Solihull's MP calls for public enquiry to save parkland

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st Aug 2005

Solihull's Liberal Democrat MP, Lorely Burt today called on the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott to hold a public enquiry to decide on controversial plans that include the sale of four acres of Solihull parkland.

The parkland off Monkspath Hall Road would be sold for housing development by Tory led Solihull Council, to help finance new leisure facilities at Tudor Grange if a current planning application is approved.

Mrs Burt, who recently introduced a Bill in the House of Commons to protect parkland, has now written to the Deputy Prime Minister on behalf of thousands of constituents who oppose the parkland sell off, calling on him to take the matter out of the Council's hands and hold a public enquiry before taking a decision.

"The Tory led administration seem determined to railroad this through despite strong public objection over a number of years. Solihull is blessed with wonderful open spaces for public enjoyment, and should not be attempting to sell off the family silver for short term gains," said the MP.

Once open space is given up, it is gone forever. We owe it to future generations to protect and preserve it," added Lorely Burt.