SSE hits back at “Playing Politics” accusation by Council leader

The Chairman of Stop Stansted Expansion (‘SSE’), Peter Sanders, has hit back at the Leader of Uttlesford District Council (‘UDC’), Councillor Howard Rolfe following comments by the Councillor that SSE was playing party politics over the current Stansted Airport planning application.

Writing to Councillor Rolfe to set the record straight, Mr Sanders made clear “I would remind you that SSE has always been and continues to be non-party political. Our focus remains that of seeking to protect the local community and environment from unfettered expansion of Stansted Airport”.

Mr Sanders continued: “For almost the entire period since 2002, when SSE was established, UDC and SSE have worked in concert in this regard, and it has been a non-partisan issue. In the past 2-3 years the Council’s position has clearly changed whereas SSE’s position has remained consistent.”

With over 7,500 members and registered on-line supporters, SSE has always maintained a policy of political neutrality. Inevitably there are heightened tensions ahead of the local elections on 2nd May and matters have not been helped by UDC seeking to rush through the final approval of the highly controversial airport planning application just days before the local elections take place.

The Council has been forced to arrange an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Thursday 25th April to consider whether the final decision on the Stansted Airport Planning Application should be delayed until after the local elections on 2nd May, which could reduce the risk of the Council facing an expensive legal challenge.

Ahead of the Council meeting on 25th April, Mr Sanders made a plea to all councillors to put party politics to one side and act in the interests of their local residents and in the interests of maintaining public trust in the planning system.

The meeting on Thursday 25 April will be held in the Council Chamber, London Road, Saffron Walden, starting at 7.30pm.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND COMMENT

• Peter Sanders, SSE Chairman, T 01799 520411; petersanders77@talktalk.net
• Brian Ross, SSE Deputy Chairman: 01279 814961; (M) 07850 937143 brian.ross@lineone.net
• SSE Campaign Office: 01279 870558; info@stanstedairportwatch.com