Victory against B&Q in Sovereign Harbour!

3.33.06pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 23rd Nov 2006

Stephen Lloyd with Sovereign Lib Dem campaigners

Local Lib Dem campaigners are celebrating the news that developers have dropped their plans to build a B&Q superstore at Sovereign Harbour.

Despite being refused planning permission by Eastbourne Council, the developers behind the B&Q scheme appealed, but have now dropped their controversial plans completely.

Parliamentary campaigner Stephen Lloyd said: "This is a real victory for local residents. Since developers first proposed B&Q at Pevensey Bay Road, the Liberal Democrats have been totally against the plans, and have fully supported the 'No to B&Q' group and the SHRA in their campaign against B&Q."

Local Lib Dem campaigner and Harbour resident Michael Bloom added: "This is great news for residents, but now the long-term future of the Harbour needs to be addressed."

"Liberal Democrats will continue to demand action to improve facilities around our area and address the concerns of local residents."

Sovereign Harbour residents feel angry and let down by their local Conservative Councillors and MP.

Conservatives originally supported B&Q or simply just sat on the fence, whilst the Lib Dems, the 'No to B&Q' group and the SHRA have campaigned hard against B&Q since day one.

Conservative U-Turn on B&Q application

Despite our Conservative MP now saying that "many of us argued against [B&Q]", back in 2005 the Herald reported: "Nigel Waterson refused to say whether he is for or against the B&Q superstore but [Stephen Lloyd] has blasted the application."

Harbour resident and Lib Dem campaigner Susan Morris commented: "While residents are happy that B&Q will not now go ahead, many people are angry at the Conservatives U-turn on this issue. All of the Conservatives should have been against B&Q since day one."

More and more Sovereign Harbour residents are now asking, 'can we really trust the Conservatives?'