There are only three weeks to go to oppose plans by Beds councillors which would destroy a huge area of Herts Green Belt. Luton and Central Beds councils plan to meet their Government housing targets and alleviate congestion in Luton by building thousand

There are only three weeks to go to oppose plans by Beds councillors which would destroy a huge area of Herts Green Belt.

Luton and Central Beds councils plan to meet their Government housing targets and alleviate congestion in Luton by building thousands of homes, infrastructure and a bypass on 10,000 hectares of Herts countryside to the west of Hitchin.

This plan will not only swallow up villages and destroy farmland but will have an impact on the wider area from the extra traffic, funnelling through Hitchin and jamming rat runs.

And on June 12 the public consultation period for the plans - your chance to make your opposition heard - comes to a close.

Although there will be another public consultation period later in the year, this is your only chance to influence the Luton and Central Beds joint planning committee before they make representations to the Government on a planning decision.

If a government planning inspector approves the plan there is nothing North Herts District Council or Herts County Council can do about it and they will have to plan for the development.

So now is the time to make Beds councillors aware of the strength of opposition to this invasion across county borders into an area of prime countryside enjoyed by Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire residents alike.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) leader, F John Smith, said Luton and Central Beds need an accurate reflection of opinion and individual responses are the most effective way of getting this across.

"I cannot over-emphasise how important it is for everyone to express their views, either by post or the internet," he said, "We will be doing everything we can to preserve our landscape and the help of every individual is vital."

Cllr Smith urged residents to use the Keep East Of Luton Green postcards included with the council magazine, Outlook, currently going to all households in the district. Or to write directly to the joint technical unit (address below) with objections.

Alternatively, log on to www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk to voice your opposition.

For all the stories on the issue and to sign up to our own campaign against the development click the Stop The Luton Invasion button on our website www.thecomet24.net

We cannot let this beautiful area be destroyed forever.

Get involved by going to the

NHDC public meeting

June 2 - Offley Village Hall, 8pm

KEOLG public meeting

May 21 - Stopsley Primary School, 8pm

And object in writing to

Mr David Atkinson

Joint Technical Unit

960 Capability Green

Luton LU1 2PE