As previously stated, Matthew Webb, Chairman, Stanford Parish Council has issued this statement:
It is extremely disappointing, but typical of Dft and HE's behaviour, that the announcement of Balfour Beatty as the lead contractor for the proposed Operation Stack lorry park has been announced when Andrew Jones MP (Transport Minister) had declared that HE's report on their non-statutory consultation would not be released prior to the European Referendum. This confirms HE's lack of regard for the views of local stakeholders gives credence to the view that deals have been done behind closed doors. However, it is standard HE practice to choose a contactor from their panel of around 4 main contractors and for them to "award" the contract to one of those before official go ahead has been given in order not to delay development.
We were aware some weeks ago that HE were engaging Balfour Beatty and discussed it with our legal team. However, they confirmed that provisional award of the contract is not evidence of wrong doing and does not break any process. However, I believe it shows that HE have been blatantly lying when they tell the world how much detailed study and research they have done to come up with a giant car park as the only solution to Operation Stack. Clearly they have no idea what this monstrosity will look like in practice or how / if it will operate effectively! No, they need to award a £130m contract to use PUBLIC MONEY to pay the private sector just to draw up the plans for them! The whole thing is a scandal. I can't conceive of the logic of coming up with a "solution" that actually hasn't been worked through or has any precedent to say it will work and then deciding to spend millions on getting a third party to draw up the plan and operating procedures for you! Call me a cynic but Balfour Beatty will give HE what they want just to get the rest of the money on the table for the actual construction and the muppets at HE won't have a clue whether or not the plan will work. We will literally be pouring £250m of tax payers money into the ground for the benefit of the private sector!!! SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOF TOPS, 10 MONTHS AND OP STACK HAS NOT OPERATED ONCE!!!! WE DON'T NEED THIS LORRY PARK!!!!
Please note that on the 1st June the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee has issued a report and press release stating that the case for a single large lorry park as a solution for Operation Stack has not been proved! At last there is a voice at a national level of government saying that the small man is not just a NIMBY but has raised valid objections that should be addressed!
Matthew Webb.
