FORD ECO-TOWN: Vested interest?

He paints a picture of a "lovely, clean new town with parks, gardens, water features, trees and community facilities, all in a virtually traffic-free environment with first-class public transport, free in-town and well connected with (other] local towns and villages".

I wish. . .

Mr Penfold and many Gazette readers know full well that building is intended to start in the middle of green fields, a long way from any remaining bare runway, and the houses have to be sold first, years before anything like this accompanying vision might even be started.

Yes, says Mr Penfold, "there will also be shops, a food market with local produce, a surgery, schools and faith facilities all within easy reach".

No, I say, the money to fund these is not adequate and certainly does not include moving the railway station closer, or improving the horrendous conditions on the A27 and A259.

Besides, do we really trust housing minister Caroline Flint to "have a word with her colleagues in transport" and magic up an unplanned 200m to widen the A27 at Arundel?

I think not, when we have been waiting 20 years for such improvements at Chichester, Arundel and Hastings.

While we are about it, let's nail the "2,000 families may well get the opportunity, as 40 per cent of the homes will be affordable for both rent and purchase".

The potential developers, amongst whom I count Mr Penfold, have actually backed out and promised "land will be made available for affordable housing" '“ spot the difference?

Terry Knott

Chairman, Communities Against Ford Eco-Town (CAFE)

Church Lane

Yapton

NOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.

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