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From: AGAB
Subject: Fw: public enquiry flyer
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2004 22:06:23 -0000

Thames Gateway Bridge

Public Meeting - 15th January 2005

The Need for a Public Enquiry

Increase in Traffic * Increase in Air Pollution * Increase in Noise Pollution


Members of the Greenwich Council planning board voted 6 to 4 on Tuesday 14th December in favour of supporting the planning application for the Thames Gateway Bridge. After listening to councillors discuss the proposal, following representations from both objectors & supporters, it was obvious that many of them were not clear about the traffic implications or the resulting detrimental increases in noise & air pollution. It was quite obvious that some of them had not read the agenda in any depth or the Traffic & Transport report or in Transport for London's case, the Whitelegg report.

There was mention of a public inquiry by several members of the board but the Director of Planning reminded councillors that the need for a public inquiry was not a planning argument but to be decided by John Prescott.

In case anyone was confused (as it was difficult to hear what was going on at times), the amendment mentioned at the time of voting (which resulted in 2 more hands going up), involved securing financial contributions for the Bio-diversity management plan (Clause 12, Para 10.1)

What happens now?

I have been informed by Greenwich Council today that their response should be with both The Mayor, Ken Livingstone & the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), John Prescott by Christmas at the latest. We are proposing therefore to lobby the ODPM. Copies of (standard) objection letters & petitions have already been sent but we now need everyone to write or e-mail individual letters of objection asking for a public enquiry.

Therefore it is imperative that letters or e-mails asking for a FULL PUBLIC ENQUIRY are sent as soon as possible to -

MR NICK WARD
GOVERNMENT OFFICE LONDON
FLOOR 9 (PLANNING)
RIVERWALK HOUSE
157 MILLBANK
LONDON SW1P 4RR

E-MAIL - nward.gol@go-regions.gsi.gov.uk
TEL - 020 7217 3143

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME & ADDRESS. REMEMBER EVERY INDIVIDUAL RESIDENT CAN SEND IN A LETTER DEMANDING A PUBLIC ENQUIRY INCLUDING CHILDREN TO A MAXIMUM OF FOUR LETTERS PER HOUSEHOLD AND ALL FOUR LETTERS CAN BE SENT IN THE SAME ENVELOPE.

I know Christmas is nearly upon us but this will probably be our last chance to influence any decision so it is really important that everyone makes this final effort, so please try to send off your letters of objection before Christmas.

It is important to mention the facts that you feel are important in your letter or e-mail. Your letter does not need to be long or complicated.

It is important though to send it, as this could be your last chance to influence any decision. Your letters could also be sent to the local papers.

It would be helpful if those living in Greenwich could contact their local papers as they print different editions. The more letters they receive, the more likely they are to print them and this helps keep this issue in the news for others to read.

Points which you may wish to include in your letter -

* Inadequate consultation
* Insufficient information
* Major concerns about noise & air pollution (especially regarding asthma which is already a major concern in the area)
* Adverse affects on natural habitats - Bostall & Lesness Woods, Danson Park, open spaces in Thamesmead, Thames Estuary and other locations
* Road Safety - Transport for London forecast increases in serious road accidents, including fatalities
* Lack of confidence in Transport for London's ability to properly manage traffic emanating from and to the bridge

Thames Gateway Bridge - PUBLIC MEETING - Saturday 15th January 1.15pm

Community Hall, Wrotham Road, Welling (Next to the Lord Kitchener PH)

Attendees promised so far -

Leader of the Council, Councillor Chris Ball
Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Daniel Francis
Greater London Assembly Green Party Representative Darren Johnson
and hopefully Nigel Beard MP and other MPs and Councillors

Contacts -
Terry Grant - 020 8298 1105 - tg@pvr.co.uk
Jacqui Wise - 020 8301 4243 - jacquiwise@tiscali.co.uk



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