South Oxfordshire countryside under threat

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th May 2008

South Oxfordshire's unique character is under threat from over-development, says Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Kearney.

"This is a beautiful and unique part of England," said Stephen Kearney. "But the rush for housing growth under Conservative and Labour Governments threatens the character of the area. It has left many local communities without the infrastructure needed to cope."

The Oxford Green Belt is threatened by major new developments proposed by the Government and supported by some Conservative councillors.

And now Conservative-run South Oxfordshire District Council tells us that up to 1,000 new houses might be built in or around Thame. This would place even greater strain on local facilities.

In the south of the district there is the ongoing impact of major growth in Reading. Traffic and congestion levels are rising fast.

The lack of investment by our Conservative councils in local facilities is making things worse.

Local Lib Dem councillors have argued for much more investment in local services to help cope with the rising population.

Stephen Kearney, of Henley constituency Liberal Democrats, said:

"I will work alongside local Lib Dem councillors to improve local services and defend our countryside."