CAMPAIGNER Terry Hutt says he is optimistic over the future of Royston after meeting North East Herts MP Oliver Heald. Mr Hutt met Mr Heald at Royston Town Hall to discuss a number of concerns that have arisen in the town over the past 18 months. Mr Hut

CAMPAIGNER Terry Hutt says he is optimistic over the future of Royston after meeting North East Herts MP Oliver Heald.

Mr Hutt met Mr Heald at Royston Town Hall to discuss a number of concerns that have arisen in the town over the past 18 months.

Mr Hutt's agenda included the closure of the Fish Hill toilets, the proposed axing of the number 17 bus, parking charges, disabled access at Barclays Bank, and controversial plans to close Wheatsheaf Meadow the sheltered housing scheme in Barkway.

Mr Hutt, 72, who lives in Whaddon said: "We need the support of Mr Heald, because no one seems to be willing to take control of the problems.

"The community need help and support, and I wanted to bring people together in front of our MP."

Mr Hutt was joined by residents of Wheatsheaf Meadow and other campaigners, with Meltax owner Geoff Dawes showing his support for the Fish Hill toilets.

The group also presented Mr Heald with a 280-signature petition against the closure of the sheltered housing scheme and a 384-strong petition in support of buggy, disabled, and elderly access at the bank.

Mr Heald said: "It was a good meeting that covered a lot of ground. I spent quite a lot of time talking to the residents of Wheatsheaf Meadow, who are understandably concerned about what is going to happen.

"I have written a letter to North Herts Homes and I will try to set up a meeting so we can ascertain exactly what's going on.

"Terry seems to be making some progress with Barclays Bank, and if we could get a ramp and a hoist installed it would be fantastic."

Mr Heald has also written to North Herts District Council regarding the town's car parking, and has also sent a letter asking for clarification over the number 17 bus.

Mr Hutt said: "The meeting went well.

"Everyone had a say and with Mr Heald's support I'm sure we can sort the problems out.

"Hopefully he will help us with the groundwork and get the ball rolling on some fronts.

"The town is dying on its feet and something needs to be done about it.

"Having said that, things are certainly looking brighter than they were.

"We've brought things to a head and are now looking for a result.