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The Champion • Wednesday 30 January 2013Whatever happenedto ‘localism?’ undercoalition, asks MPCBVisit us @ www.ChampNews.com • 21Waterloo’s friendliest family PubThe MarineReport byJim SharpeLOCALISM has gone out of the windowunder the Coalition Government, despitepromises made when it was elected.So claims Sefton Central MP Bill Estersonwho has asked the Government to revealwhich local authorities have submittedplans which release greenbelt land fordevelopment.He said the Government has changed theplanning rules to allow greenbeltdevelopment and now it is going further asPlanning Minister Nick Bowles prepares toforce councils to allow developers to buildon greenbelt.If local authorities refuse to green lightapplications the Government will step inand force them through.Mr Esterson himself served as a localcouncillor for 15 years and said the Toriesand Lib Dems were putting “overwhelmingpressure on local councils like Sefton tobuild on the greenbelt.”The MP asked Secretary of State forCommunications and Local Government,Eric Pickles, to name which authorities thathave so far submitted ‘Local Plans’ whichopen up large areas of greenbelt fordevelopment.“These Local Plans set out the authorities’forecasts for housing and employmentdevelopments,” he said. “Sefton has yet tosubmit its Local Plan, but its UnitaryPromises goneout the window,claims EstersonDevelopment Plan, which is in place, statesclearly that no development on Greenbeltland is allowed.”Now he fears Sefton could have a realproblem as plans are steamrolleredthrough. He pointed out that developershave already drawn up plans to build500–plus houses in Formby and Lydiate.“Sefton may well have these developmentsand others imposed upon them, regardlessof local opposition,” he said. “It may well bethat there is some development to buildaffordable homes for people in places likeLydiate, but the Government is going waybeyond that and mean larger scaledevelopment, completely character of ourtowns and villages.“Community wishes are beingdisregarded. Local Councils are beingdecimated because of the cuts and decisionson how communities evolve are being takenin Westminster.“That is why Mr Bowles can say he willsend the bulldozers in to decimate ourgreenbelt. This is a fight for ourcommunities. It is a fight for futuregenerations. It is a battle we must fight. Butit is battle that will not be easy.”THE MARINE KITCHEN NOW UNDERNEW MANAGEMENTCARVERY EVERY SUNDAYand introducing by populardemand ourDELICIOUS WEDNESDAYCARVERY12-8pm - free dessertwith this advert.NEW LUNCHTIMEEXPRESS SPECIALSstarting from £2.25, tea 50p, coffee 60p2 FOR £7.99 MENUNow available mon-fri2 for £9.99 menu sat and sunkids eat for £1 from kids menu with onepaying adult food order.DISCOUNT BEER PRICESMonday and Thursdayall day including £1.50 selectedpremium bottlesAll live football and racing shown.Please support your local small business!!3-5 South Road, Waterloo L22 5PE (By The Marina)Tel 0151 920 446411157221115717