On Friday Andrew Mitchell joined local residents and Councillors at the start of a protest walk highlighting local opposition to Birmingham City Council’s plans to build on Sutton’s Green Belt. He addressed the group before they set off on the walk across the endangered area, praising their activism and community spirit. Mr Mitchell was accompanied by senior planners from Birmingham City Council. Mr Mitchell commented “I am pleased with the dedication shown by so many of my constituents to come out on a cold day in January. This indicates the level of local opposition to the proposals – a fact that was certainly not lost on the Council representatives. Suttonians have a strong tradition of activism, and ably demonstrated that they will not take this threat lying down”. The walk was a fitting start to the Consultation period, launched on Monday, which ends on 6 March 2014. Sutton’s MP will be joining a Public Meeting in Newhall Ward Hall on Friday 10 January, and will be holding two separate meetings before the end of the consultation period on: Thursday 6 February, at 19.00 at All Saints Church, Bellwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield B74 4TR Friday 21 February, at 19.00 at St John’s Walmley, 4 Walmley Road B76 1QN To give your views on the proposals please visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/plan2031 to leave comments. Comment forms can also be obtained by ringing 01213033075, by emailing planningstrategy@birmingham.gov.uk or from libraries and neighbourhood offices, where the Plan and supporting documents can also be viewed. Forms can also be received through the post by writing to Planning and Regeneration Birmingham City Council PO Box 28 Birmingham B1 1TU