For the 'heart and soul' of St Austell and Clay Country

I have just released a press release stating that I believe we have a real fight for the very ‘heart and soul’ of St Austell and the China Clay Area.

The area could be facing yet more change in the coming years following the recent job losses in the clay industry, the upcoming and unwanted reforms to local government, a possible further massive increase in house-building (with perhaps 10,000 new housing units over the next twenty years including an eco-town) and the need to provide create good-quality jobs for local people.

I have called on local people to make their opinions known by responding to a wide range of consultation opportunities.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

1. Economic strategies for the St Austell/St Blazey and China Clay Area

Restormel Borough Council is presently out to consultation on economic strategies for the area – copies of which are still available from the regeneration team at Restormel Borough Council, 39 Penwinnick Road, St Austell, PL25 5DR or via 01726 223300. The closing date is the end of June.

2. The eco-town bid

You can have your say on the IMERYS eco-town bid by sending your comments to Eco-towns team, Housing and Growth, Communities and Local Government, 2/H9 Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU or via email ecotowns@communities.gsi.gov.uk.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has a consultation paper which is available at: www.communities.gsi.gov.uk. The closing date for the consultation is the end of June.

3. The incinerator application at St Dennis

To comment on the planning application, views should be put in writing and sent to:-

The Assistant Director: Spatial Planning, Planning, Transportation and Estates Department, Cornwall County Council, County Hall, Truro TR1 3AY (quoting reference 08/00203/WAS). The closing date is 27th June.

Copies of the letters should also be sent to the Plannng Department of Restormel Borough Council at 39 Penwinnick Road, St Austell, PL25 5DR.

4. For a Public Inquiry into the incinerator

If you would like to demand a Public Inquiry into the SITA / Cornwall County Council planning application,you should write to the following address:

Mrs. M. Peart, Government Office for the South West, Mast House, Shepherds Wharf, 24 Sutton Road, Plymouth, PL4 0HJ .