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3 Counties Group Press Release 2500 Houses Not Sustainable, Declares Margaret Ball is standing as Conservative Candidate for the East Grinstead electoral division in the forthcoming County Council Elections. Unfortunately, she was unable to be present at the meeting arranged by the Post Referendum Campaign Group (on 13th April 2005 at Chequer Mead) due to a family bereavement. However, we have now had the opportunity to speak to her and amongst matters discussed were the 2500+ houses and by-pass/relief road that are threatening the town. We were pleased to learn that Margaret Ball declares her unequivocal opposition to the 2500+ new houses that the planning authorities and developers are proposing to build between East Grinstead and Crawley Down. Margaret told us, “People who know me, know that I speak my mind. And I will continue to do so, if elected to represent the views of the residents of East Grinstead. “With regard to the proposed new development and relief road – I have lived and worked in East Grinstead for many years and it is my strong belief that 2,500+ new houses in East Grinstead are far too many and this scheme is not sustainable. “East Grinstead is a beautiful country town, set in the most wonderful and scenic countryside. Whilst I understand that Central Government is trying to impose new houses on West Sussex, they must realise that our Town does not have the infrastructural capacity to deal with such a massive housing development - and such a proposal would be catastrophic to the East Grinstead community. “We do need affordable housing. And a much smaller development, where the necessary infrastructure is put in place beforehand, might be appropriate. However, before giving my support to any proposal I would need to be convinced that it would be to the benefit of the voters of East Grinstead and would not have a negative impact on the people who live and work here. “If elected, I will work fearlessly and tirelessly for my electorate.” We are delighted with these straightforward words from Margaret Ball on this vital issue. Nobody wants 2500+ houses dumped on our doorstep, to provide homes for Crawley workers. And as we have learned from many previous County Studies, the relief road, as proposed here at East Grinstead would achieve no effective traffic relief. We would have even more traffic once the road is built than we have now! It would mean massive devastation to the countryside we all enjoy and wish to protect for future generations. Simple, on-line improvements to correct the few pinch-points along the A22 and improve peak-period flows is all we’ve ever needed. The County has long known this. But it does nothing. And regrettably our existing County Councilors have failed to make our voice heard on the matter. We endorse Margaret Ball’s candidacy without reservation. And we now look for action from her when she becomes our new County Councillor! Sincerely, Michael Vickers Press Liaison: Peter Haskell 01342 322622 | Close | |
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