The amount of open space in Crewkerne has been reduced in recent years and there is nowhere in the town for informal recreation that is easily accessible to everyone.

One piece of land provides a unique opportunity to create a semi-formal park right next to the town centre.  This is the Old Orchard next to Henhayes playing fields, currently in private ownership.  A park here would give residents and visitors of all ages and mobilities an easily accessible safe space away from traffic.  Parks are known to improve users' physical and mental well-being and create a greater sense of community and identity.  A local park is a great educational resource and it would help mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss.  There is great scope for new wildflower, tree and hedgerow planting as well as space for allotments. 

The Old Orchard is key to the possibility of creating a traffic-free cycleway and walkway from the town centre to the new Key Site housing development and other destinations like Wadham School.  As an added attraction for the town it will bring a boost to the local economy.

A planning application for a development of 50 houses is reportedly coming 'this year'.  If this is approved, all these opportunities for this open space will be lost, along with the wildlife habitats.

Please sign the petition to let the local authorities know that you would like this open space to be used as a park for the people of Crewkerne.