North East Herts MP Oliver Heald was one of the Speakers at the protest meeting held in Birch Green in the Hall of Hertingfordbury Cowper School. The meeting was called by the Parish Council and other concerned residents after land designated in the Green Belt was concreted over and occupied by three caravans. A High Court Injunction has been served on the developer of the land and Police and Bailiffs are discouraging other caravan users from the site. Also at the meeting were Inspector Jon Speed of Hertfordshire Police and senior officials from East Herts Council, District Councillor Linda Haysey. The meeting was chaired by Parish Clerk Tom Brindley and local resident Gary O’Leary. The Hall was packed with standing room only. The East Herts officials and Police explained that an Injunction had been taken out and that enforcement proceedings would be taking place.
Commenting, after speaking at the meeting, Oliver Heald said, “It is important to enforce planning law and ensure that our Green Belt is protected from inappropriate development. It is also important that further further caravans do not occupy the site. I have been kept closely in touch by Assistant Chief Constable Alison Roome-Gifford and District Councillor Linda Haysey. It seems that the Police and Council have done a fine job and I hope that the situation can be rectified soon.”