Bourne Wood - 27 February 2008

I learnt yesterday with some consternation that the rumours that the Forestry Commission have entered into negotiations with a developer about a Western by-pass scheme for Bourne which would encroach into Bourne Wood have been confirmed by the Commission.

I have today written to Mr Paul Hill-Tout, Director of the Forestry Commission for England, asking to see the plans and requesting a meeting to discuss them.

Of course Bourne needs a North-South bypass. I have said so for many years and – in vain – lobbied the District Council many years ago to make development on the eastern side of the town conditional on such a by-pass being constructed to the east. I continue to believe that a by-pass to the east is feasible.

My view on Bourne Wood has always been that it is a priceless asset to the town and ought to be sacrosanct. I shall therefore be approaching this project, which I will look forward to discussing in detail with the Forestry Commission and with the District Council, with the greatest scepticism.

I will be making further announcements in due course. Once the full plans are available, I believe it would be right to have a public meeting.