Residents fight park homes plan
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OPPOSITION has grown to blueprints proposing that nearly 40 homes be built on a Widnes park. Land already surrounded by houses at Lynton Crescent could eventually support a further development.
The draft Local Plan for the Broadheath ward said there is potential capacity at the site for 39 dwellings and could be ‘appropriate for a residential allocation’.
It said: “Site is considered suitable for development. Residential development is considered appropriate for the site.”
In response, a Facebook page has been established entitled, Keep Lynton Crescent Park Green, calling on residents to join together in a bid to oppose the proposed development.
Campaigners have been knocking on doors to make residents aware of the proposals and gain objections, and they were also joined by Cllr Andrea Wall of the nearby Kingsway ward.
The Facebook page was set up by Hannah Roberts. Her friend Julie Clark, 50, of nearby Heath Road, grew up in Ditton and the park was a childhood play area for her and Hannah.
Julie told the Weekly News: “The response from the community has been overwhelming, the sheer number of volunteers that turned out for our first doorto-door awareness campaign was fantastic.
“Andrea accompanied me on my door knocking and talked to residents, assuring them as a councillor that she was in support of our actions.”
Julie added that Halton MP Derek Twigg is ‘ behind us 100%’ and comments garnered from residents included concerns over the impact on children, pets, wildlife, plants and trees in the area should homes be built there.
She added: “We have had an overwhelming response, gathering oppositions from in excess of 80% of the residents surrounding not only Lynton Crescent Park but also Widnes Golf Course, on just one outing.”
Cllr Wall said: “I was there to help them door knock, support them in their campaign and also to thank them for their support of my campaign to stop developers getting their hands on the golf club land.
“Their ward councillors and Derek Twigg MP also asked me to pass on their support to them too.”
Today is the final day for residents to offer views on the draft Local Plan.