People power is helping to save Longford from developers

Longford champion Lonnie Downes has been fighting battles on behalf of local residents over several decades.



Here, Lonnie (pictured above left), chairman of lobby group the Longford CAN (Community Action for our Neighbourhood), writes of some still on-going – and others won.

“The burning issue at the moment is plans to build around 50 houses on agricultural land off Wilson’s Lane, Longford.

“All the residents are against the plans. We held a rally in the snow just before Christmas and handed over a petition to councillors.

“We’ve also had support from people in Keresley, Ash Green and Finham and members of the Coventry Green Alliance.

“And we have the backing of councillors from all the different parties.

“This is the third time we have fought to save the site.

“We don’t have many green fields left in Longford; this is one of the few areas remaining and we are determined to preserve it for future generations.”

The plans go before a crucial meeting of Coventry planning committee on Thursday, Lonnie continued: “We know we have the support of local councillors, but I am still worried the plans might go through on a technicality.

“Another site we are keeping a close watch on is the area of land as you come into Sutton Stop, around Grange Road.



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