PRESS RELEASE 9th APRIL 2008

FLAT DISTANCES ITSELF FROM UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES

FLAT would like to state that it has had no involvement in any illegal acts that have taken place on the property of members of the consortium of landowners who are planning to allow nineteen, 460 ft turbines to be built on their land adjoining Marshland St James. Tilney, Outwell & Emneth. 

FLAT has been informed by a number of local people that recent acts of vandalism have included bricks through the window of Rod Herbert’s house, the destruction of both a car and light aeroplane on property belonging to Rod Herbert and the burning of a hedge surrounding the Askew's property on Smeeth Road.

We, at FLAT, would again like to make it clear that our campaign has been one of peaceful protest and has primarily been driven by the need to make the local community aware of the nature of the proposal and the potential consequences for individuals and the environment as a whole.  We have ensured that everything we have done has been lawful and we have been consistent in our condemnation of any criminal acts of vandalism or “alleged harassment” that may have occurred. 

Lyndon Mason, chairman of FLAT said “it has even been suggested that we are like Sinn Fein with FLAT having both a political wing and a militant IRA type wing.  If this charge was not so serious, it would be laughable.  I would again repeat my earlier statement that the police, not the press are the correct route for anyone making such allegations”

FLAT does however encourage everyone who is concerned about this development to make their views known to the consortium members, consultants and developers via phone calls, e-mails and letters.  However, we have consistently requested that this is done in a firm but polite way without resorting to abusive or threatening behaviour.  The details of all of the people involved in the development are available on our website, ie www.flat-group.co.uk.

We are also very pleased to announce that Marshland Windfarm Ltd have (after much lobbying and pressure) agreed to hold another consultation meeting for Marshland St James on May 1st at the Jubilee Hall.  We also understand that a meeting will be held at Tilney village hall but the date has not yet been announced.  We would encourage everyone to attend these meetings as it will probably be your only opportunity to formally present your objections directly to the developers.
 
For those of you who have not already done so, please register your e-mail on our website (www.flat-group.co.uk) and we will then be able to keep you informed via regular updates.