This is a press release from A Voice for Leith Hill, community group.

Surrey residents who claim their voices aren’t being heard in the process to decide traffic plans for oil drilling on Leith Hill will carry out a silent protest this Wednesday (October 18).

Members of various local action groups will gather on the steps of Surrey County Hall at 10am before the Planning and Regulatory committee meeting which is set to discuss plans for traffic management and a double security fence of two and three metres.

Since the plan was last discussed substantial changes have been made including the number of lorry movements, loads of lorries, speed projections and the introduction of a Tree Preservation Order in Coldharbour Lane by Mole Valley District Council.

But Surrey officers say that because residents were allowed fifteen minutes to speak at the last meeting no one can speak on the topic this time.  Residents are still being allowed to speak on the security fence application, which will industrialise part of the tranquil sunken lane for eighteen weeks.

“We feel we’re being shut out of the democratic process as it nears its end”, said Julian Everett of A Voice for Leith Hill. “Once these permissions are in place Europa Oil and Gas will soon be bringing its massive trucks up the lane. We urge councillors to let us speak and hear our substantial objections. They should turn down this unworkable traffic plan, which will bring misery to local residents and cause damage to this fragile environment”.

Local groups have also complained to Mole Valley District Council about their failure to put the Leith Hill proposals on last week’s development control committee public agenda. Both the traffic plan and the security fence were added to the agenda at 5.30pm with the meeting starting at 7pm, even though paperwork for both had been available for weeks. This meant members of the public were unaware of the discussion and did not attend to hear the debate. MVDC is a consultee on both issues.

Notes to editors:

Photo Opportunity: 10.00am steps of County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2DN

To arrange an interview in advance please contact Vicki Elcoate: vicki.elcoate@gmail.com