DOES THIS MAN WORK FOR HIGHWAYS ENGLAND ?

He may as well. because all the 'so called' experts hosting the latest round of 'consultations' seem to be as hapless as poor old Manuel.

Time after time we have had comments from residents describing their experiences at the hands of the Highways England Team as pathetic, frustrating, jobsworth. The list goes on. The fact of the matter is; There is no detailed plan, There is no operator, There is no joined up thinking. We've all been along to the consultations and we've all come away angry. Moreover, we have all become angrier that still not one Shepway Councillor or Kent MP has supported us in opposing this ridiculous, knee jerk and monstrous scheme to obliterate 250 acres of good arable farmland, at the same time poisoning the land, air and watercourses.

On attending the Sellindge 'consultation' we were heartened to see that it was very well attended by residents but disappointed to learn, that once again, obfuscation was the order of the day from the HE Team. 

We initially spoke to a drainage expert, who introduced himself as Oliver from Peckham, South East London. We said that we would like to ask you a few questions about water and drainage on the site. He said, of course

First question: 'Do you know the level of the water table at the Stanford site? Reply: Hmm, I can get that information from...............

Second question: 'Can you show us on your plan the extent of the black and grey system of drainage'?Reply: 'What'. ....... We said, 'the black and grey system'. Reply: 'Ahh'. ... We said, 'the foul and waste'.  'Ah', he said, 'there is none on North side'. We said: 'You are joking'. 'No' he said, 'We are bringing in portaloo's for all the lorries on the North side of the motorway'. To be fair to Oliver, he did look quite smart and he kept smiling, but he was clearly out of his depth after obviously being given a drainage brief from his boss. The conversation went on in pretty much the same way for the next 20 minutes or so. 

We then asked the Air pollution expert, Paul,  about the siting of the 500 refrigerated lorries. 'Oh yes' he said, 'Next to the residents in Stanford on the East side'. We said, 'Do you think that's a good place to put 500 lorries pouring out exhaust fumes'? 'No' he said. Well, at least he was honest. We said 'Would you like to live in the house next to lorry park with your children'. At that point he looked alarmed. He didn't answer. We then said. 'At the first consultation, Mr. Paul Harwood said that power points would be available on site for all refrigerated lorries to plug into so as not to pollute the air with diesel emissions whilst keeping perishable goods cold or frozen'. Paul said, 'That's not possible'. We said. 'Mr. Harwood took that information along, together with the specification of it having a footprint of 150 acres (It's now 250 acres) to the Transport Select Committee for their consideration. Are you telling us that Mr Harwood lied'? Paul said nothing.  We left in absolute disgust. 

Thousands of residents across Shepway are dismayed and troubled at the lack of transparency here coupled with elements of deception. 

Residents bordering the proposed site are suffering depression and anxiety resulting in long term health implications. 

One thing is for sure; the fight isn't over yet. The excellent work being carried out centred around Stanford and outlying Villages is testament to the grit and resolve of the people of the area. We now hear that a new group is to be formed of local Parish Councils and Meetings to combat the 'divide and conquer' mentality of Shepway District Council. It is clear to us all that the feeling of camaraderie among us is incredibly high with new friendships being formed on a daily basis. S&DRA's position is clear:

We are standing by Stanford Parish Council and SOS Kent, shoulder to shoulder, and would encourage others a little further afield to do the same. We will very shortly be asking you all to help fund the legal challenge that is now inevitable to see off Highways England forever. We will also be reminding the people of Shepway where their loyalty should be directed on election day.

Please watch out for more post's on our site which will be coming thick and fast over the coming weeks.

S&DRA.