14th October 2008
Falklands War Veteran Gives Strong Support to Redevelopment
Simon Weston, the severely injured veteran of the Falklands War, has come out in strong support of The Royal Star & Garter's plans to build a new care home for ex-Service men and women at Hampton Court Station.
Simon, a Vice President and tireless supporter of the Charity since 1991, has produced a short film that sets out why the Charity needs to move its historic home from Richmond Hill and explains why, after a three-year search, the Hampton Court Station site is the perfect place to relocate the new home. The film also addresses critics with a compelling rebuttal of the opposition arguments.
The ten-minute film can be viewed online at either www.starandgarter.org or www.hamptoncourtstation.co.uk (currently not available - for details please contact sue.harley@starandgarter.org.)
Simon, who is hoping to convince Elmbridge decision makers to back the planning proposals for the station site, said, "The need for the Charity to move its home has become critical and I am utterly convinced that the Hampton Court Station site will be a perfect location for the new home to take care of ex-Service personnel long into the future.
"It is clear that local support for the proposals far outweighs the opposition. I hope the film will demonstrate how these plans will mean a vast improvement for the area and how all the objections can be answered."
Chairman of the Charity's governors, Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, said, "We have been fortunate to win the support of hundreds of local people for the redevelopment proposals. I urge everyone to watch Simon's short message on our website www.starandgarter.org."
Elmbridge planners will decide on the proposals from Gladedale, Network Rail, and The Royal Star & Garter at a meeting on Tuesday 28th October.