News

I joined over 150 local residents in expressing concern about the planned expansion of Icknield High School, Riddy Lane at a public meeting with Council Officers.

Concerns were loudly voiced about the effects that having 1,000 new pupils on the campus would have on traffic, litter and safety. It was pointed out that Riddy Lane is already highly congested at peak times and there is no one on hand to deal with unruly schoolchildren and illegal parking.

To jeers and heckling, Highways Development Manager John Maples told the meeting that he could not promise that things would “not get worse” and that residents would have to “put up and shut up”.

I told the Officers: “The reason why residents are so angry is because they came here hoping for answers and assurances and all they have got is a powerpoint presentation and a shrugging of shoulders. What is the point of a meeting where you just come along and tell people there’s nothing you can do? What about having some positive proposals about better policing, better traffic enforcement, preventing pupils from going out at lunchtime? Local people deserve better than this.”

Councillor Mike Garrett said: “Every single person at the meeting bar one was against the development. The Officers haven’t even worked out what the catchment area is, let alone make proper plans about traffic flow or safety. This needs much more thought and consultation.” 

I spent this weekend at Conservative Spring Forum in Brighton. David Cameron rounded off the proceedings with a superb speech (without notes, in trademark fashion) to set out why he wants to be Prime Minister and why he deserves the trust of the British people.

You can watch some key extracts of the speech here. 

I was delighted to give Chloe Smith - Britian's newest MP after winning the Norwich North Byelection in 2009 - to Luton. 

Highlights of her visit included:

- Meeting residents of Lewsey Farm concerned by proposed housing development at Kestral Way

- Visiting Luton Carnival Arts

- Campaigning against Labour's plans to build on the green belt around Sundon Park (picture below)

A fifteen-strong campaign team spent this weekend canvassing in Bramingham with the wonderful assistance and support Justine Greening MP.

Justine really enjoyed meeting local people and understanding the concerns affecting Lutonians.

We managed to cover half of the ward - knocking on thousands of doors and talking to hundreds of local residents about local concerns... and if we didn't catch you today, then hopefully we will very soon as we will be out most days between now and the election!

Above: Justine delivers one of my calling cards to someone who wasn't in

Below: Councillor Margaret Simons (left), Me (centre) and Justine (right) in Turnpike Drive