Scratchwood Open Space for those of you who are unaware, is located on the left as you travel north towards Stirling Corner.
It is a wonderful area of parkland owned by the LBB and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
It should not to be confused with the Scratchwood Services on the M1!
Much care and expense has gone into this area over recent months – the LBB have worked very hard to improve the area, encouraged by the local Hale Ward councillors – Hugh Rayner, Tom Davey and Brian Gordon.
And following extensive negotiation a developer has been encouraged to build a very impressive café facility – which when opened will an asset to the area to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
However, this area has been invaded recently by a group of mindless individuals who have thought fit to come and camp in our lovely park – playing loud music and toileting where they wish.
In fairness it should be added that they seem to be collecting their own litter and keeping the area tidy – but that is not the point!
It is a great shame, when the selfish behaviour of a few individuals interrupts the enjoyment of the many!
And to add insult to injury they have squatted the adjacent café building thus delaying its opening and depriving users of the park from enjoying the facilities.
It is hoped that the campers and squatters will see sense and leave of their own accord – and if they are reading this I would urge them to please do so – it is a park not a camp site!
But if they do not it will then be down to the LBB together with the café owners and the police to resolve matters.
And would the campers and squatters pay for any enforcement action? – I do not think so! - it would be down to LBB and the café owners to foot the bill!
Local Hale Ward councillors will be monitoring matters closely to ensure a speedy outcome for the benefit of the residents and visitors alike.
In the meantime, your patience is requested whilst ‘normal service is resumed’.
If you would like to be kept informed about the soon to be formed Friends of Scratchwood then please contact Cllr Hugh Rayner on [email protected] or 0208 958 3364 and he will keep you informed.