Protest held against loss of land in Heywood

Protest against loss of ‘Cherwell Green’

Over 150 people turned out to protest against the building of homes and the diversion of a footpath on a community green in Heywood.

Countryside Properties has been granted planning permission to build 43 houses on ‘Cherwell Green’. The land is often used by members of the public and the traditional location for Heywood’s community bonfire.

A ‘stopping order’, which is an order that is made because a public highway is no longer necessary or to allow development to take place, has also been put in place.

Protesters believe that the order could still be over-turned and have logged numerous objections with the council.

It is understood the objections have been sent to legal services and it is believed that these objections have been sent onto the Secretary of State - if he is not satisfied, he can order a public enquiry.

Organiser Yvonne Hunt said: “The protest was organised as a stand against the council. From the planning application to the stopping order, it was obvious that footpaths had not been taken seriously or the impact it would have on the community.

“Many local people with their families came and spent some time on the paths. Some stayed a short while, some stayed longer - this was about a show of support.

“It was a very enjoyable and social occasion. What really came across from talking to the many locals is that there is a real passion to keep our open spaces.

"This is not about a 'bonfire site' as the council called it, this is about keeping a green open space for everyone to enjoy.”