Bow Locks

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 16th Jan 2006

Labour Cabinet Members rejected Lib Dem concerns about the decision to develop another masterplan for the Bow Locks Site.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors had 'called-in' the Cabinet's decision to refuse disposal of the Bow Locks site and instead develop a masterplan for the area.

Cllr Janet Ludlow, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, explained that concerns were centred on the appropriateness of developing a masterplan now. She noted that this area has been derelict for a number of years and that at least three other masterplans are already in existence. She questioned the need for another plan.

Cllr Ludlow said "The Council has already spent enormous sums drawing up plans for this site. Now is not the time to spend yet more cash and time on making plans. With plans for the Olympics development going ahead, we have a number of businesses who need to relocate and for this Council to decide that Bow Locks is not an option for them is totally unacceptable. We should be working hard to keep businesses in our borough. We risk losing both entrepreneurs and local businesses to other boroughs who are prepared to be more flexible and accommodating than our own."

Ends