A 'Friends of Strawberry Valley Park Group' was set up back in July, on a quest to revitalise the green space just off Bent Lane in Leyland.  

The Friends Group has been busy trying to raise funds in order to get a playground installed for the children in the area. Children need outdoor play - it's vital for both their physical health and mental health. And they deserve this on their doorstep - not a drive away. 

As well as children, we want to make this a nice environment for the residents on Wrights Fold - and a nature area and benches would do just that. Nature areas obviously will attract wildlife, like bees, too. This project ticks all the boxes - we could turn this space into something really special.

Hundreds of bulbs have been planted by children from a pre-school just down the road from the park. We have planted wild strawberry plants (a nod to the parks new name) and buddleias are being planted next, as well as two trees. The project has the full support of the local councillors, the community, the Council’s Neighbourhood Team, the Leyland Forum and even the local MP, who’s chipped in with some donated saplings.

And sadly now, after all this effort and determination, Cabinet members at the Council have issued a consultation which says this isn’t officially a park and they’re considering building houses on it. As you can imagine nobody in the area wants this - they want this green space - and they want it to be enhanced not banished. To take this green space away would be devastating - and such a waste of future childhood memories. 

The area is a vital green space in an otherwise built-up area already suffering from air pollution problems. Widely used for exercise and dog walking, we're confident we can raise the funds needed to give the children the play equipment they deserve. But sadly, all this is lost if the idea of building on the land gets the go ahead.

The Council really need to leave this land free from buildings  - so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.