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Liberal Democrats on Kent County CouncilThe Official Opposition on Kent County Council |
CABLE COMPANY MEETS COUNCILLORS
January 11, 2005 10:40 AM
There Will Now Be No Damage To The Ancient Woodland Of Heath Wood
At an urgent meeting of Maidstone Borough Council's Leisure and Recreation Scrutiny Committee on the 21st December, Maidstone Councillors instructed officers to arrange a meeting with the cable company EDF to discuss the controversial route of the incinerator cable through north and east Maidstone. At the same time, following strong public criticism of the route chosen, County Councillor Margaret Featherstone received a letter from EDF offering to meet with herself and other elected members.
Last Friday Margaret and five of the Ward Borough Councillors met with representatives of EDF and their contractors, Morrisons. Maidstone Borough Council hosted the meeting, which was attended by senior officers.
Margaret Featherstone, who revealed plans for the cable laying, said: "The meeting was extremely useful. The most important outcome is that there will now be no damage to the ancient woodland of Heath Wood. Instead of trenching, the contractors have agreed to use a more sophisticated and expensive technique - directional drilling - to lay the cable underneath the whole wooded area. The cable will be laid at a depth of 3 metres, with no trenches or pits dug. This will ensure that there is no damage to the protected trees. Maidstone Borough Council officers will observe the work.
"On the rest of the route no trees should be removed. The contractors will be observing a Code of Practice to protect all trees.
"Good news for Ringlestone Estate is that the work will start on the 17th January by laying the cable in Dickens Road. The long awaited road repairs can then be done.
"The contractors will give Councillors full information regarding the route, and time scales, so that they can inform local residents.
"There has been considerable publicity about this cable. I would like to thank the press for their interest - it has undoubtedly helped to achieve a satisfactory outcome and to preserve this important ancient woodland."