On 23 June 2008 - the day before the public inquiry being conducted by the Planning Inspector in the Council’s offices in the Basildon Centre - members of the Wickford North Green Action Group and their supporters travelled to Westminster in London and, together with John Baron MP, presented the petition containing 3,521 signatures to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears. She will receive the Planning Inspector’s recommendation and make the final decision which will determine the fate of Barn Hall - expected to be by the end of October 2008.



The event was filmed and shown by GMTV, reported in the local papers, and John Baron MP issued a press release which said:

“Local democracy must prevail. Residents, local councillors and I are united in our wish to preserve this countryside for the benefit of local people. Let us now hope the Government listens, for the petition clearly illustrates the strength of local opinion which should override the wishes of politicians and bureaucrats sitting in London.”

WNGAG take the opportunity to thank all those who signed our petition and, indeed, all those who have supported us so enthusiastically in our fight to save Barn Hall over the last two years.

Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG) is helped by a willing and enthusiastic group of people who have volunteered to assist us - mainly by delivering leaflets to houses in the roads adjoining the proposed development. Communication is so important in campaigns like ours as it is vital that residents are kept up-to-date with the latest news and advised on how best they can make their contributions to the fight to preserve the lovely countryside at Barn Hall. In the last few days, 4,500 copies of our Leaflet 2 - July 2007 have been delivered. WNGAG would like to say a big "thank-you" to all our volunteers who are helping us; and, also, to the many people in Wickford who've contacted us to say they support us and have written to Basildon Council to oppose the planning application. Please keep those letters of objection going in and, if you too would like to help WNGAG, e-mail us to volunteer your services. Together we can win this fight.