It has come to the attention of Wedmore street residents that the temporary portacabin offices for the new Wedmore estate build will be located- not as planned alongside the eastern wall of the park, but instead directly ON the wildflower meadow in Whittington Park.
This change has not been discussed or communicated to residents and we wholly OPPOSE the destruction of the meadow and the underhanded way in which this decision has been made.
We are not against the build. We are against the reckless loss of a natural habitat which could be avoided if the cabins were located in another part of the park. This is unacceptable.
There are several alternative options for the location of these portacabins which need to considered urgently. Residents must be involved in these discussions. The loss of our bio-diversity and green space is unacceptable.
We urgently want:
Transparency: A meeting/conversation with the relevant council officials explaining why this decision has been made without public consultation and to discuss alternative locations for the portacabins.
Accountability: A commitment that residents wellbeing will be taken into account especially during COVID 19 when most of us do not have private outdoor space.
Minimal damage to the environment: Portacabins to be relocated to another area of the park where damage to the existing flora and fauna is minimal.
RELOCATION OF PORTACABINS TO SAVE THE WILDFLOWER MEADOW.
Why is this important?
The park is Designated as a Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation- so the locating of heavy structures on the soil and over the meadow will destroy the local insect and plants living there. The wild flowers provide a rich environment for insects and plants. The meadow provides free environmental pleasure for residents and locals who are able to stop and enjoy the natural beauty.
This is a time in which our parks - free access to nature and its beauty - have never been more important. Thousands of people have lost jobs and this meadow is therefore an essential garden for residents of this area. Many do not have any green space other than this.
People in lockdown need to be able to see and relate to the natural world and instead of a wildflower meadow residents will now see office cabins.
At a time of Covid-19 we are unclear as to why the Council has agreed to destroy a habitat so precious to mental health and wellbeing of residents. Further, action like this goes against the stated aims of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Reasons for signing