ECO TOWN MEETING 28TH NOV. AT JUDGEMEADOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Lynda Shillaw, Managing Director of the Properties Division of the Co-operative Group, with Ruairdh Jackson, Co-op Head of Planning, gave a series of themed presentations about the Masterplan Vision for ‘Pennbury', before an audience of over 100 people. Keith Vaz, MP, chaired the question and answer session firmly and fairly. The main themes tackled included housing, transport, education, and employment.

Many questions were concerned with the impact of transport on this area. Ms Shillow said that the Eco town was being planned to have minimal impact on the surrounding area. However, the audience questioned whether it would be practical to limit the number of cars and find alternative transport. A proposed tram route was shown, but Ms Shillow said that this service was probably 20 years in the future.

Cllr Patrick Kitterick, City Councillor in charge of regeneration and housing, spoke in favour of the Eco town. He said that many thousands of new houses will be needed in the City and he argued that it was a better option to have the Eco town, which would be planned with all the infrastructure in place.

The audience remained clearly opposed to this Eco town, as the vote at the end confirmed.  Only three people were in favour, out of some 55 Leicester East residents.

For further websites:

www.ecotownforleicestershire.coop

www.stopthecoopecotown.org

Helen Pettman