PEOPLE power may have triumphed, after a woodland was saved from clearing and cutting, a prelude to a house building development, residences feared.

Terrence Stone Construction made a dramatic U-turn and withdraw its application to clear paths through the scrub around and through the area of protected woodland to enable further “site survey and investigation works”.

Local residents had pleaded with them not to destroy parts of the woodland which is a habitat for wildlife. The RSPB sent a consultation letter opposing the plan because of the disruption to nesting birds .

Local campaigner Marcia Smyth told the PRSD: “Some people said that we were wasting our time because the ‘contractors’ always win. Well, local residents have shown that if you are passionate and persistent you can win against those companies.”

Local councillor David Cox said loss of the woodland would affect the character of the area and have a negative impact on the environment
Cllr Cox added: “This goes to show that in a David and Goliath situation it is possible for ordinary people to overcome all the odds and win. A big thank you goes to tenacious campaigners Marcia Smyth, Andy Henderson and Roley Williams, their quick actions saved the day.”

Campaigners are looking to work with Cllr David Cox to try and register the woodland as a Town or Village Green under the Commons Act 2006 – to give it protection from development.

Once a Town or Village Green is registered, The Green receive considerable statutory protection under two Victorian statutes, Section 12 of the Inclosure Act 1857 and Section 29 of the Commons Act 1876