Bury Council chiefs to think again over selling off area in Radcliffe enjoyed by children and dog walkers

Bury Council’s cabinet will consider objections received over the authority’s plans to dispose of land at Ashcombe Drive, in Radcliffe.

A council assessment found it was surplus to requirements and of “little community value".

And it has now earmarked it for sale as it looks to reduce its assets and the risks and costs associated with them.

But letters objecting to the council's intention to rid itself of responsibility for its upkeep have forced executive members to think again before pressing ahead with the plans.

One objector said: “The patch of grass is used by the younger neighbourhood children (who are too young to go to the ball zone on Westminster Avenue) as a play area.

“It helps keep them safe by stopping them playing on the road , where car users are still inconsiderate , even though a 20mph limit is in force.

“Dog walkers also use the land and use the bin provided by the council for any mess, keeping the are clean. If the land was sold, where would the dog mess go then?”

The objector, whose name has been removed from council documents also questions how significant the costs involved in its upkeep are.

The letter continues: “I understand the council has to make financial savings, but how much does this land actually cost to maintain? It gets moved every fortnight in the summer and the dog bin gets emptied on a regular basis. Grounds maintenance would still have to be in the area to mow the grass verges on Westminster Avenue, Coronation Road and Kilburn Road.”

Noting that council-owned flats in the area would still need mowing, the residents estimates that the savings would amount to about 30 minutes every fortnight.

The objector, who also expresses concern over the potential loss of flaura and fauna, goes on to suggest that mowing less frequently would “encourage wildlife and wildflowers” at the site.

And a further letter states the developer Wimpey was told the land had to remain as open space when it built the houses in Ashcombe Drive – and that residents’ applications for extensions have been turned down .”

Radcliffe North councillor Paul Cropper has also questioned the need to dispose of the land – and the level of savings that could be generated.

He said: “ It’s not a particularly huge area, I have seen people dog walking on there. I don’t particularly think it would be of great trouble to the council to keep it, you’re not talking about an area the size of two football pitches, it just needs general mowing now and again.

“I don’t personally think it’s a great idea and would not be particularly happy if they just wanted to sell it off.”

Cllr Cropper added that “green spaces are needed” in the area, particularly as a lot of families with children live in Westminster Avenue, while some older people in Countess Lane may use the area when walking their dogs, or taking a stroll.

Bury Council's cabinet meets at the town hall on Wednesday at 6pm.