16^th December 2009

Rail freight update – Planning inquiry to close

I wanted to write to let you know that the Railfreight Inquiry is coming to a close. I have attended on various days, and spoken on your behalf, and STRiFE and the Council have been putting up a valiant defence against this proposal. We are coming to the closing arguments and I though you might like to know that the summing up will be delivered tomorrow, Thursday 17^th December. I know the STRiFE team would value your support if you could come along tomorrow or Friday to hear the closing arguments.

I spoke on Thursday 3^rd December, and made it quite clear to the Inspector that this proposal is totally inappropriate. I argued that it is unacceptable that Network Rail did not come to the inquiry to defend its support for this proposal, and that this is not a ‘green’ proposal, as HelioSlough suggest, as they have made no provision for onsite green technologies which could reduce the carbon footprint of such a project. STRiFE and I have also continued to argue that the rail improvements will not be delivered.

I have tried my utmost to explore all the angles and arguments in relation to this proposal and I hope that the Inspector will now reflect on how completely inappropriate it is. We expect a decision in the New Year and we all hope that it is rejected. I know that STRiFE and local residents have worked tirelessly for a positive result on your behalf and if common sense, logic and planning regulations are allowed to prevail then we should be optimistic of a result which refuses this massive encroachment on our green belt.

Please, if you can turn up and show your support, it will really boost the team and show how united St Albans is in its opposition to this proposal. I know STRiFE would also be grateful if you could pass on this message to your friends and neighbours, and encourage them to come along, as we need to show how strongly we feel about this matter. I will, of course, be in touch if I hear anything further.

With best wishes to you and your family for the holiday season,

Anne Main

Member of Parliament for St Albans

maina@parliament.uk - 0207 219 8270

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