Lib Dem Councillors visit Patcham Court Farm and Braypool

3.42.03pm GMT Thu 17th Nov 2005

Commenting this morning during a site visit to Patcham Court Farm, potential site for Park and Ride, Lib Dem Environment and Transport Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Elgood said:

'We were grateful for a warm welcome from all concerned.

'It was good to see the site again, and look in detail at the allotments and homes.

'The present use of the site adds a lot to the City with homes for local families and some much loved allotments. It would be absolutely wrong to sacrifice these for Park and Ride, however much the City needs such a facility.

'I certainly support the notion of Park and Ride but feel the loss of these homes, the loss of the allotments and in Braypool's case the position with the potential national park makes it a too higher price to pay.

'I think the search for a Park and Ride site should continue, but looking at areas already under tarmac.

'I agree with the people that say that the city needs Park and Ride, but not at any price.'

After meeting tenants, residents and allotment holders at Patcham Court Farm, the councillors went on to meet staff at the RSPCA at Braypool.

Liberal Democrats have a long argued position of not supporting development north of the by-pass, and have previously ruled out their support for this site.