Labour's parliamentary candidate says save West Wood and stop quibbling over the cost

 

Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Castle Point, Julian Ware-Lane, has expressed surprise that the Conservative candidate, Rebecca Harris, has seen fit to attack the Church Commissioners over the sale of West Wood in Hadleigh. 

On her website Rebecca Harris has described the Church Commissioners as “greedy”. 

Julian said “Some would describe it as a brave comment, others would say it is folly. It does not strike as particularly mature to name call.” 

“I cannot imagine this sort of name-calling will endear Ms Harris to the commissioner – not an astute move when you wish to negotiate”. 

“I do not think the asking price particularly excessive. £250,000 is about what an average MP costs for a year, and somewhat less than the sum of annual allowances paid to Castle Point Councillors.” 

“I think MPs and councillors are important and in most cases are costs worth paying. But I would not baulk at securing a valuable piece of real estate for the local community either. I know for sure that a developer would think it a good price.”

The Labour Party in Castle Point is committed to preserving the green belt and has run some vigorous campaigns in opposition to Conservative development proposals.

“The Church Commissioners are obliged by law to get the going rate when disposing of assets and after all £250K is not a lot in terms of Council’s spending and could easily be met from reserves.  That’s what reserves are for! Regrettably this does show that the Conservatives cannot are not to be trusted with our open spaces,” says St. Mary’s Councillor Brian Wilson.

 

 

Julian Ware-Lane can be contacted on 07989 564743

Charles Willis, his agent, can be contacted on 07788 993377