Andrew Mitchell held a Public Meeting on Thursday night at All Saints’ Church in Four Oaks to discuss Birmingham City Council’s plans to build on Sutton’s Green Belt. The consultation period is now well under way, and the meeting served to highlight ways in which Suttonians can make their voices heard on this crucial issue. The Church Hall was overflowing with Sutton residents keen to voice their opinions and learn more about the campaign to save the Green Belt. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Maureen Cornish. Also in attendance were Four Oaks Councillors Ann Underwood and Meirion Jenkins who also spoke at the meeting and were on hand before and after the meeting to discuss concerns with those who attended. Passionate defences of the Green Belt were heard from both the floor and the panel, along with a plea from the Councillors and Andrew Mitchell for everyone to take full advantage of the consultation process to make their feelings known. Sutton’s MP gave a rousing summary in which he stated that “we are not freeholders of our natural environment, but leaseholders. We are trustees for the next generation. Our forebears preserved the landscape so that we can enjoy it today and we have a duty to do the same for our children and grandchildren”. Speaking after the meeting, Andrew Mitchell said “Sutton has a very strong tradition of activism. People are often taken aback by the strength of feeling in Sutton, and we are counting on mobilising that strength of feeling during this campaign to stop Birmingham City Council’s destructive proposals from going ahead”. Andrew Mitchell will be holding another public meeting on Friday 21 February at 19.00 at St John’s Church Walmley, 4 Walmley Road B76 1QN. Photos: Andrew Mitchell addressing the Public Meeting