Archived press release

FOE calls on Prescott to stop bypass. No more Hastings eyesores!

14 February 2001

Friends of the Earth today called on John Prescott to refuse permission for two bypasses around Hastings to be built. Earlier today the roads were backed by the South East England Regional Assembly at its meeting in Aylesbury.

The bypasses will cross an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, damage one of the UK's top wildlife sites, lead to traffic increases in neighbouring towns and villages and threaten local jobs. The final decision will rest with the Secretary of State, John Prescott. A final announcement could be made before the General Election.

Tony Bosworth, Transport Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
"Today's decision is desperately bad news. The Regional Assembly has pinned the regeneration of Hastings on a scheme riddled with doubts and weaknesses. The only sure thing about the bypasses is that they will cause enormous damage to the environment. Mr Prescott must now stand by Government policy. He must protect one of our best wildlife sites and most beautiful landscapes and reject this destructive scheme. Regeneration requires proper planning, not environmental destruction.".

Mike Turner of Hastings FOE said:
“I'm sickened that our beautiful, tranquil countryside can be destroyed in this way. Our local heritage is very special and once destroyed can't be brought back. The Regional Assembly should be looking at making the most of our natural assets, not concreting over them.”

Gillian Bargery, of the Wishing Tree Residents Group (1500 members) said:
“This decision will be devastating for my neighbourhood. The building of these roads will lead to a 40% increase in traffic in this area. This is intolerable. There is no clear economic justification for the decision; it's completely indefensible. The government is meant to be reducing traffic in towns and encouraging people to use their cars less. SEERA's decision flies in the face of policy”.

Brenda Pollack, Regional Campaigns Co-ordinator, FOE commented:
“Part of the heritage of Hastings - 1066 country - will be lost forever if these roads are built. Local people in Hastings will gain little as there will be a net loss of jobs in the town centre. Opening up out-of-town greenfield sites is not the way to make Hastings prosper. Local unemployed people need easily accessible jobs, not fast roads to nowhere.”

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust