Despite the bitterly cold weather, more than 200 people, from all over the district, joined the march through Feniton this morning, to mourn the loss of the countryside if new national planning guidelines go ahead, after next Wednesday’s deadline (27/03). Video here, thanks to Andy Thompson of Friends of Feniton’s Future (FFF) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH9vUDrM49E
Ben Bradshaw, MP, was unable to attend, but sent a message of support with ‘Congratulations on all your recent campaigning’.
Earlier this week, an e-mail was received from Sir Max Hastings, saying: ‘I wish you the very very best of luck in a fight which is the fight of everybody who cares both about the English countryside and the democratic rights of local communities’. Best wishes, Max Hastings
Feniton is a typical village-under-threat. It is faced with a rapid 40% increase in size, if planning applications are approved which their former councillor, Graham Brown, vociferously promoted, before his resignation last week.
Organisers, the East Devon Alliance, were delighted to see people of all ages gathered for the protest. The crowd were dressed in black, many carrying banners and black balloons.
After a rousing speech by Independent Councillor Claire Wright, the marchers chanted as they processed through the village to Camp Field, alongside proposed development sites.
For the closing speeches, Independent Councillor Roger Giles, and Chair of East Devon Alliance, Ian MacIntosh, were joined by local resident, Susie Bond. The by-election caused by Graham Brown’s resignation, will be on 2nd May. Susie’s announcement today of her intention to stand as a candidate, was greeted with enthusiastic cheers!
The full speeches will be posted on SIN in the next few days….as will more pictures.
Meanwhile, here are some photos, courtesy of Nicky King of Exmouth: http://friends-of-elizabeth-hall.org/fight_for_feniton_14.html If you’d like copies, contact us at sidmouthindependentnews@gmail.com and we’ll let Nicky know.
More at http://www.saveoursidmouth.com
Sidmouth Independent News 
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