CALM! Demonstration in Cheddington 10th Nov 2007

Approaching 200 villagers from Cheddington and its vicinity braved the cold on Saturday November 10 to attend a protest meeting on the Village Green organised by CALM! (Campaign Against Lorry Menace) against proposals by Camiers and Cairns Skips to increase the number of heavy lorry movements on local roads.  

The proposals, if approved by Bucks County Council, will almost double the number of heavy lorries on local roads from 106 to over 208 movements every day except Sunday. But Chris Poll, opening the meeting on behalf of CALM! said that the campaign group had been monitoring the situation and it was clear that this figure was already being significantly exceeded. “A group of residents spent four days monitoring the site and on three of the four days counted over 400 lorries.”

Mr Poll said that 400 movements in an eight hour day amounted to around one lorry thundering through local roads every minute. He added that surveys had shown HGVs amounting to 17% and 23% of traffic on some local roads. “This is on a par with motorways such as the M25.”

Mr Poll raised concerns about vibrations to houses, especially older buildings, caused by heavy vehicles, as well as safety issues, reminding the audience that the protest coincided with Road Safety Week in Buckinghamshire. He urged local people to sign petitions and send personal letters to Bucks County Council setting out their depth of feeling.

Local MPs John Bercow (Buckingham) and David Gauke (South West Herts) were at the meeting and also spoke out against the proposals.
Mr Bercow stated that “it is unsatisfactory that existing parameters are being flagrantly violated on a daily basis. The rule of law must prevail.”   He referred to suggestions that the planning meeting to consider the application may be delayed for a second time. “This planning application cannot be passed and Buckinghamshire County Council cannot delay a decision. The Council must properly investigate the evidence they are being given by CALM!”
Mr Bercow said a public meeting was now needed, which should be attended by the relevant cabinet member for the Council and pledged that he would also be willing to attend.  David Gauke MP endorsed Mr Bercow’s remarks and said he would also be happy to attend a public meeting.

Published: 10 November 2007 (updated 11/11/2007)