Local MP for Basingstoke, Maria Miller has welcomed Borough Council’s decision to lock its car parks at the Lime Pits and Crabtree Plantation overnight. The car parks at the council-owned open spaces and play areas will be closed from 8pm to 7.30am from April to 31 October and from 5pm to 7.30am from 1 November to 31 March.
This is part of a pilot project in response to ongoing concerns from residents over antisocial behaviour at these sites in the evenings. The areas will still be accessible by foot during the car park closures.
Maria said, “Green spaces like Lime Pits and Crabtree Plantation are part of what makes Basingstoke a great place to live and the Borough Council is absolutely right to tackle this anti-social behaviour head on. These new measure will help to tackle ongoing problems of anti-social behaviour ensuring that Basingstoke families can continue to enjoy these much loved areas.”
Originally part of the Hackwood Estate, Crabtree is an important site for butterflies, woodland and grassland habitat. Visitors can follow tree trails, self-guided walks or join in conservation work. It also features a play area and links to Black Dam Ponds and Basing Common.
Once part of a private estate, the Lime Pits now provides an opportunity for walking, playing and picnicking. The site forms part of the Basingstoke Canal Heritage Footpath Trail, running across Basingstoke common and finishing at Basing House. It follows a route rich in wildlife and cultural heritage.