Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller has launched a petition calling on the Borough Council to protect Old Down and designate it at as a Local Nature Reserve.
Old Down is integral to the health and quality of life of the local community and supports and enhances natural and ecological wildlife habitats.
In 2013, a petition was raised by residents seeking to declare both Beggarwood Park and Old Down as Local Nature Reserves. Subsequently the council adopted a priority list for declaring Local Nature Reserves, and as part of this process, Beggarwood Park was declared as a Local Nature Reserve, however as set out in the report due to potential issues relating to the development of Manydown, Old Down was excluded.
The emerging plan for the South West of Basingstoke shows entry points to Manydown through Hounsome Fields development and land closer to M3 Junction 7, removing the need for access through Old Down.
Maria said, “Old Down is integral to the health and quality of life of the local community and supports and enhances natural and ecological wildlife habitats. Working together with local councillors, groups and residents I have launched this petition calling on the Borough Council to designate Old Down as Local Nature Reserve and protect this important community green space.”
Maria is holding a residents’ meeting on Saturday to formally launch the petition and you can sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/basingstoke-deane-borough-council-designate-old-down-as-local-nature-reserves-lnr
