Hi all, apologies for the lack of update for the last few days, but - quite frankly - there's not much to update. Apart from the phenomenal number of signatures that is!! Amazing work by everyone in spreading the word and sharing and signing the petition. The Council can be left in no doubt as to the strength of feeling around protecting this green space.

As mentioned in a previous update, a few of us are meeting this Friday to discuss next steps, so we hope to have more to share with you after that meeting. I've set up a closed Facebook group for locals who want to get involved - it's called "Save Duncombe Hill Green", so please send a join request if you're interested (link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538070860021812/ ). There's no content in there at the moment, but it will provide a forum to discuss plans/actions going forward.

In the meantime, I've still had no further update from the Council planning team, but I have received the following email from Councillor Pauline Morrison. It's great to know we have the support of the Crofton Park ward councillors.

"Further to correspondence with my co-councillors Barnham and Anwar, I can confirm that I spoke with the Head of Planning yesterday who informed me that the land at the bottom of Duncombe Hill does not belong to the Council, but that it was a private sale. The owner put the fence up without planning permission and enforcement officers are in discussion with the owner to ensure that the trees are safe and with a view to removing the fence.

Enforcement is tightly regulated and so takes sometime to implement. Congratulations to all for the growing petition. I think the pressure should be on the Council to pull the fence down. When the owners apply for planning permission we will know what we are up against and ensure that everyone puts their objections in to Planning.

Best wishes
Pauline"