The green space in the heart of Heath Hayes village is the only natural green space within the village boundaries. It contains a bluebell wood on the corner of Chapel Street and The Cannock Road, lots of trees and shrubs, and is a haven for wildlife. A rare nesting bird of prey and bats have been seen (I have seen the latter myself.) It is used regularly by dog walkers, and as a route from the Cannock Road to the centre of the old village. It also contains an ancient right of way on it's periphery. The land is currently owned by South Staffordshire County Council after being bought from private owner some years ago.

The land was given a respite from being developed by the Planning Inspectorate in the early-mid 2000s - I was involved in this at the time, as were other locals. The green space received a reprieve, and the Planning Inspector wrote to residents saying he realised the importance and relevance of the land to locals. The land was set aside for recreational activities until further notice.

Last summer, on two occasions travellers from outside the area gained access to the site and set up large temporary camps..due to a security oversight by a council worker who neglected to replace a removed bollard. Since then the county council now want to use the land for development.

There was a meeting last autumn concerning this matter - held at the last minute during the daytime, nevertheless dozens of locals turned up to give their opinions on the matter. The council are holding open days at Hawkes Green Community Centre between 17th and 20th March during the day (9am - 6pm on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th, and 9-8pm on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March 2020.

It is up to us to provide evidence of rare and protected fauna and flora, and also of how precious the land is to locals - and to supply this in writing on these dates. Evidence could include photographs, letters of objection, and evidence of pollution readings in the area, and any legally protected trees, etc.

The pollution reading at the nearby Five Ways Island in Heath Hayes is already one of the highest in the county, and a machine has been set up to monitor air pollution near the top of Newlands Lane. With the forthcoming multi-million shopping village, the road use of the main Cannock Road is already sure to increase. If the area was developed, or even part of it, it would undeniably only add to the existing pollution and high traffic volume on the road - which increases in volume each year, being an A route.

Please get involved. Spread the word, gather evidence, take photos, get in touch, attend one of the open days with your evidence. Once it's gone it is gone forever.

Thank you

Lee.