Archived press release

Newbury business against the bypass

15 January 1996

1PM, TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 1995

VENUE: The Waterside Youth and Community Centre, The Theatre, Northbrook Street, Newbury. (Between Boots and Dorothy Perkins)

As local opposition to the Newbury Bypass mounts, prominent Newbury business people have called a press conference to explain why many local businesses don't want the bypass to be built. They will also counter claims that local businesses are overwhelmingly in favour of the road.

Clive Osborne, Managing Director of Osborne Electronic Holdings, said:

"Claims made by local MP David Rendel and others that most local businesses want this road are simply not true. Many local business people are very upset by the destruction this road is bringing and are doing what they can to stop it"

Dr John Bentham, Managing Director of Benoil, said:

"Newbury does have a traffic problem but this road is not the answer. If built the Newbury Bypass will desecrate some of the most beautiful countryside in England on a grand scale."

Other attendees are yet to be confirmed. Newbury Business Against the Bypass is supported by many other local business people who are unable to attend. Friends of the Earth is delighted to be facilitating this press conference by the Newbury Against the Bypass Forum.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Business people attending the conference include:

Richard Frett, Chairman of Newbury Business Breakfast Club which has regular monthly meetings with politicians and other influential people. At a meeting of the Newbury Business Club attended by local MP David Rendel in the autumn of 1994, only a small minority of the 30-40 people who attended said that they were in favour of the bypass.

Clive Osborne, Managing Director of Osborne Electronics, which employs between 200-300 people.

Steven Cain, local business man and former soldier, who retired after being injured in Northern Ireland.

Dr John Bentham, Managing Director of Benoil, a supplier of rubber goods to the oil industry. Area co -ordinator of local Neighbourhood Watch.

Neil Broomfield, Managing Director, of Neil Broomfield Associates, a Promotions Company.

Bill Baxter, Managing Director, Animated Laser Company of Hungerford.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust