HAVING attended the public meeting in Whitefield to discuss the progress regarding the Elms Precinct saga, I was not surprised to see the extremely large turnout of local residents.

Nor was I surprised to note the absence of Mr Gubay of North Western Properties or his representatives. His absence only makes me more fearful of exactly what his long-term plans for Whitefield town centre might be.

A panel which consisted of Mr Ivan Lewis MP, members of the council and members of Elms Action Group gave a comprehensive report of progress and took questions which were answered to the best of their ability. A lot of what was said was exactly what the community wanted to hear. However, actions speak louder then words, so let's hope the same things are said when Mr Lewis and our local councillor meet again with Mr Gubay (preferably in the presence of members of the local community).

I raised my concerns which are that, if Mr Gubay succeeds in acquiring the additional land he wants for his project, and in view of his appalling actions to date, what assurances do we have about his intentions? Indeed, if this plan fails will he commit another act of "vandalism" as the effective owner of Whitefield town centre and will he then hold the council, the community and any other would-be developer to ransom?

The answer to my concerns was vague. It was based on the assumption that Mr Gubay is a rational man who "would not sabotage his own development"!

Mr Gubay is a property developer, a hard-nosed businessman. If he gets the land he wants his position can only be strengthened.

So although the council cannot be seen to take sides, neither must it give any assistance to Mr Gubay to help him achieve his goal, as this would not be in the best interests of the community in Whitefield.

BRIAN ATTREE