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Having worked with residents and Portishead Town Council, the council voluntarily offered the land up as a ‘town and village green’. The legal process has now completed which means the land cannot be built on and will be retained forever as community open space.
The council is keen to hear residents’ views on how to make best use of the space, within the confines of its new protected status. More information about how people can have their say will be published in the next few months.
Councillor Ash Cartman, North Somerset Council’s executive member with responsibility for asset management, said: “Open, green spaces are an important part of a healthy community and I was keen to see this land protected for the long-term benefit of all. We’ve worked in a close and transparent way with residents and Portishead Town Council to help them positively shape their community. Reclaiming and saving this space is a real success story and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Councillor John Cato, North Somerset Council ward member for Portishead West, added: “This is a great outcome for Portishead and for the environment. The site is blossoming as a rewilded area and is benefitting from all the additional trees that the council has planted there recently. This is an excellent demonstration of the council’s commitment to creating a greener environment and future for our town.”
Councillor Paul Gardner, Vice-Chair Portishead Town Council, stated: “Consultations such as the Portishead Neighbourhood Plan, which will be put to referendum in 2023, have highlighted the importance that Portishead residents place on retaining our green and community open spaces. Protecting this much-loved area for the future is really pleasing and shows what can be achieved by residents, North Somerset Council and Portishead Town Council working together for the common good.”
The land benefits from two Public Rights of Way which connect Nore Road with the coastal footpath. More information about Public Rights of Way in North Somerset can be found on the council’s website: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/publicrightsofway
Pictured (left to right): Cllr Nicola Holland, North Somerset Council - Portishead West; Cllr John Cato, North Somerset Council - Portishead West; Ann Townsend, local resident; Cllr Ash Cartman, North Somerset Council - executive member for corporate services; Cllr Janet Davey, Portishead Town Council - North Ward; and Cllr Paul Gardener, Vice Chair, Portishead Town Council.