In December 2009, Jason Sugarman, Conservative parliamentary, candidate for the Lewes constituency commented on the plans to create `land raise’ sites in the area. In a plan which was available for public consultation, several sites had been identified throughout the Lewes and Wealden constituencies.
As the Beddingham land fill site is now closed. The County Council is been forced by the Government to consider `land raise’ sites as alternatives. Although consultation documents say the new sites need to be near good road or rail links and away from any conservation areas or towns of more than 1,000 homes. Jason Sugarman strongly opposes their introduction stating:
`I am completely against the idea of ` land raise’ sites. We need to find alternative workable solutions that can be used in the long term. We have many areas of outstanding natural beauty, and with the National Park on its way, such ideas should not even be contemplated’.
Since December, Jason has canvassing the views of hundreds of local residents who could be affected by the proposed plans and last week met with Conservative County Councillors’ Matthew Locke and Meg Stroude, to pass on those residents objections to the government’s proposals.
Councillor Lock explained that the County Council has to follow a specific procedure imposed by the current Labour Government. “It is the Council’s legal duty to consider all the options during the consultation period”. However, Councillor Peter Jones, Leader of the County Council turned down the proposed plans 10 years ago and still has reservations about `land raise’ in our area.
Jason Sugarman said `This is another example of Labour controlling everything from central government and insisting the South bears the brunt of its policies. Labour refuses to invest in the infrastructure in our area; they just want to use it as a dumping ground. I will do everything in my power to prevent the County Council from using outdated and environmentally unfriendly forms of waste disposal. This is another example of why we need a Conservative MP locally to represent this constituency in a Conservative Government. Nothing else will do. If we want to change the government we must change the local MP. I expect a Conservative government, if elected, to ensure that the County Council has the scope to make the right decision over this.
