Lib Dems Challenge Executive Secrecy

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 19th Dec 2002

Liberal Democrat group leader Michael Headley last night challenged the Mayor's decision to look at the contentious developments to the north of Bedford in secret.

The sale of land to allow the developments at Norse Road and north Brickhill was up for decision at the Mayors executive cabinet meeting. Cllr Headley who has continually opposed both developments last night called upon the executive to bring the debate into the public arena.

Cllr Headley stated:

"This is a very contentious issue with feelings running very high. The Mayor has chosen to look at this issue in private, denying local people the right to join in this process or even be aware of what they are saying. I think it's outrageous that they insist on making a decision about selling this land for houses in secret. This land provides an important amenity to people in the borough and people should have the right to hear what decision the cabinet makes about it's future. I asked them to stop this nonsense and get rid of all the secrecy."

He added:

"The Mayor doesn't understand the importance of public debate. He has chosen to take the decision in secret when he had no need to. This was the final stand for saving these greenfields and it's been lost behind closed doors".