Events Organisers Launch Petition to Save Earls Court |
Association joins residents in asking for public inquiry The Association of Event Organisers has joined the residents of West Kensington in protesting against the proposed redevelopment of Earls Court and the surrounding area by launching an e-petition. The petition, headlined Stop the proposed demolition of Earls Court Exhibition Centre asks the Government to call in the planning application for a transparent public inquiry. This echoes a recent call from the residents of West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, both of which would be demolished if the plans go ahead, asking the Prime Minister to step in and save their homes. The association's petition highlights residents’ opposition to the scheme, saying "they have little or no control over their own destiny" as well as Earls Court’s economic contribution of more than £1bn to London's economy. The AEO claims the scheme represents a conflict of interest for the London mayor’s office, because it involves huge land assets held by Transport for London, of which the mayor is chair and from which the authority would receive large benefits. AEO chief executive Karim Halwagi says: "The loss of the venue would have a significant negative impact on local businesses and lead to massive job losses, while threatening London’s economy as a whole." Local people are invited to sign the petition here September 5, 2012 |