James Heappey MP organises public meeting after concerns raised by local residents
Wells MP James Heappey has continued his support for Meare and Westhay residents in their ongoing campaign for better road safety in their villages by organising and chairing a public meeting at Meare Primary School.
This follows a year of regular correspondence with villagers, engagement with the Parish Council, visits to the village and a meeting at County Hall.
Nearly 150 residents came to discuss this, and in attendance were representatives from Meare Parish Council, Natural England, the RSPB and local businesses at the centre of the dispute.
Questions from the floor were put Dr Andy Hicklin from the Environment Agency, Andrew Turner from Somerset County Council’s Highways and Somerset County Council’s Planning and Strategic Commissioning Manager, Barry James.
Mr Heappey said: “This was a great chance for people to understand more about this issue, but also for the Environment Agency and Somerset County Council to hear just how strong the opinions are of residents of the village.
He added: “Many constituents have contacted me about this important issue and their anger is very clear. Much of the meeting was dominated by concern over the licensing and planning processes connected to South West Wood Products (SWWP), but also real concerns were raised about other aspects of road safety in the village
“I will continue to work with the Environment Agency and the County Council to ensure residents’ voices are heard in these processes. I will also work with SWWP in the hope we can find a solution which works for them as a business and works for residents.”