COUNCILLOR TALKS ABOUT TAKE-OFF OF GATWICK DIAMOND PLAN
Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Chris Hunt attended the launch of the Gatwick Diamond Future Plan on the 17th June. The Gatwick Diamond is the area around Gatwick Airport and it involves several local authorities.
Councillor Hunt, who is the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning has been a regular attendee of the Gatwick Diamond Leaders Forum.
Says Chris:-
"The Gatwick Diamond Plan sets out a bold vision. By 2016, this area will be a world class, internationally recognized business location that achieves sustainable prosperity.
A number of organizations are working together on this project. They are local authorities, Business Link, the Learning and Skills Council, the South East Economic Development Agency and many others who have come together to get this process underway. Together we make for a strong voice.
Despite having the M25, M23 and of course Gatwick Airport, it is now recognized that our area is deficient in public transport. Traffic congestion is now common and that is a major problem for the business community. We mean to tackle that issue.
What is so exciting about the Gatwick Diamond vision is that it is not dependent on the airport. It’s about creating employment areas where people live, helping towns revitalize as well as improving education and infrastructure for everyone.
Malcolm Johnson – Communications Officer – Conservative Group of Councillors for Mole Valley
20th June 2008