10:21am Thursday 16th July 2009
By Sam McGregor
CHAMPAGNE corks are popping in Weston-on-the-Green as villagers celebrate victory over a proposal they never thought would happen.
Weston Front, the group set up to oppose the plan to build 15,000 homes near the village, say by excluding Weston Otmoor from the shortlist the Government has given the group what it fought for.
Founder Tony Henman said: “We are delighted with this outcome and are extremely grateful for the support we have had from the local community and various local bodies.
“Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Bicester Chamber of Commerce, BBOWT and CPRE in particular have been instrumental in persuading the government that ‘Weston Otmoor’ is the wrong place for an eco-town.”
Joint chairman Norman Machin said the group had met a least once a week in a bid to see off the proposal.
He said “We will never know for sure how much impact the work put in will have had on the final outcome.
“However, there is no doubting the commitment shown by everyone involved.
“The good news is that Weston Otmoor plans have been consigned to the bin forever.”
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