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SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH PRESS RELEASE
Linslade bypass protesters secure transport victory due to protest
South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth have
secured firm commitments from Buckinghamshire County Council for
public transport measures due to the pressure of the local protests
against the Stoke-Hammond - Linslade Bypass [1]. These commitments
came after meetings between South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth
and Head of Transportation, Garrett Emmerson, mediated by Transport
2000 Director Stephen Joseph OBE [2]. The protest against the road
is still continuing, and Bypass campaigners will now attempt to
secure similar agreements on public transport measures in the
Bedfordshire area.
The commitments agreed today include:
South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth
welcomed today's statement by Buckinghamshire County Council in
particular the concern for the children of Stoke Hammond and
Linslade, which has come about as a result of the protests.
Victoria Harvey of South Beds Friends of the
Earth said:
"At last the County Council can be seen to be
positively dealing with some of the key issues that are at the heart
of the reasons behind the protest. We are very unhappy at new road
building, as it'll worsen climate change and our children’s futures,
and are very distressed at the threat to such beautiful countryside
that is so rich in wildlife. However we are very keen to achieve any
benefits for the local community in particular road safety measures
for children both in Stoke Hammond and in Linslade."
She added, "If only the Council had considered
and implemented all these measures beforehand, instead of ploughing
ahead with an outdated and devastating road; this protest wouldn't
have been necessary, and I wouldn't have got arrested! Before they
let the main contract for this road, they should implement these
measures and try and reduce congestion in a sustainable and modern
way. We are very pleased that as a result of these discussions
there is now a firm proposal for an express bus service between
Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. Also we have been promised a
significant improvement in local bus services, at least undoing the
recent cuts in services that have made life so difficult for so many
people. We are very concerned about the fifth of the population who
do not have access to a car, and improved bus services will help
these people."
"Whilst the protest against the bypass is still continuing and is
still a virtually entirely local protest we hope that this will lead
to a much more positive working relationship with Buckinghamshire
and Bedfordshire County Councils that will produce tangible benefits
for local people."
Local website about the protest is at www.linsladeprotest.org.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] The £50
million Stoke Hammond and Linslade Western Bypass is the first of
four bypasses, which will provide a dual carriageway between
[2] Transport 2000
are the national environmental transport body. See
www.transport2000.org.uk
[3]
South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth, and others, have opposed
this scheme for years, including through the 2003 Public Inquiry.
The protest started on 17th January when clearance work was due to
start on the scheme. Sixty local residents turned out to oppose the
bulldozers. Work was temporarily suspended when two women chained
themselves to a digger to prevent illegal felling of trees. A
constant vigil has been kept up by local residents, with a treehouse
and camp established on 23rd January. Local residents have been
engaged in conducting surveys of local residents' views, and
leafleting. A Public Meeting is also being organised, in contrast
with the last consultation by Buckinghamshire County Council in
1982.
CONTACT Victoria Harvey of South Beds FoE on 01525 385097 and 07815 817108 and vharvey@btopenworld.com
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