THE Conservative MP for Bury South is urging the council to think again before selling off a much-loved community green space.

Christian Wakeford said he, along with local residents and councillors, fear that if the area just off Ryecroft Avenue in Whitefield is put up for sale it will be bought by developers.

Christian Wakeford MP said:“This green space is a valuable community asset and many residents I’ve met who live nearby all believe it should remain owned by Bury Council.

“It’s used by children to play on, by dog walkers to exercise their pets on and enjoyed by many others who regularly use it for leisure activities. The green is also used during in local and general elections when it houses a portacabin which acts as a polling station.

“If it’s put up for sale we believe it would be bought by developers. This is something that no one wants and would not be right for the area.

“We have been reminded over this last year how important access to green spaces are. Throughout the pandemic more and more people are using areas such as the one on Ryecroft. To sell off this very valued community asset would be short sighted, vigorously opposed and make a mockery of the councils’ green credentials.”

Leader of Bury Conservatives, Cllr Nick Jones, added: “When I saw the cabinet paper for accelerated land disposal phase two included Ryecroft, I had grave concerns. I know just how important the green is to our community here in Whitefield.

“The whole report is going before the Overview and Scrutiny Meeting on Thursday and I will be pushing for the Council to stop this plan and ensure the green remains as it is in our community.

“If it’s put up for sale I have grave concerns the green will be bought by developers given this is a prime piece of land. Pilkington Park Ward councillors are committed to keeping Rye Croft in our community.

“I would like to thank all residents who joined us on Friday to send a message to the Council that we are against any change to the green.”