Michael Fabricant has reacted with alarm at the news that a 5,000 home "eco town" is being planned for Curborough and Fradley near Lichfield. "There has been no consultation about this" says Michael, "and I have tabled Parliamentary Questions to Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, regarding this. I am also calling for an emergency Parliamentary debate.

"Lichfield District is already committed to 8,000 new homes and there are problems enough with lack of schools, hospital beds, play areas and all the other infrastructure that is needed without a further 5,000 homes being foisted upon us. The ‘eco town’ concept is just an excuse to dictate housing policy from Westminster when it is local councils with local knowledge that should be taking these decisions.

"The money being spent on eco towns would be better spent on helping hard pressed families improve their existing homes to meet modern carbon emission standards", Michael adds.

"This plan will put additional strain on Lichfield District and on hard pressed council tax payers and I bitterly oppose it."