'Fight service station plan'

RESIDENTS are being urged to fight plans for a service station in the heart of some some of Bucks' most treasured countryside.

The site, along the A355 off junction two of the M40, was one of two proposed in the area and would include a restaurant, a motel, illuminated parking and a picnic area.

The other site, near Gerrards Cross, was recommended not to go ahead last week at a public inquiry in Slough, when an inspector's report concluded that it would create congestion on the M40.

Hedgerly resident Sir Peregrine Worsthorne is appalled at the bid.

He said: 'It's a nightmare. It will ruin one of the best unspoilt countryside areas near London. It's like putting a great big shopping centre in the middle of the countryside. I will do everything I can to help the cause. I would urge people to write to the Planning Inspectorate.'

A pre-inquiry meeting will take place later this month to decide the exact date of the next public inquiry, but it is believed to be pencilled in for January.

Beaconsfield town councillor Bernard Woolf (Con, North Ward) has been fighting the proposals since the very beginning.

He said: 'The conclusion reached by the inspector is bad news for Beaconsfield. We could be in trouble now, but we have to fight hard if we are to win.

'If people have not already done so they should write to the planning authority.'

Residents wishing to register their disapproval should write to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 1007, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol, BS2 9DJ.