Parks land ‘sale’ sparks outrage

LEES Park is popular with the whole community

SHOCKED residents launched a petition after a council public notice detailed the sale of land in three popular Oldham parks.

Oldham Council placed an announcement in the Chronicle stating its intention to dispose of land at Waterhead Park in Sharples Hall Street, Lees Park in Kingsley Drive and Sheraton Road in Coppice.

The notice was seen by Lees residents who voiced their concerns about the potential demise of their park - in the assumption the land would be bought for housing development.

A petition launched by local mum Mikala Squire gathered 327 signatures in two days.

She said: “Lees Park is a well-used park with a basketball court, football pitch, playground and obstacle activities as well as equipment for disabled children, a basket swing and a cradle swing.

“As a mum, my children have used this park extensively over the last 12 years so I know what an asset it is.”

The council has since admitted the announcement was incorrect and would be withdrawn.

The size of the land plots was incorrect, and the postcode for Lees Park was wrong. The land proposed is currently part of a plan to lease areas to community groups under the “Get Oldham Growing” project. This supports the growing and eating of home-produced food. It is believed overgrown and unused bowling greens at Waterhead and Lees Parks have been earmarked.

Alan Higgins, executive director for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Get Oldham Growing is currently looking at opportunities to help local communities take part in food growing projects on under-used council-owned land.

“This notice was inaccurate in relation to the extent of the three proposed plots and a consultation with residents and ward members is ongoing.”

An opportunity to share your thoughts on Get Oldham Growing plans comes up on on April 25 as part of a Big Local Oldham launch event at Waterhead Park.

Find out more about Get Oldham Growing at www.getoldhamgrowing.co.uk


twitter: @DawnMarsdenOC