Local MP Norman Baker is today celebrating, after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced that it is to change the location of its public inquiry into South East Water's Water Resource Management Plan, which includes the controversial proposed reservoir near Ringmer in his constituency.
Originally, the public inquiry was to be held in Ashford in May, which was a cause of great concern to Norman's constituents in Ringmer, who were against the reservoir. They felt that it would be difficult for local people to get there and their views might not be sufficiently heard.
However, after complaints from members of the public, local stakeholders and Norman Baker himself, the Minister responsible, Huw Irranca-Davies asked South East Water to reconsider their arrangements for the inquiry and they have duly decided that it will now take place in Gatwick.
Speaking on the news, Norman said: "I am pleased to see that both the Minister and South East Water have listened to the concerns of my constituents on this matter.
"It always seemed to me quite ridiculous that a public inquiry with potentially large scale ramifications for my constituents was to take place as far away as Ashford.
"I now hope that with the inquiry taking place much closer to home, my constituents will be able to be present and make their objections to this unnecessary reservoir in a clear and unambiguous fashion."
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