Charity blown away by support to keep green space

6 hours ago

Shariqua Ahmed

BBC News, Peterborough

The new mural painted in support of the Green Backyard has been called a "powerful image" by trustee Lewis Vernum

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Mural of a girl holding up a hand to a yellow bulldozer- with a green background painted on a wall lined with trees — The new mural painted in support of the Green Backyard has been called a "powerful image" by trustee Lewis Vernum

A charity fighting to save its open green space from being turned into a housing development said it had been "blown away" by the community's support.

The Green Backyard forms part of a plot on London Road, where Peterborough City Council suggested 48 homes could be built under its draft Local Plan.

On Saturday, more than 600 people attended a community day to campaign against the idea.

City artist Nathan Murdoch from Street Arts Hire supported the event by painting a mural of a girl trying to stop a bulldozer.

The council encouraged residents to take part in a consultation on the proposals and said "the plan is still in draft form".

Project worker Julie Danby said the support from people in Peterborough on the community day was "very positive"

The Green Backyard People standing and painting artwork on a wall. The two nearest the camera have their back turned. There is a bench in the foreground. — Project worker Julie Danby said the support from people in Peterborough on the community day was "very positive"

Mr Murdoch was joined by other artists from Angry Pencils and local children who created their own art.

Charity trustee Lewis Vurnam said the "powerful picture" reflected the situation.

"Pictures speak a thousand words, and this one highlights our situation - It is a poignant one," he said.

"On Saturday, it was beautiful to see the community come together for a positive cause.

"The need for housing is apparent. But with those houses comes the need for infrastructure and green spaces. It is about working with council planners to see how we can keep this place."

Julie Danby and Lewis Vernum acknowledge there is a need for huosing in the city but said other locations should be considered

Shariqua Ahmed /BBC Julie wearing a black cardigan and a blue and yellow patterned top standing on the left and Lewis wearing grey zipped hoodie standing on the right- in front of green trees — Julie Danby and Lewis Vernum acknowledge there is a need for huosing in the city but said other locations should be considered

The organisation, set up in 2009, runs several projects, including the Men Shed, the community payback scheme and community gardening projects for adults and young people.

Julie Danby, who runs Refill Revolution at the site, described it as an "oasis in the middle of the city centre".

"It is really sad they want to take this away," she said.

"There is hardly any open space in this part of the city. People are horrified it would be turned into houses.

"We need everyone to comment on the draft plan and share their views on why the Green Backyard is so important for them and why they want to protect it.

"We understand there needs to be new houses, but this is not the place for it."

The council's consultation on its Draft Local Plan runs until 29 May.

A council spokesperson said: "At this stage, the plan is still in draft form, so the public's feedback is essential in helping shape later versions. I encourage everyone to have their say."

Mr Vernum said "it's an important part of the community and needs to be preserved"

The Green Backyard Four children- playing on the kitchen garden- placed within a wooden frame- placed on the grass- with their backs to the camera — Mr Vernum said "it's an important part of the community and needs to be preserved"

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