Masterplan Consultation Should Be Restarted As Soon As Possible

ALTHOUGH there is inevitably some cynicism about the value of the Masterplan project, it is likely that very many of the residents of Ely would agree that it is sensible to build an agreed long-term vision of future development as a reference against whic

ALTHOUGH there is inevitably some cynicism about the value of the Masterplan project, it is likely that very many of the residents of Ely would agree that it is sensible to build an agreed long-term vision of future development as a reference against which more immediate proposals may be judged.

The Ely Society supports this view and, in common with many other organisations and individuals, has devoted much time and effort towards creating a vision which, it is hoped, a majority of the population would feel able to support.

It was therefore with sadness that we learnt of the decision to suspend consultation on the proposals, especially as the society was about to discuss its comments with representatives from the district council. It is essential that the consultation process is restarted as quickly as possible so that the considerable momentum generated is not lost and that frustration and indifference do not replace involvement and interest. Against the background of wide consultation already undertaken in developing the current draft, we hope that extensive reworking may not be found to be necessary.

We understand there was to be a meeting to discuss the way forward on June 3, we hope that the essential actions will be agreed to allow this key project to move forward with the minimum of delay.

JOHN SANDERS

Secretary of the Ely Society