Thousands back bid to save Nonsuch from sale -Burstow

12.00.00am GMT Mon 26th Feb 2007

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, is predicting a huge turnout at a protest against the possible sale of Nonsuch Mansion by Surrey County Council. Mr Burstow made the prediction after more than 6,000 people signed a petition protesting against the proposals in less than a fortnight.

Mr Burstow is urging concerned local residents to join him at a Surrey Council meeting on Tuesday 27th February where various options for the future of the Mansion will be discussed. He is asking people to convene at 2.00pm outside Surrey County Hall in Kingston.

Mr Burstow indicated that there are still concerns for the Mansion's future despite comments from Surrey Council designed to make concerned members of the public believe otherwise.

Less than two weeks ago, Mr Burstow launched a petition calling on Surrey Council to reject the proposal to commission a master plan which could involve "disposal" of the Mansion. Over 6,000 people have already signed the petition, indicating massive public opposition to Surrey Council's proposals.

Speaking the day before the protest, Paul Burstow MP said:

"After 70 years of inaction, Surrey County Council are taking unilateral decisions about the future of Nonsuch."

"It is clear from all of the original legal agreements that the four Councils involved in the purchase of the land intended that decisions about the use of the land be taken by Sutton and Epsom and Ewell Councils."

"Surrey Council know that there is no moral or legal basis for the action they plan to take, and in the face of massive public opposition, they are attempting to 'spin' their way out of trouble."

"Despite protestations from Surrey's top spin doctor, I have received correspondence from Surrey Council indicating that disposal of the Mansion is still very much an option."

"I would encourage anyone who is concerned for the future of Nonsuch to join me on Tuesday to protest against these proposals."