First Step Towards Victory on V10

8.04.34pm GMT Mon 26th Feb 2007

Milton Keynes Liberal Democrats are delighted that the developer Crest Nicholson and English Partnerships have finally listened to local people and are backing down on plans to divert and downgrade the V10 grid road through the proposed Oakgrove development.

The Liberal Democrats have led the campaign to persuade Crest Nicholson that their plans to divert the V10, and rip up part of the existing grid system, were unacceptable to local people.

In a bizarre turn of events, Crest Nicholson and EP will be asking the Council to protect the V10 to prevent them diverting it. They will ask the Council to impose conditions on their planning application to keep the existing V10 route and to re-design the Oakgrove scheme.

Lib Dem V10 Campaigners

Councillor Isobel McCall, Liberal Democrat Leader of Milton Keynes Council, said: "Ever since I first saw Crest's plans for the V10 a few years ago, I have been arguing that they had made a big mistake. I made myself their least favourite person in Milton Keynes but I was determined to fight their plans to the bitter end. I am very grateful for support from other Milton Keynes organisations such as the Parks Trust, Parish Councils and hundreds of local residents who have backed the campaign to stop these plans in their tracks. Victory is now within our sights."

Councillor Derek Eastman, Liberal Democrat councillor for Middleton ward which includes Oakgrove, said: "The possible diversion of the V10 has been a great concern to many residents in my ward who use the road every day. Hundreds of residents have signed petitions and registered their opposition on-line. The Liberal Democrats will keep a watching brief to ensure that children will still be able to get to Oakgrove School in safety."