Residents fight to save green space (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Festival Way residents vow to stop homes being build on green space

12:30pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

Sisters Rachel and Lindsey Prescott with campaigners on the green space they hope to save Picture: Ian Park IPAQ24112

ANGRY residents have vowed to stop developers build new homes on open space in Runcorn.

They have formed a campaign group, Save Our Green Spaces, to fight plans by Halton Housing Trust to construct 20 houses on land opposite Runcorn Town Hall, beside Centenary House in Birch Road.

Lindsey Prescott, aged 36, of Festival Way, and her sister, Rachel, aged 35, say they are determined to protect Runcorn’s diminishing open space.

Lindsey said: “We passionately oppose the development as the land is ‘designated greenspace’ under Halton Council’s own Unitary Development Plan.

“These areas of open greenspace mean a great deal to the residents who have appreciated the open vista it has provided.

“The development will involve felling every single tree. Although they will be replaced, the removal of the trees and the land itself will ruin the character of the area which has been in existence for 60 years.”

More than 100 local residents have signed a petition, including many who have lived in the area for up to 40 years.

Rachel said: “We are fighting very hard.

“It is a principal. One of the reasons people live here is the lovely open space.

“We realise people need somewhere to live but there are plenty of derelict and boarded up properties that could be renovated or brownfield sites which could regenerated.

“We fear if this designated greenspace is lost, it could put other areas at risk.”

They are urging residents to lobby Halton Council by February 2, when consultation ends, to ensure the application is discussed by the development committee.