Date is set for debate on the future of town
A date has been set for the much-anticipated debate on the future of Northampton town centre, and the war of words between the two participants has already begun.
Earlier this month, the Liberal Democrat leaders of Northampton Borough Council challenged Northampton South's Conservative MP, Brian Binley, to a public debate on the redevelopment of the town.
The challenge came after Mr Binley wrote articles in both the Saints and Cobblers matchday programmes accusing the council of being 'hell bent on doing all it could' to hinder both teams' ground expansion programmes.
It has now been officially announced the event will be held at the Guildhall from 6.30pm on Thursday, March 25, with an expected audience of 300 members of the public given the chance to watch Mr Binley take on the council's cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Richard Church (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe) and ask both parties questions.
But before the debate has even begun, Councillor Church has angered the MP by attacking his support for the Cobblers and Saints expansion plans, which would see an Asda built close to Franklin's Gardens and houses close to Sixfields.
In a statement issued in advance of the debate, Councillor Church said: "We cannot continue to allow predatory supermarket and out of town retail developments to grab business from local retailers and the town centre.
"Liberal Democrats want to safeguard the town centre from even more out-of-town retail development.
"Mr Binley wants to tear up the rule-book for the sake of our sports clubs, who we all support, with no regard for our town centre as it comes out of recession."
The MP attacked the councillor's comments, but said he was looking forward to debating such issues as the long-delayed plans to redevelop the Grosvenor Centre.
He added: "I'm not surprised by what Mr Church has said but I would say the comments are close to the point of being untruthful.
"But the important thing is this debate gives people the first opportunity for many years to have an important debate on the future of Northampton as a whole, not just the town centre."
Tickets for the debate are available on a first-come first-served basis and can be applied for by emailing towncentre debate@northampton.gov.uk.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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