PROTECT WIVENHOE LAND!

From the Brightlingsea Chronicle:   Council opposes loss of public open space   Wivenhoe Town Council has expressed great concern about plans by Elmstead Parish Council to sell the large grassy area opposite Millfields School for development.   The ownership of this public open space dates back to the time when the Dene Park Estate, which includes this land, fell within the Elmstead Parish. In 1996 following parish boundary changes the Dene Park Estate became the responsibility of Wivenhoe Town Council and Colchester Borough Council, but Elmstead Parish Council retained ownership of this piece of land.   However, say Wivenhoe Town Council, Elmstead Parish Council is legally bound to retain this site as public open space, having signed a legally binding document to that effect with the developers of the Dene Park estate in 1984.   Wivenhoe Town Councillor Cyril Liddy, chairman of the council's planning committee, told the Brightlingsea Chronicle, "Open space in Wivenhoe is quite limited. There is not a great deal of open space where children can play, people can walk their dogs and local residents can enjoy recreational pursuits The town council, therefore, is very concerned about this possible development."   Councillor Neil Lodge, Mayor of Wivenhoe, said "selling off this site would mean the loss of open space, and building houses there would put  further strain on Wivenhoe's already inadequate infrastructure. "Wivenhoe Town Council strongly opposes this move, and we will attempt to stop it via any legal means, so as to protect the best interests of the people of Wivenhoe. We are encouraging local residents who feel strongly about this issue to make their views known, politely but clearly, to Elmstead Parish Council at: elmsteadparish@btconnect.com posted by Jo  NB suggest CC your email to WTC wivenhoe_council@btconnect.com