Mark has received a number of emails in recent weeks from constituents concerned about the 750 new houses planned for West Rayleigh and, in particular, about the proposed new traveller site just off the A127.
In response, Mark has called for a meeting with Council leaders, to raise questions about the effect of the proposed housing on local infrastructure, including roads and schools and also to seek assurances about how the proposed traveller site will be managed.
Commenting on his request for a meeting, Mark Francois said:
"A number of my constituents are concerned about the pressure which these new houses will place on our local infrastructure so, I want to discuss with the Council the likely effect on facilities such as roads, school places and access to GPs. Given the history of the whole traveller issue in Essex, I can also well understand the potential concern of local residents about any proposed new traveller site. My initial understanding is that this will be a small and highly regulated site, out by the A127 on the old Michelin's Farm but I want to know more about this site and how exactly it would be run and managed.
I have asked to meet with Council leaders, so that I can understand in more detail exactly what is proposed and also pass on to them directly the concerns which are being raised with me by my constituents about the housing but especially about the traveller's site, which will have to be very strictly controlled if it is allowed to be built at all."