ECO TOWN COULD BRING THE CLAY AREA BACK TO LIFE

2.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Jul 2009

Commenting on the news that the proposed "Eco Town" for the clay area has been approved, prospective MP Steve Gilbert has said that the "devil will be in the detail" and that the scheme "must deliver new jobs and affordable homes for local people".

"As the clay industry declines this scheme has the potential to bring life back to the area. But the devil will be in the detail.

"Imerys must ensure that local people are fully consulted, that the scheme does deliver new and good quality jobs as well as affordable housing for local people and respects the rich heritage of the existing communities.

"We don't want a permanent holiday camp of second homes and it's too easy just to put a blob on a map and say that it will deliver jobs, it's a lot harder to say which companies will come, what jobs they will bring and then ensure local people have the skills to get the new roles.

"I will be working with Imerys to ensure that the needs of local people are always put first."