Renewed calls for Badnells Pit compensation

Riverside residents have renewed their calls for compensation related to the Badnells Pit development.

A petition signed by 58 householders was handed to the council last night.

It said house prices were suffering due to the project in Blackamoor Lane and asked the Royal Borough to investigate a cash payout.

It did not specify who the money should come from.

The full council meeting was held at the almost-complete Manor Green School in Cox Green and councillors and officers were praised for their work on the project.

Goodwill was not present throughout the hour long meeting though. A war or words broke out over a motion submitted by Conservative council leader, David Burbage, regarding a cross party 'agreement' on future spending cuts.

His idea of a local coalition was shot down by Liberal Democrat leader, Simon Werner, who said: "Coming up with a coalition is impossible in my mind. We have got no agreement. We are not going to sign you a blank cheque and I'm sure you won't give us a veto for any cuts you want to make."

Conservative councillors argued that cuts were inevitable and all councillors needed to work together to get the best deal for residents.

The motion was passed on a majority vote.