'No' to Imposed Growth petition handed in to Gordon Brown (Andrew Simpson)

'No' to Imposed Growth petition handed in to Gordon Brown

February 14, 2010 10:00 PM

Scott Collins, Andrew Simpson and Paul Varnsverry outside Number 10 Downing Street Northampton Liberal Democrats have handed in a 1,000 strong petition to Gordon Brown against plans for 40,000 houses to be built around the town.

"We have said all along that the Government is wrong to impose this level of housing developments on our town." said Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North. "The new housing numbers would mean the loss of valuable green field sites around Northampton and put an unacceptable strain on already overburdened roads, schools, healthcare and other public services."

"Local people should decide on the level of housing needed for Northampton rather than targets be imposed on us from the Government".

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, Cllr Paul Varnsverry added "Huge swathes of Northamptonshire countryside would have to be concreted over to accommodate the Government's plans. Whilst we can all accept some new housing is needed, the current level is in excess of what should be imposed on Northampton and is proposed without suitable safeguards on provision of essential services and preservation of green spaces."

Cllr Scott Collins, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for South Northamptonshire, also attended and said "One of the real assets of our county is its countryside and the green spaces in and around our towns. If we are not careful all that will be put at risk if the Government's plans go ahead unchallenged."

Notes to editors

Just under 1,000 people signed up and returned the 'No to Imposed Growth' petition ran by Andrew Simpson and the Liberal Democrats during 2009.