Little Chester is a historic suburb of Derby with Chester Green, a public park since 1866, at its heart. This vast swathe of green is more than just open parkland. It serves as an integral part of our community, hosting cherished local events ranging from alfresco café culture to art festivals, not forgetting our much-loved annual Picnic on the Green. Our green space is a communal hub, where friends and neighbours congregate, bonding over shared interests, common values, and the joy of community spirit.

However, the last ten years has seen a big increase in illegal encampments arriving on Chester Green. These unsolicited settlements with many vehicles travelling on the green, often at speed, disrupt events and limits safe access to the park by residents and other visitors.  These can last anywhere between 2 days and 2 weeks depending on how quickly the council and police are able to move them on, often at considerable cost to the public purse.

We believe that introducing a Bund — an environmentally sensitive, cost-effective protective barrier — along Mansfield Road and part way up Chester Green Road can safeguard our cherished green space from such illegal intrusions. The names Chester Green and Little Chester have adorned records since 1495 and 1866 respectively. We owe it to our heritage and to future generations to maintain this sanctuary in its intended state: a safe, clean, welcoming hub for community interactions and celebrations.

Please, help us protect and preserve our historic Chester Green. We appeal to you to assert the appropriate preventative measures that will keep our beloved green space as it should be. Sign this petition to lend your voice to the cause.