Hands off our Back Gardens

8.08.50pm GMT Thu 8th Mar 2007

Tim Murphy and Anna Jones, residents of College ward, who are leading the campaign

Epsom & Ewell Liberal Democrats are bringing the "Hands off our Back Gardens" campaign to Epsom High Street on 17th and 18th March. Members of the public will be invited to sign a petition which will back the Lib Dem's Bill in Parliament. They will also be given a "Hands off our Back Gardens" poster to display at home.

Chairman of the local party Tim Murphy explained "Many people are surprised to learn that the Government's planning rules, initially created by the Conservatives and perpetuated by Labour, say their back gardens are "brownfield" land which is ok to develop like any old industrial estate. This is hitting really hard in Epsom at the moment with several planning applications around which involve back gardens."

The Lib Dems have a private members Bill in Parliament which would change the law to protect back gardens and parkland. They want these spaces treated as "greenfield" sites and say the change would give power back to local people to decide upon the right level of development for their own communities.

Further information and a poster can also be obtained by contacting Tim Murphy on 01372 741393, email timmurphy4@btinternet.com or visit the website www.handsoffourbackgardens.org.uk for more detail about the local and national campaigns.

Related Link:

"Hands off our Back Gardens" website