Denis
I refer to your e mail.
Frankly I am not convinced that the meeting was particularly helpful in clarifying the debate. Obviously many of the attendees had pretty fixed views either one way or the other and the format did not allow a great deal of clarification on the issues of concern. However in my experience this is not unusual with a meeting of this kind.
I am unsure why you suggest that the DC meeting has been moved. At present it is my understanding that we continue to work towards a meeting on 20th January.
I am not prepared to trawl through back issues of the Echo and accordingly am not able to confirm the accuracy or otherwise of comments previously attributed to me. All I would make clear is that at all times during this process I have commented on the basis of the advice being received and believing my comments to be accurate.
With regard to the information requested in your final paragraph pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I would suggest that you submit this request to John Williams Head of Legal and Democratic Services at the Council. It is the Council that is a public authority which is subject to the Act – not individual councillors. I understand that SAEN has already made a number of FOI requests for information to Mr Williams, so you will have the contact details
Nigel Holdcroft
Tags: Cllr Nigel Holdcroft, Denis Walker, SAEN, Southend Borough Council
Given the replies you’ve received to your latest missives to the Airport and the Cllr Holdcroft can I suggest as an alternative strategy. SAEN considers that the runway expansion will go ahead, but lobbies, as a fall back position for that usage to be significantly controlled
For example. I’m no expert on planning law, but in my work I’ve certainly seen plenty of leases with restrictive covenants and the like prohibiting for example the sale of alcohol from any premises on a given site. Why can’t the Councils come up with something similar for the runway extension significantly restricting cargo flight numbers (which do seem to be a major source of concern) and forcing Stobart’s to use the Airport for passengers? Stobart’s can’t object since they keep telling everyone that that is their stated intention anyway.