Don't just consult - listen! Cllr Alexander's letter to the ELA

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 13th Nov 2005

I'm totally disgusted at Labour and the Council's plans to develop the Furze Street Area.

Lib Dem Councillors challenged the decision to sell off open space at Furze Green. We are opposed to any more loss of our precious open spaces.

Speaking to local people and groups we found that they were similarly outraged to hear about the plans. A little further investigation revealed that the consultation undertaken by the Council had resulted in a resounding 'NO!' from the community. Yet did the Council take any notice?

It's not good enough to say that the park is not well cared for and therefore let's sell of the land to developers. It's not good enough to say that it's only temporary green space. The next time local people get to make their views heard on this will be to object to the plans worked up by the developers.

The Council needs to show us that despite what it puts in its glossy documents that it's serious about protecting our parks from development.