Victory! We have saved Onchan Park!

Friends of Onchan Park have successfully negotiated with Gedling Borough Council to retain all of Oakdale Road Recreation ground for use by the community in Nottingham. The friends group have campaigned for 9 months against council suggestions to split the park and build houses on it. Last week they received the news they had been waiting for as Cllr John Clarke wrote stating that "The whole park's future is secure and none of the land will be developed for housing." The campaign to “Save Onchan Park” has been supported strongly by local people and community leaders. The facebook group set up in January gained over 1000 followers over two days. Our petition against the sale of the land to developers gathered 850 signatures. A “Summer Fun Day” in July attracted many people and brought the plight of the park to the attention of the local media. PCC Paddy Tipping spoke up saying ‘“I think the council know the strength of feeling, but an event like that brings people together, shows support for the park, and I hope the council listen *very* carefully to local opinion.” The day was a huge success with stalls, a karate display, a theatre show, bouncy castles and refreshments; the popular raffle raised over £1000. Building on this success, Onchan Park hosted a “Spooktacular” Halloween event on Sunday 30th October. An online survey and focus groups reaching to over 1000 locals will inform the future plans for improving the park, pavilion and greenspace. The group can now apply for grant funding to create a community hub and completely renovate the park, working with Gedling Borough Council.