The Government consultation about the development of airports in England closed on 30 June. I forwarded over 1000 letters objecting to the proposed developments at Halfpenny Green Airfield to the Department of Transport before the closure. Those that were sent to me direct I have acknowledged and I apologise for not responding to all postcards or letters that came to me via local councillors. I have received 50 letters since the closure of the consultation and I apologise for not responding to these. They will not be wasted as we plan to hand in petitions against the proposed developments at Halfpenny Green during the next few weeks while the Government is deliberating on the consultation before publishing its conclusions later this year. I will deliver these letters at the same time as the petitions.

I met representatives of the Trade Justice Movement on 27 June. I was able to tell them that the Government and the Opposition are well aware of the aims of the movement and support them in varying degrees. I was able to give a copy of Hansard to the Rev. James Stewart of Birchen Coppice. This recorded the Opposition day debate entitled Fair Terms for International Trade held on 25 June. I promised to write to Patricia Hewitt MP and Baroness Amos on receiving James’ comments on the views expressed in the debate and summed up in the Opposition motion and the Government amendment which of course was passed by the House.

We have had a useful meeting of the All Party Local Hospital Group which now has contacts with over 30 MPs from Local Hospitals under threat. We learnt that the newly appointed Independent Reconfiguration Panel is undertaking an investigation, probably its first, into the controversial changes to hospital services in East Kent. Many of you will remember that arguments over these changes have been going on for many years and in contrast to our hospital battle unrelenting strong resistance from local MPs and many doctors has preserved local services thus far despite the efforts of local managers to downgrade drastically the hospital in Canterbury. It will be most interesting to see whether this new ‘independent’ panel comes down on the side of local people or managers. Perhaps as there is no PFI hospital involved there will be less pressure from the government.

I have been notified that public consultation on implementing the Countryside Rights of Way Act within Wyre Forest started on 30 June. 
Draft maps for our area should be available soon in some public libraries and council offices to be viewed and commented upon. 
The Countryside Agency will hold road shows which they promise to publicise widely. Comments have to be received by 30 September this year.

R.T.