Residents of Tempsford fear a government housing plan could transform their small village into a massive urban area, surpassing Cambridge’s size.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced funding for East West Rail, which will connect the Oxford-Cambridge area. New stations are planned for Tempsford and Cambourne.
Reeves mentioned proposals for new towns along the rail line. A new East Coast Mainline station in Tempsford will be built faster than expected.
Locals are upset about the plans. They cherish their quiet village, which has historic ties to the Doomsday Book.
David Smith, the Parish Council chairman, believes the new homes would ruin Tempsford. He understands the need for housing but feels their village is too small to handle it.
Tempsford is near the Cambridgeshire border. Smith worries that the village could become as large as Milton Keynes and Cambridge combined.
Paulette Smith, a long-time resident, feels that protesting is pointless. She believes all governments act the same, regardless of their promises.
She can’t imagine over 250,000 houses in their small village. Tempsford lacks basic services like a GP or schools, only having a farm shop.
Other villagers share concerns about building on fields that are home to wildlife. Mark Cleary, another resident, might consider moving if new houses are built. He thinks the government should focus on better projects instead of expanding their village.
