Murray Walk campaigners told land is not for sale, but will be protected

RESIDENTS from the Murray Walk area, who were hoping to purchase the popular fields that they campaigned to protect last year, have been told that the land is not for sale.

Landowners, Cooper Tire Europe, says they will continue to manage the land ‘in accordance with the needs of the local environment’. The news has been welcomed by cllr Martin Pain, who supported the group in their campaign when local farmer Tim Farthing, who rents the land, caused extensive damage to the fields.

In a bid to protect the land for future generations with the intention of turning the area into a woodland, the group made the proposal to Cooper Tire Europe in March. There were also fears that the farmer, Mr Farthing, had also made a bid to purchase the land.

However, Cooper Tire Europe have issued a statement to the group telling them that they have no intention to sell the land at present, and that the group’s proposal will be considered if ever the situation changes.

The statement from Cooper Tire Europe said, “Regarding your group’s expressed interest in our properties near Murray Walk, please be advised that Cooper Europe does not wish to make any changes to its ownership and use of those properties at this time. That said, your group’s suggestions have been noted. If our view toward these properties should change at some point in the future, we will revisit your group’s suggestions at that time. Until then, be assured that we will remain dedicated to managing these properties appropriately and in accordance with the needs of the local environment.”

Following the news, cllr Pain said, “I am proud to have stood alongside such genuinely concerned citizens who are passionate about preserving what we have today for our children of tomorrow.

“I have learnt a lot from you all and want to join you in saying a very big thank you to Melksham Independent News for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this matter.”