26 Jun Plan to tackle boggy park goes before Basildon councillors
A plan to transform the fortunes of a park that is currently a bog in large parts for much of the year goes before Basildon councillors next week.
The Neighbourhood and Public Spaces Committee on Wednesday 3 July is to consider a proposed make-over for Cranfield Park in Wickford that will radically improve drainage, boost local wildlife and create a better environment for walkers, runners and cyclists.
The park has suffered from persistent issues with standing water and waterlogged soils that particularly affect the northern part of the park making it unusable for significant parts of the year. Basildon Council has been working with colleagues at Essex County Council to explore ways to tackle the bogginess through a series of ponds and ditches that would also enhance the biodiversity in the park and, together with a network of raised paths, make it more accessible and more enjoyable for visitors.
The proposed scheme is budgeted to cost £98,250 and funding has been secured for the project from contributions from the Radwinter Avenue housing development.
Chairman of the Neighbourhood and Public Spaces Committee Cllr David Harrison said: “These proposals offer real hope for those who currently use and would like to use Cranfield Park. They are well-thought out and sensitive to the needs of a variety of park users and to local flora and fauna. Plus they will not cost the taxpayer a penny.”
