I have been a proud local resident for 56 years. This area was my childhood playground, for the past 5-6 years is on a long lease from the council to Garons PLC, they are ruining this beautiful open land, that’s also Green Belt, they have flattened a beautiful wild area, this area is the heart of our community and a sanctuary for all. The only open area we have.

 We walk our dogs here, our grassroots football clubs play freely on the fields, and the tranquility of the place has helped many grappling with mental health issues. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, coupled with the local wildlife and trees, have made this place a haven for those feeling isolated, fostering a sense of community that's irreplaceable.

Today, we find our cherished land under threat. Underneath the guise of progress, this green land is being manipulated into a commercial zone with plans to turn it into plastic football pitches, public footpath moved,then will be fenced off and locked, making the area pay-for-use, thereby locking out our local people and grassroots clubs. 

What's also incredibly concerning is the impact on the wildlife and trees that have long called our Green Belt their home. And not least, the additional strain these changes could put on our area's traffic, leading to increased congestion and pollution.

the car park is already congested, in turn won’t cope with more footfall.

this will be carving out the heart of our community that this area needs, being one of the most deprived in Southend, all for short-term gains, ignoring the long-term repercussions this could involve. We believe in development, but not at the cost of our community, not at the loss of our mental peace, and certainly not at the price of our environment. 

It's time to halt this progress. It's time to preserve what we hold dear. Sign our petition today to protect our Green Belt land, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for both wildlife and our community. Not for money gain.