Mid Beds MP Nadine Dorries has presented a petition to Parliament against plans to relocate Luton Town to green belt land near M1 Junction 12.

Signed by more than 3,000 residents, the petition which also opposes an associated warehousing development, was organised by the Campaign for Sustainable Harlington (CaSH) and the Campaign for Sustainable Toddington (CAST).

The MP said, "We are only a matter of days from the formal submission of a planning application for a large development at Junction 12 of the M1.

"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate CAST and CASH for all their work in achieving so many signatures on the petition. This petition sends a clear message to developers, that the residents of Toddington and Harlington will fight hard against this completely inappropriate development.

She said: "Once the application has been submitted I will be encouraging local residents to make their representations to the planners opposing this development. This is the wrong development in the wrong place and would severely undermine the quality of life for residents in Toddington and Harlington."

Mike Benner, CaSH Campaign Coordinator, said, "We are delighted that residents are backing our efforts to fight these proposals and thank Nadine Dorries for her support.

"Residents of Harlington will not simply roll over and let a huge global developer destroy the treasured green belt site which provides a natural barrier between Harlington and the M1.

"Lutonians are proud of the Hatters and the club and its stadium should be within Luton where the wider community can enjoy the facilities it could offer. It makes no sense to expect fans to travel out to Harlington to support their club."

John Machin, Campaign Coordinator of CAST and Toddington District Councillor, said, "This development will bring environmental damage and traffic chaos to this rural area and rip the heart out of Luton.

"CAST and CaSH will be working in close partnership with other groups to ensure the development never sees the light of day."

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