Campaigners have launched a petition to save lots of a treasured space of historic woodland.
Leybourne Woods, which cowl 21 acres between Birling Highway and the A228 Leybourne and West Malling bypass, has been put up on the market for £150,000, prompting requires parish council to purchase the land and assure its safety.
Launched by Leybourne residents Invoice Banks and Paul Boxall, the petition has been signed by greater than 1,400 folks on the time of writing.
It states: “We the undersigned consider that the traditional woods and bluebell meadows of Leybourne Woods ought to be bought by Leybourne Parish Council, both alone or in partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for the enjoyment of native folks as a public open house.
Chatting with KentOnline, Mr Boxall mentioned: “The improbable variety of petition signatures and feedback confirmed us simply how essential these woods are to folks of all ages.
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“One individual instructed us he has been strolling there for 51 years and hopes to take action for the remainder of his life.
He added: “Invoice and I feel that when land is that this essential to native folks, they need to personal it forever. Meaning the parish and or the borough council have to act swiftly on the sale.
“This petition ought to give them the boldness that native folks help spending of native tax payers cash on this more and more uncommon piece of historic woodland and bluebell meadows.”
To signal the petition, click on right here.
Marketed on Rightmove web site, and provided on the market by means of brokers BTF Partnership, the land is described as “contained inside a single parcel with the bulk designated as historic semi-natural woodland.”
The positioning provides: “The land includes primarily chestnut coppice with different broadleaf species together with Ash, Hornbeam and Oak requirements.
“There’s a well-defined journey community permitting good entry all through the woodland both for amenity use or timber extraction. The land extends to roughly 21.31 acres.”
Leybourne resident and former parish councillor Kevin Wagstaff is amongst these backing the petition.
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He added: “As a resident of Leybourne and former Parish Councillor I used to be proud that the council tried to do all inside its powers to guard and protect the inexperienced areas in and round Leybourne for the advantage of the group.
“We efficiently bought the realm of land often known as Fortress Lake from Whitbreads and have made important enhancements to reinforce that space for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
“After I noticed that Leybourne Woods was up on the market I instantly signed the petition asking for Leybourne Parish Council to think about placing in a bid. I understand how tight parish funds are however I consider that the council has to behave swiftly and do all inside its powers to attempt to purchase this land for the group.
“It actually is gorgeous when the bluebells are in full bloom and I understand how a lot residents of all ages get pleasure from strolling round these magnificent historic woods. It will be an actual travesty if the group misplaced the entry that now we have loved for many years: taking possession is one of the best ways to take care of this entry in perpetuity.”
An announcement from Tonbridge and Malling Council mentioned: “The council is conscious of the sale of the land and the launch of a petition. Earlier than any additional consideration is given, the council can be liaising with Leybourne Parish Council.
Leybourne Parish Council has been approached for remark.
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