Protesters target eco-town open day

6:09am Monday 30th June 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

Questions surrounding the proposed eco-town at Weston Otmoor went unanswered at the first of a series of open days to win over residents yesterday.

Developers Parkridge held a display at Weston-on-the-Green Village Hall for local residents to study the plans and comment on them.

Plans for the eco-town including 15,000 homes, a new train station and a tram network have created a storm of controversy.

Parkridge managing director Roger Spore met residents while some opponents put up signs and posters criticising the plans.

Local resident and campaigner John Mair said: "I asked Mr Spore about the cost of the new railway, improvements to junction nine on the M40 and the trams. But he said it has not been worked out yet. It was very brave of him to turn up, but it was a shame he was not better briefed. It beggars belief if he does not know."

Yesterday's event was the first in a series of open days across Oxfordshire running until July 18.

Campaigners were due to travel to London today to hand over a petition at 10 Downing Street against the planned eco-town.