Search for
Search for
Search forSHALFORD country park under threat
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 14:03
Essex County Council-owned Stoneley Park in Shalford could close to the public if Shalford Parish Council cannot commit funds to take over the park's maintenance, estimated at £3,000 a year.
The 20-acre park is adjacent to the civic amenity site in Shalford, but with a new amenity site in Braintree due to replace it next year, Essex County Council will no longer maintain the land. The parish council has until February to agree to take it on.
At a meeting on Thursday attended by 50 people, residents agreed to put pressure on Essex County Council to agree to pay a regular maintenance grant.
Parish council chairman John Phipps said: "It is a wonderful facility right on our doorstep, used by young and old. It's important the children can see wild flowers and wildlife without getting into vehicles and going long distances.
"If the parish council spends money on Stoneley Park, we can't spend it in other areas. If residents say they don't want to fork out for it, it will close.
"A majority of people feel Essex County Council should not just be walking away."
The issue has dragged on for years. In 2000 a ceremony was held to mark the handing over of maintenance of the park to the parish council – but the lease was never signed.
Many in the village feel Essex County Council owe "payback" for years of heavy traffic trundling to the recycling site, and for rubbish that littered the village when it was formerly used for landfill.
The park, a former gravel pit, has views over Shalford. It was turned over to parkland in 1996 when residents paid for and planted more than 200 trees, many dedicated to loved ones.
Resident and tree warden, Heather Smith, said: "We have put up with quite a lot. We expect other parishes to come and enjoy it – so why should we pay the cost?"
A county council spokesman said: "We are currently looking in to the situation and working closely with the parish council to find a solution to suit all parties involved."
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
High-quality, low-cost self-install uPVC vertical sliding sash windows. Manufactured to your specifications and delivered to you in super quick time. Check out our prices.
www.newspaceconservatories.co.uk
Pet Insurance Reviewed By The Independent Experts At Which?
Comment on this story