MP challenged to 'come off the fence' over Dallington Grange development

10.18.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 1st Oct 2006

Lib Dem Councillors have called for Labour MP Sally Keeble to make clear her position over development of Dallington Grange following publication of a consultation report conducted for her that shows massive opposition to development on the site. The report compiled by Gary Youens suggested that total opposition remained high in all areas affected by the proposal.

Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Cllr Andrew Simpson said "I asked Sally Keeble in 2003 whether she was opposed to development on Dallington Grange and she failed to give a clear answer saying she was just 'allowing her constituents to air their views'. Again her constituents have spoken and we ask her to state clearly whether she is opposed to this development"

Lib Dem Borough Councillor for Spencer Ward Roger Conroy, which includes Kings Heath one of the areas impacted by any development, said "It is the Labour Government's plans for house building around Northampton that has led to pressure to develop Dallington Grange, it is the Labour Government who set up the unelected Development Corporation (WNDC) to manage this. We would expect our Labour MP to be representing her constituents and opposing this vigorously to both WNDC and the Government - she must come off the fence on this one."

Borough Councillor for Kingsthorpe, Cllr Richard Church, added "Liberal Democrats in Spencer and Kingsthorpe have spoken up for local people in opposing the proposed development, and we have resisted imposition by the government of extra housing on our town and the creation of a development corporation to bypass local democracy."