PRESS RELEASE

15 July 2002

OTTAWAY CONVENES KINGS WOOD PUBLIC MEETING

Following widespread public concern over the conservation activities taking place in Kings Wood, Sanderstead, Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, has arranged a public meeting at which the Council's project managers and the Friends of Kings Wood will have the opportunity to explain the conservation programme and take questions from the public.

Kings Wood is an ancient semi-natural woodland covering some 147 acres. It is owned by Croydon Council. The meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Friday 19th July at the Methodist Chuch Hall in Limpsfield Road.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"I have been contacted by a group of constituents who are most concerned that well-established oak trees are being felled and parts of the Wood are becoming overrun with brambles and nettles. Almost 400 people have signed a petition calling for this work to halt until a review is carried out by Croydon Council."

"I have held a meeting with the conservation project managers. They assure me that this work is being done to encourage regeneration which, according to conservation experts, is the best way to preserve ancient oak woodland for future generations.

"However, my constituents remain unconvinced. They feel that these activities are having a detrimental effect on these beautiful Woods. Under the circumstances I felt that the most constructive way forward was to arrange a public meeting at which both sides will have the opportunity to put their views forward."

Note to editors:-
The meeting will start at 7.30pm on Friday 19th July at the Methodist Chuch Hall in Limpsfield Road, next to Atwood Primary School.