MP says petition shows commuters’ strength of feeling
John Baron MP was approached by Mr and Mrs McMahon, the proprietors of ‘Bread and Buffers’, when they heard that their business would have to close as part of the National Stations Improvement Program (NSIP), which is largely funded by the Government. John wrote to the Secretary of State on their behalf and was informed that no final decision would be made until the Comprehensive Spending Review was concluded in the autumn.
John therefore suggested that Mr and Mrs McMahon collect a petition to illustrate the strength of feeling of commuters who wish this business to continue operating. The petition is ongoing and to date 1150 signatures have been collected. John has now sent the petition to the Secretary of State asking that he reconsiders.
John said:
“Bread and Buffers has served local commuters for over 18 years and is well regarded. It seems a nonsense that a station improvement should close down a business which has served commuters so well.
“Whilst I welcome improvements for the benefit of all commuters, my understanding is that NSIP funding is meant for small improvements and is certainly not intended to be used for a major demolition job which reduces commuter facilities, such as this business. It does not seem to be a good use of taxpayers’ money.
“My hope is this petition will encourage the Government to think again as it clearly illustrates the strength of feeling on this issue.”
Ends
Word Count: 238
Date: 26th July 2010
Notes to Editors
The wording of the petition is:
Bread and Buffers at Billericay Railway Station
In providing my details and signing below, I hereby state that I;
Support the campaign to save Bread and Buffers from closure by London Eastern Railways (National Express) and all parties related to the running of Billericay Station under the current proposals to carry out publicly funded rebuilding works at Billericay station.
Support the campaign to keep Bread and Buffers at Billericay railway station by demanding that it is incorporated within any development scheme at Billericay station and that London Eastern Railways (National Express) honours the contractual agreement they entered into with Bread and Buffers in April 2010.
Support the campaign to keep Bread and Buffers at Billericay Railway station during the proposed station works by demanding that London Eastern Railways (National Express) and all parties related to the running of Billericay station agree to provide a facility for Bread and Buffers to trade from within the station area.
From Bread and Buffers – Billericay Railway Station
May we take this opportunity to thank everyone, including John Baron, for their kind support in
seeking to ensure that Bread and Buffers remains at Billericay Station where we have been providing a local
community service for over eighteen years.
The petition now has over 2700 signatures and a copy will shortly be delivered to the Prime Minister in
Downing Street. The proposed spend at Billericay Station is in excess of £2 million when VAT is taken into
account. This is all tax payers money.
Whilst we welcome station improvements, developments must be based upon genuine
consultation with station users and passengers who after all are paying the cost of the proposed works
alongside everyone else. Had real consultation taken place, the future of Bread and Buffers would not be
under threat. To date, National Express have not had the courtesy to respond to station users and have
completely ignored the petition. Like all public funding, there is a freeze on spending and the money
allocated to the National Station Improvement Programme is being reviewed under the Comprehensive
Spending Review and might be withdrawn. There is also a challenge to the claim made by National Express
that they do not need any planning permission or consents to demolish station buildings or change the
appearance of the front of station buildings.
Billericay Station User Association has been set up to represent the views of passengers/users at
Billericay. All station users have automatic membership of the Asociation. For further details and
updates please do visit us at Bread and Buffers, Billericay Railway Station or telephone 01277 633456.
Your support is truly valued.
Nadia and Hugh McMahon
Bread and Buffers