^{PRESS RELEASE PARTIAL POSTPONEMENT 18TH MAY 2005}

18TH MAY 2005

The decision by John Prescott to allow objectors a delay to prepare their evidence for the Inquiry is seen as a partial victory (1).

Jacqui Wise of Action Group Against the Bridge says: ‘‘We will now have the time we demanded to evaluate the academic reports that have been commissioned to challenge TfL’s claims and build them into our ‘proof of evidence’ to put a strong case forward at the Inquiry. This puts us in a much stronger position then before.’’

“We now have time to challenge individual requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act that have been denied or obstructed by forwarding them to the Commissioner’s Office in Cheshire to be reviewed.”

We can also build on the growing opposition to this controversial scheme and encourage more individuals and groups to put forward their objections and speak at the Inquiry in September.

Jacqui Wise of Action Group Against the Bridge says: ‘‘This decision is a partial victory for objectors who are now even more determined to be heard at the Inquiry and to question the inadequate consultation and devastating affect this controversial road building scheme will have on existing communities and that of future generations.’’

JACQUI WISE & STEVE WISE

Action Group Against the Bridge TEL:020 8301 4243, MOBILE 07748 132161

TERRY GRANT

St.Michael’s Residents’ Association TEL:020 8298 1105, MOBILE 0780 1265713

Contact Graham Groom, Inquiry Manager/Programme Officer on 01403 219899.

(1) The Public Inquiry will start at 10am on Tuesday 7^{th June 2005 at Charlton Athletic Football Club, The Valley, Floyd Road, Charlton, London, SE7 8BL.}

The Inquiry will then adjourn and recommence on 13th September 2005 at Woolwich Town Hall, Wellington St, Woolwich, London SE18 6PW.