September 1, 2006

Hi Folks,

Thanks to everyone for their support about that Waste Transfer station plan.

Today they gave permission to the applicant who threatened to appeal if he lost. Unfortunately, the Council felt that they could not risk public money in fighting an appeal. The Councillors tried to attach noise limits, but they were advised that no one present was qualified to set noise level standards.

They approved the waste transfer station in a 4-3-1 vote (4 yea, 3 no, 1 abstain).

As you might expect, the landowner of the site is a millionaire.

I must unpatriotically say the hearing was shambles.

On a positive note, many local people have made new friends with a shared distrust of this threat to their area.

We can get back to the gardens now. The waterlilies are unaffected by noise!

Thanks again to all who supported our cause,

Norman, Jonathan, Angie and James

Bennetts Water Gardens
Weymouth  

The gardens' Angela Bennett states, "Any contamination on the proposed site will drain directly into the groundwater that has a direct feed into our ponds. It will be an accident waiting to happen." In addition, anticipated noise generated by garbage transfer trucks would surely disrupt the customary tranquillity associated with a renowned water garden displaying a Certified Collection of the International Waterlily and Water Garden Society. 

Wildlife protection societies English Nature and Dorset Wildlife Trust strongly object to the Council proposal that they see endangering not only plants, but also the protected wildlife that inhabit the gardens. Despite their unwavering opposition and determined efforts by the Bennetts' attorney since last November, nothing has stopped the momentum of the pending threat.

In 1959, World War II veteran and IWGS Hall of Fame Member Norman Bennett began converting an abandoned brick clay quarry into a thriving water garden nursery. Son Jonathan and wife Angela, along with grandson James, have transformed the nursery into one of the world's finest waterlily display gardens. They all have dedicated their lives to enhancing the gardens. Now fourth generation Bennetts show interest in the family enterprise.

However, after experiencing two confrontations with an unmoveable DCC, the senior Bennetts now wonder if hope remains for their family's beloved endeavour. Angela says, "We are so tired of fighting with the authorities," and the stress of it is a cause of health concerns. She continues, "We would be devastated to let go," but she believes that they are being forced to seriously consider "giving it all up." 

A flood of polite yet firm opposition emails from around the world by WGI members will open Mr. Price's eyes and the eyes of his DCC board to the importance attached to safeguarding Bennetts Water Gardens waterlily collection.

Please include your name, location and WGI affiliation. Time is of the essence.