MP Accuses Developers of Heritage Vandalism over Loss of Wagon and Horses Pump

Local MP John McDonnell has accused the council and local developers of heritage vandalism in the demolition of a local landmark.

The pump on the site of the Wagon and Horses Public House on the Uxbridge Road was a historic feature of the local area and was removed by a local developer as part of the redevelopment of the site.

Contacted by local residents, John McDonnell MP took the matter up with the local council and it has now revealed that the council had taken no action to protect this local historic monument and the developer demolished the pump and it is now lost.

John McDonnell said;

“This is a disgraceful neglect of our local heritage and a shameful act of vandalism. The council failed to place any legal protection on this local historic monument and the developers behaved like philistines in failing to recognise the importance of the pump to our local heritage. I am fearful that other historic buildings and sites are at risk”

“I am devoting our annual history conference to a mapping exercise of historic local buildings and sites of heritage interest in the area. We cannot allow the council to neglect our local heritage in this way and we cannot allow developers to undermine our local heritage environment in order to maximise their profits”

The history conference will take place at Hayes Community Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Hayes on Saturday January 24th from 10am – 1pm. All are welcome.

submitted by John on 30 Sep 2008 at 12:10