CHERRY Lane Cemetery campaigners saw their hard work rewarded last night (Wednesday) when their 36,000 signature petition was handed into Parliament.
Hillingdon's three MPs greeted the 29 members of Cherry Lane Against Development (CLAD) when they arrived by coach at the House of Commons.
Unfortunately there was no time for the planned candle-lit vigil on Parliament Green, as Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell explained time was limited to get the petition accepted.
The campaigners were shown to the public gallery and were able to watch as first Mr McDonnell, followed by Ruislip Northwood representative Nick Hurd and Uxbridge MP John Randall delivered the signatures to the speaker of the house.
CLAD founder Natasha La Mothe was then interviewed by both Radio 4 and Hayes FM about how the campaign, which is fighting to protect the cemetery, in Shepiston Lane, from BAA's access road plans, has been going so far.
Her mother, Edna, whose husband is buried at Cherry Lane, said afterwards: "Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to see what goes on in Parliament.
"We feel we have shown the Government that we will not go away and will never give up.
"We are so grateful to the MPs for all their assistance and also want to thank Fred Gritt for providing the coach through his business Wings Travel.
"He and Linda have been tireless supporters of ours and we are very grateful."
