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Latest News from the Conservative Party


'Citizens inquiry' begins into Queens Market

Wednesday, 26th October 2005

Article in Stratford & Newham Express

THE future of Queens Market will be discussed at tbe Telco 'citizens' enquiry' at West Ham football club this Wednesday. The enquiry's commissioners will hear evidence-and consider whether people have been consulted to generate a particular view.

Green Street Mosque, the Parish of Divine Compassion and other members of The East London Communities Organisation will be speaking.

The meeting will also hear from the New Economics Foundation, a think-tank which recently published a report into 'clone town' Britain.

Market traders' representatives and campaign group Friends of Queens Market are expected and developer St Modwen will outline the current proposals and timescale. Telco says it is unclear when the council and developer will be legally committed to the redevelopment - whether the 'point of no return' is at the end of October or not until July 2006.

Shoppers at Queens Market also sent postcards to Newham's Mayor after a visit by Conservative London MEP Syed Kamall on Saturday. John Peasnall of organisers Friends of Queens Market said: "The overwhelming message was that people love their market and loathe the idea of an ASDA on this site.

'I've been here 54 years and survived Hitler...' said one. 'My market is like my church. I sing as I shop,' said another." The campaign group is now drawing up alternative plans for the site. Newham Conservatives hope the market could become a charitable trust and secure European Union funding. Newham Council is continuing consultation and its plans are online at www.newham.gov.uk/queensmarket