent declared loud and clear—“No to the 2500+ houses!” Why our elected members, the persons who are supposed to represent our views, to protect our interests, got it into their collective heads to say ”Yes” to these houses, and indeed to open wide the door to the County and the developers is a mystery yet to be fathomed. They can at least take one consolation: they are not the first. “House-mania”, like “by-pass-itis”, seems a virulent condition to which EG councillors are particularly susceptible. The Lib-Dem party promised in its (May 1) final day (pre-local-election) literature to say “NO to Houses if a Referendum Says So.” Well, the Referendum said a very emphatic 96 per cent NO! Hence the party, which is the dominant group at the Town Council level—17 of 18 Members—along with its District Council Members, has a promise which we are confident it will honour. We shall be seeking an early meeting with Town and District councillors to consider future directions on this vital houses issue. The Town Council’s new Leader, James Baldwin, is known to be a measured, reasonable and honourable man. We are confident that what has happened over the past year or so—a period for which he bears no responsibility as he was not a Member of Council at that time—may be corrected, and that policy and action on this important issue may be brought back into line with residents’ expressed wishes. This happened in 1990 when Cllr. Baldwin led the previous “Houses Referendum” to an impressive 97 per cent No Vote—an action for which he was demonised by the then-ruling Tory group. We might add that in our quest to “right the EG Ship of State”, we are equally confident we shall have the full support of Nicholas Soames, our local MP. Mr. Soames has shown himself to be an excellent constituency Member. Many of us have reason to be grateful for his interventions and assistance. Indeed, during the last by-pass/houses initiative in 1996-97, he rendered valuable assistance for which we all were very grateful, and which is not forgotten. We are fortunate to have such an experienced and committed parliamentarian in our corner. It has not always been the case. And to all of those who supported our campaign, who voted No, and who have conveyed their backing for our collective “cause”—519 “hits” in the past two days—via our new website, we say “thank you.” Your support and encouragement will play a vital role in events and initiatives to come. Press Liaison: Peter Haskell 01342 322622 | Close | |
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