Dogma Drives Council to Destruction

12.00.00am GMT Thu 11th Jan 2001

Despite a spirited battle from the Liberal Democrats the historic hedgerow that runs along the side of Cardington Road in Bedford has been consigned to the compost heap of History. The Council's Executive committee made the thoughtless decision at their meeting on Wednesday night. "This is a victory of Dogma over Common sense." Said Liberal Democrat Leader Michael Headley. "I don't believe that allowing one bus to get to the town centre three minute quicker is worth the loss of this hedgerow and the thousands of pounds of council tax payers money that the County Council want to spend. I do not believe that this vandalism is necessary in order to ensure that the Park and Ride scheme is a success!" "This fight is not over." Said local ward councillor and deputy group leader Dan Rogerson. "I am very worried about widening this road. The risk of flooding and the danger to the nearby houses is too great. Good sense could still win through at the Planning committee when they discuss the hedge's preservation order. The park and ride will be great for Bedford but this bus lane is not needed it would be a white elephant." "One of the most attractive things about Park and ride schemes is their environmental benefits." Said Councillor Headley. "So it seems crazy to dig up such a haven for plant and animal life, without a good reason. If we leave the hedge there now we can decide to dig it up later if we need to. It wouldn't be as easy to put it back if we don't need the extra lane."