Community pleads with council help to save green land in Chalvey

A COMMUNITY is pleading with a local authority to help save a prestigious piece of green land.

Chalvey Community Forum is desperately trying to save the last remaining piece of the Big Slough Field located in front of Tower and Ashbourne Houses - two towers blocks in Burlington Avenue facing demolition.

With a recent announcement of plans to demolish the blocks there is hope from residents that the space could remain as much-loved green space rather than being used for more housing. Given the lack of green space in Chalvey the Forum considers it preservation 'vital'.

Chalvey Community Forum first made an application to Slough Borough Council in May last year under 15.2 of the Commons Act, in the hope of being able to turn the land in to an official village green on the basis that the land has been - and continues to be - used recreationally by the community for more than 20 years.

In January this year, an objection letter was finally received from the Housing Department regarding the application - something the Forum considers a 'knock out blow'.

The Forum has pleaded the case to protect the land with letters to councillors and claim residents own the land through taxes.

During a Chalvey Community Forum meeting on August 5, Joan Horton, secretary, said: "We don't want to lose the green area - it's a real boost and you could have the new houses overlooking the green.

"That green is beautiful and so many people use it.

"It's the last remaining bit of what used to be called the Big Slough Field."

Councillor James Swindlehurst, commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal, is against the idea to protect the land but is open to other options including a location for a green in Stabmonk Park, off Seymour Road.

The council strongly denies ignoring the request however James Swindlehurst has said he does not support the proposal made by the Forum.

A spokesman for the council said: "He doesn't support the proposal because the land, which is owned by the council's housing department, is earmarked for much-needed housing.

"However, he's not against the idea per se and is happy to consider other options. One possible location for a green is Stabmonk Park, off Seymour Road."