Celebrating a victory in battle for ‘oasis’

Campaigners living near to Beckett Road are celebrating after Kirklees Council’s Cabinet has now agreed to not allowing housing to be built on a plot of green space opposite their homes. It has now been removed from a list of council sites that will be sold off.

And now the campaigners want it to be designated Urban Green Space – which offers more secure protection.

Peter Claydon, of Beckett Road, said: “I think it’s great that the community here has had its voice heard. This is a very diverse community. What is bringing them together is access to this one remaining spot of green land.”

Mr Claydon said that all the other green spaces have been closed off and the patch opposite Beckett Road allows people from Barnfield residential home, youngsters and other residents an open place to go.

Jo Cox, Batley and Spen MP for Labour, said: “I was only too happy to add my support to the campaign to protect this valuable green space.

“The measured and constructive way residents have brought their argument to the council and worked to get the right result is exemplary.

“The response of the council leadership has also been excellent, they have listened and taken on board what they, and later I, have argued.

“It’s clear when you look at this space that it’s not suitable for housing and the community would get much more benefit from it being a green – it’s a little oasis in Batley Carr.”