Barking and Dagenham Post report that Jon Cruddas MP has spoken to BeFirst about the development at Padnall Lake 'to make sure that the community does not fall victim to a controversial development'.
But did Jon Cruddas fall victim to BeFirst marketing?? Lets take a look at what was said:
Mr Cruddas said: “There have been a number of rumours circulating in the community that there are plans to damage or negatively alter Padnall Lake.
BeFirst said "A big part of the project is to improve the quality of the open space to turn what was a run off pond for the A12 into a proper lake with trees and habitats residents can really enjoy living near.”
So they are going to turn the lake into a 'proper lake', this is what it looks like now.
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| Marks Gate Padnall Views Action Group |
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| Mick Taylor Marks Gate Padnall Views Action Group |
Yes it already has trees, natural habitat, in fact it has an orchard and the wildlife already enjoys the habitat as do the local residents.
Tell us whats not 'proper' about the lake???
What they haven't said is that they are clearing the island, its in the plans, you don't have to believe us you just have to read it.
Removing existing trees and replacing with saplings is not going to help with climate change nor pollution for many years, not until the young trees become mature trees!
Reducing the green space to a path with a grass verge is not going to 'improve the quality of the green space'.
Mr Cruddas said: “In my representation to Be First I have also suggested the possibility of internal improvements for the Padnall Road flats."
BeFirst: "Existing homes will see changes too, including new kitchens, bathrooms and boilers."
No mention of fixing the ongoing damp and mold problems suffered by many of the local residents.
BeFirst: "We have listened carefully to residents and understand and will ensure their concerns over traffic and the environment are fully addressed."
How are these to be addressed?? the only answers so far are introducing a CPZ (more future expense for residents) and improving the bus stop. Nothing being done about the traffic, the congestion, only increasing it with more homes and cars.
Nothing is said about the additional developments planned for Marks Gate and how necessary keeping the PROTECTED green space will be for all the new residents.Adding more and more flats means people need more green space - now is not the time to be removing it.
Sorry Jon but hook, line and sinker springs to mind, local residents are not so easily fooled.