‘IT’S THE ONLY BIT OF GREEN WE’VE GOT!’
Dismay as city council auctions off plot
FAMILIES have criticised council plans to sell the ‘only bit of green’ on their street.
The area at the end of St Mark’s Close, in Shelton, is popular with residents and a haven for wildlife.
But Stoke-on-trent City Council is selling the patch of land – and it could go for as little as £5,000.
Retired Mark Mcqueston, aged 75, who lives in St Mark’s Close, said: “This area is lovely in the summer. The top tree is a cherry and it’s really nice to look out at the trees in the summertime.
“I wouldn’t like to see another house or anything over there. It’s just a nice bit of greenery.”
Neighbour Linda Swetham has fond memories of the land.
The 65-year-old said: “When my lad was little he used to play over there. It just looks nice.
“I think they should leave that alone. I’ve never had any correspondence from the council saying it is up for sale.
“It’s the only bit of green we’ve got. It’ll take a lot to get those trees out. I know there’s a housing shortage, but I think they should just leave it alone. I’m not very happy about it, especially with not being informed about what was going on.”
Her neighbour Rabiah Malik does not want the trees to disappear.
The 35-year-old said: “We don’t have much greenery here, so it’s good to have these two trees. I’ve been living here for five years and I prefer the greenery.”
The St Mark’s Close land is up for grabs at a Butters John Bee virtual auction today. The council has several plots up for sale.
A city council spokesman said: “We’ve instructed the auction house to act for the council to sell the land.”