HC Deb 15 December 1998 vol 322 c876 10.29 pm
Mr. Eric Pickles (Brentwood and Ongar)

This petition is presented on behalf of the residents of Moreton, a small village in my constituency much used by television companies to show a rural idyll. It is threatened by a showman's permanent winter quarters, which would destroy the nature of the village. The petition is signed by 214 people out of a total population of 278; therefore, 77 per cent. of the population support the petition.

The petition states: The Petition of residents and friends of the village of Moreton in the parliamentary constituency of Brentwood and Ongar. Declare that the imposition of a permanent showman's site at the centre of the village of Moreton on Green Belt land, would increase the population of the village by a third and damage the unique character of Moreton. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons supports their plea to save both the Green Belt and the character of Moreton. And the Petitioners remain, etc.

To lie upon the Table.