* * * News for 9th January 2003 * * *
Horsted and Warren Wood: 9th January 2003
Medway Council's Conservatives reaffirm their stance on Rochester Airport
The Leader of Medway's Conservative group re-states their opposition to closure of Rochester Airport for redevelopment.
In a Press Release issued on 9th January 2003, the Leader of Medway's Conservative group, Cllr Rodney Chambers, restated his pledge to fight for the retention of Rochester Airport in its present form. He said:
The policy of Medway's Conservative Cabinet to respect the wishes of local people and retain Rochester Airport as it is now was defeated by a cross party Labour/Lib Dem coalition. The result was a decision to allow development on the site. We pledgeed to fight to save the airport at the last local elections and I am determined to continue the battle.
I am saddened that Labour and Liberal Democrat Councillors are advocating the destruction of this historic and important local facility.
They may be prepared to stand aside for John Prescott's bulldozers. I am not.
I am pleased to say that, should the Conservatives have a majority on the Council after the elections in May, we will revisit this issue and I will seek to reverse a foolish and shortsighted decision that should never have been made.
The day after this Press Release was issued, Horsted Councillor John Ward notified the Rochester Airport Consultative Committee at their meeting that evening.