Petition to save Berry Hill Park reaches almost 7,000 signatures in four days

The petition, on Change.org, was started on November 12, and as of November 16, it has reached 6,903 signatures.

The petition states: "We call upon Mansfield District Council, the Trustees of Berry Hill Park & Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) to:

Enter into a meaningful dialogue and ultimately reach an agreement;

1. That keeps the park open for future generations to enjoy.

2. Ensures that any agreement reached serves in the best interests of the park users and the wider local community."

Once the petition reached 7,500 signatures, it will be shared with Mansfield District Council, the Mayor, CISWO and The Trustees of the park

Mansfield has demonstrated a real sense of community since it was announced that the Trustees of Berry Hill Park would close the much-loved open space at the end of November due to a lack of funds.

After a planning application to build homes on a section of the park – which would have netted the thousands of pounds for maintenance – was rejected at a meeting of the council’s planning applications committee, it faces closure.Opposition to the development include concerns about the loss of green space and an access to the park, as well as fears it could spark more development on the site.

A protest against the closure was organised on November 10, which saw hundreds of Mansfield residents coming together outside the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) headquarters on Berry Hill Lane to voice their opposition to the closure.

The petition states: "The park is used and loved by generations of families.

"It’s a haven for wildlife and used by dog walkers, local sports clubs and schools.

"It hosts nationally recognised sporting competitions and holds the potential to be one of the most unique and beautiful open spaces in the district."

People who sign the petition can leave comments, giving their reason for signing.

One comment said: "My nephew learnt to ride his bike on this park!

"It’s hard enough these days for children not to have many places to go without it involving technology or getting into trouble!

"Let kids be kids and have a park, make memories and have fun!"

Another said: "So many spaces being lost.

"What would be built there, more expensive houses.

"DONT LOSE THIS GREEN AREA ."

You can sign the petition here