Campaigners in Reading and West Berkshire were today celebrating the news that the Government has rejected the recommendations of the Panel looking at development potential in the South East to include Kennet meadows as a ‘strategic development area’.

This followed a vigorous campaign by Martin Salter MP, local councillors, residents groups, bird watchers, anglers and walkers.

Today’s announcement by the Government said: -  “The strategic development area South West of Reading has not been carried forward because of concerns about its potential for flood risk.”

The campaign to save Kennet Meadows stretches back over 20 years and the latest threat came from Prudential’s plans to build 7,500 homes in the functional floodplain of the Kennet Valley between the M4 and Reading. The proposals were rejected by the Environment Agency as increasing flood risk to thousands of properties in Reading.

Reading West MP Martin Salter said : -  “This is a massive victory for our campaign and justifies all the hard work and lobbying of recent months. Government ministers such as Jonathon Shaw and John Healey took time out to visit the area and see for themselves just how crazy it would have been to concrete over the Kennet Water Meadows which serve as natures natural flood reservoir, holding back any surplus water and keeping our town safe from the flooding that causes so much devastation elsewhere.”

In April 2008 Martin Salter presented a 1,500 signature petition to Parliament opposing the Panel recommendations for Kennet Meadows.

Local Southcote councillor Pete Ruhemann said: -  “The champagne corks will be popping tonight at this fantastic news. The Kennet Meadows is a hugely important wildlife and recreational space for people in South West Reading.”

Minster councillor Paul Gittings said: -  “This is better news than I dared hope for and I know just how relieved people will be in Coley Park, Southcote and Calcot, whose homes lie close to the water meadows.”