7:10pm Friday 30th July 2010
PLACARD-WAVING residents have struck a blow for people power by saving their play area from the bulldozers.
They have persuaded Eastleigh Borough Council not to release the land for housing.
The borough council had been asked by developer, Foreman Homes, to consider selling the site which is between Duddon Close and Harbourne Gardens, West End.
Neighbours were alerted when they received a “consultation”
letter through the post, asking whether the open space was well used.
Protest organiser, Carolyn Pierce, welcomed the news that councillors had decided against disposing of the site: “This is absolutely brilliant and it will mean so much to so many people living in West End.
“Having a green open space for children to play and people to walk their dogs is so important to us.
“The prospect of losing the open space was a real worry for many people, but luckily, we stood firm and we have won this battle.”
Due to the overwhelming response from residents the council will now inform Foreman Homes that the public open space is not for sale.
Rupert Kyrle, chairman of the Hedge End, West End and Botley local area committee, said: “The consultation confirmed that the open space was regularly used and should be retained as an open grassed area.”
To mark their victory, the campaigners organised a celebration family barbecue party on the site.
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