For the third consecutive year, the Gatley community has watched our local park on Scholes Field breached by unauthorised encampments. This recurring problem is entirely due to inadequate security measures - with just a single, easily-bypassed padlock. 

The presence of these encampments has resulted in deep distress across our community. Mainly because of the amount of disruption and damage it causes to our environment. As a community we've repeatedly had to report the dumping of human waste and tissue into our local woods and stream, creating a serious public health and environmental hazard.  Beyond this environmental damage, residents are left genuinely fearing for their safety due to things like  intimidation, reckless off-road biking and deliberate fires. This dangerous cycle routinely escalates to a crisis point; last year alone, it took a massive operation involving riot police to finally force a removal.

 It's been upsetting to watch this vital community space transform into a no-go zone - a place where our children can no longer play freely, where local dog walkers can no longer take their daily walks and where Gatley Primary School's walking bus is forced to change its regular route. Not to mention that the pitches are ruined for our local sports clubs who have to cancel training and matches until the issue is resolved. We've even had organised events such as sports days that have had to find alternative spaces or cancel.

We should not have to go through this battle every single summer. 

Every year, it becomes a waiting game. We must wait for Stockport Council to issue Section 77 Direction to Leave notices, or wait for the police to escalate to Section 61 emergency powers to physically force a removal. 

This  reliance on reactive policing and court orders is only a temporary fix that unfortunately fails to address the root of the problem. It's also a waste of taxpayer money on cleanups and enforcement. We must prevent this issue from happening, rather than respond to it.

Given that Stockport Council is legally responsible for maintaining and safeguarding our public green spaces, we call upon them to take immediate action. The solution is simply installing permanent, robust security measures. Effective physical deterrents - such as a vehicle height barrier at the entrance, electric telescopic bollard or strategic perimeter stones - would prevent unauthorised vehicle access entirely, ensuring Scholes park remains accessible for the public. This would save public funds in the long run.

If we continue to do nothing, the problem will continue year after year. Investing in the security of Scholes Field is a necessary investment in the protection of our local space as well as the safety and well-being of every single Gatley resident.

Join us in urging Stockport Council to act now. Sign this petition to install permanent security solutions on Scholes Field so we can protect our green spaces and safeguard our community.