FINANCIAL TURMOIL MUST NOT HIDE THE CPRE ISSUES

As house prices tumble and the world economy staggers from one crisis to another, some of the major  issues that are causing concern to CPRE members have not gone away. Yet could they be forgotten or buried away as the world worries about global financial calamity?

We must not let this happen.  The loss of Green Belt, the reform of planning regulations, litter across the countryside – these are just three major problems that must not be abandoned.

A recent glance at the letters page in some local newspapers emphasises this concern.   The Evening Echo, which has a wide readership throughout South Essex has been concentrating on stories focusing on  housing developments on Green Belt and the increase of litter in parks , roads and the countryside. 

It is astonishing that at a time when politicians and bankers are talking in terms of billions and even trillions of dollars, those who make decisions on our behalf can’t get the basics right.

If towns and the countryside are plagued with increasing amounts of  litter and precious green land is disappearing under bricks and concrete, what hope is there for sorting out the economic mess which now affects us all.

Green Belt land has been precious for ages and the suggestion that 1,000 plus homes should be built at Thundersley near Benfleet is just not sustainable.  What about the increase in traffic, the pressure on water resources, the need for more schools, health facilities and other essentials for life in the 21st century?

So let’s try and get away from it  all.  Go to the wide spaces of rural Essex – and what do you find.  Litter everywhere.  Plastic bags and bottles, tin cans; overflowing rubbish bins; roads that desperately require maintenance.