MP stumped in hedge cutting row

By jnuttall

NICHOLAS Soames MP has claimed he is dissatisfied with the response from the district council over the Chequer Mead car park hedge.

Last week the Courier and Observer reported how Mid Sussex District Council contractors destroyed the hedge that surrounded the town centre car park.

The MP paid a visit to the car park on Friday to inspect the damage and on Tuesday he said he was "dissatisfied" with the response he has received from district council chief executive John Jory.

"I'm pleased with councillor Garry Wall for making the council clean the place up, so it looks like a tidy bombsite instead of a bombsite."

He said he hoped the councillors had learnt a "valuable lesson" on how not to deal with hedge cutting.

"I spoke to the town council clerk and he said there was no bad behaviour or drug taking in that car park. I am satisfied what happened was completely unnecessary. This was nothing to do with the elected members but was decided by the officers and contractors," he added.

John Jory, Chief Executive of Mid Sussex District Council said: "Mr Soames is aware the council has been working with Sussex Police and the British Parking Association to ensure our car parks meet the highest safety and security standards. We already have nine car parks that have reached a national standard called Park Mark and we are keen to seek accreditation for the Chequer Mead car park. As part of creating a safe and secure car park we have reviewed the landscaping around it.

"The existing hedge was planted seven years ago and has grown unchecked since. As a result, some works were authorised by officers recently where the hedging has been cut back hard to provide very good visibility into and from the car park."