Residents want more infrastructure before more housing, according to Billericay's MP.

John Baron conducted a survey through his constituency bulletin and says he found lots of support for his views on defending the green belt.

He said: "Like me, the vast majority of respondents believe that it is wrong for the government to impose national house-building targets on local communities - believing instead that local, democratically elected bodies such as district, county or parish councils should decide the level of local development.

"In addition, 99 per cent of respondents rightly believe that our infrastructure needs improving before more development takes place.

"We are already short of doctors, nurses, teachers and police.Meanwhile, our roads, rail and public amenities require further investment.

"Adding more houses without proper investment can only make things worse."

Mr Baron is presenting his Green Belt Protection Bill - which was previously rejected by the Government - to Parliament again on June 13.

He hopes to change the Government's mind by then.

Published Monday, April 21, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo