Community rallies behind park petition

A PETITION to try and protect parkland in the Hazelwood Road area is snowballing as people across the town give their support to residents of the estate.

The petition, which was started to fight against the possible sale of a park and green space near Aloeric School, has rocketed past 300 signatures since starting earlier this month. Amongst its most active campaigners is seven year-old John Dorrian, a pupil at Aloeric School. John  has begun a petition at school to get his classmates onside.

John’s mum Andrea said, “John can’t believe the local council are thinking of selling the land. He and his friends play there and it would have a huge effect on them if it was taken away. He has been collecting signatures at school and has spoken in a couple of assemblies. He also plans to speak in front of Melksham Town Council.

“I’m very proud of him for getting involved because it’s not really his thing; he tends to be shy and keep to himself. He has been very nervous and speaking in front of people like that was a big deal for him, but he really cares about the cause. We’ve found a lot of other children at the school, as well as parents and staff, feel the same way and are getting on board.

“The park is a safe place for the children to play, and we certainly wouldn’t let them walk to the town centre on their own, so it’s important that we get to keep this area.”

Aloeric School’s deputy headteacher Nina Jefferies said, “We’re very impressed with the way John has gone about this petition. Standing up in assembly was very brave, and he has gone about it all in a very mature way.

“John has shown a great commitment to his community and is demonstrating the best aspects of citizenship.

“Most people at the school, staff included, feel the same way. Access to spaces like these is incredibly important for children. There is a lot of talk about  an obesity crisis so areas like this must be protected so children can be active and healthy.”

The petition was started by local woman, Tracy Haslam, after councillors last month suggested selling the land to raise money for the cash-strapped campus plans.

Tracy said, “I wasn’t expecting to get such a huge response. I thought I’d be lucky to get 100 people on my side, but it’s gone crazy and people from all over the town are getting involved. I was outraged when I heard that the council had even considered selling the land, and knew we had to do something about it.

“I know it is a well-used facility and it’s important to everyone – not just as a play area. Aloeric School starts its cycling proficiency there, dog walkers use it, and it is  a free social area for everyone in the neighbourhood. The most important thing is it’s safe and people can let their children play. Most of us wouldn’t consider sending our children to the town centre on their own. There are also elderly people who might not find it easy to go into town, and the area is important for them too.

“I think the campus is a brilliant idea and will be a fantastic facility for Melksham, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of free green space.”

The first residents’ meeting was held on Wednesday this week, and campaigners will be organising a fun day at the park in the near future.

Jonathon Seed, chairman, Melksham Area Board said no decision had been made on the sale of land. “There has been no decision or indeed feasibility discussion on the sale of the land concerned, however the future of all land in the campus area is being reviewed,” he said.