RESIDENTS from the Murray Walk area who campaigned last year to protect popular fields from ongoing environmental damage, are hoping to purchase the land and turn it back into a woodland area.
Last October, residents were horrified to discover damage caused to trees, hedgerows and the habitats of protected species of wildlife after local farmer Tim Farthing built an alternative access to his harvest crops, which were in danger of being damaged by an oncoming storm.
After hearing their concerns, owners of the land, Cooper Tire Europe, promised to work with Tim Farthing to repair the damage.
The group, with the support of cllr Martin Pain, are now planning to make a bid for the land, in the hope that they can protect it for future generations.
“I have prepared the final letter to Cooper Tire to make an offer to buy the land,” said cllr Pain.
“We were originally planning to lease the land from Cooper Tire, but Mr Farthing has made an offer to buy the land, which has scuppered all the work that we had been doing.
“If the plan to lease the land had gone ahead, we had already got backing to plant trees there and make a mini forest, returning it back to its original state as it used to be part of the old forest area.
“There would have been minimum maintenance and it would have cost nothing to the taxpayers. The first five years would incur maintenance costs, like any new tree planting area, but we had that covered with grants and volunteers to do the work.
“So we thought we were in a lovely position. But when the farmer came in and made an offer to buy, we were worried that this would be disastrous for the land.
“After speaking to the residents, they agreed that we should try to buy it. I’ve looked at Crowdfunding sources, and I feel that we can raise the money, even if the land goes at the current building land rate which is £12,400 per acre i think. But regardless, we will still find the money. I won’t ask the public purse to pay for it or the town council to take ownership. This will be land owned by the people and managed by the people.If Cooper Tire accept the offer, we will begin sourcing the money.”
Cllr Pain plans to submit the offer to Cooper Tire Europe this week.
Above: Residents with cllr Martin Pain at the site of damage caused to the stream and trees last year.
