Reader’s letter: Time for council to listen to residents’ views
I wish to thank the 2,200 Newark folks who have signed our petition to stop the Lowfield Lane development at Balderton and would encourage everyone to request that this is now debated at a full Newark and Sherwood District Council meeting on July 16 by emailing customerservices@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
As I consider why myself, and so many others, have given so much of their time to protect this special area, the answer is simple — we care.
We care that a beautiful tranquil country lane virtually free of traffic right on our doorstep is about to be destroyed, not just for our kids but all future generations.
We care about the loss of what has been confirmed to be really high quality wildlife habitat and heritage, an area we can all visit, walk the dog, take the kids out or whatever you want to do in real countryside with owls, buzzards, deer, foxes, whatever you are lucky enough catch a glimpse of.
Over 1,000 people have now joined the Facebook group to share this.
There are also other major impacts of flooding and traffic/safety to compound the impact
To add insult to injury, the architects of this destruction are our own council and its development company using our own money.
The value and consequent loss of developing this site was pointed out to them during the allocations process, but conveniently ignored.
I would trust that the council does actually care and share these community values, however, it is the lack of democratic accountability compounded by blatent mis investment that so infuriates and drives us.
I hear so many say they are not surprised, but we need to do something to ensure we just don’t resort to council bashing.
They are our elected representatives acting on our behalf, so we are open to working with them.
So far this has only extended to being invited to Castle House so they can tell us what they are going to do.
Newark and Sherwood please work with your community. We are here and ready to engage. — DES KAY, Balderton.
