Woodland and wildlife haven proposed for town park

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed plans that could see a new community woodland and wildlife haven created at Brodick Park in Hinckley.

Lib Dem Councillor David Bill, who represents the area on the Borough Council, said: "It has been my hope, going back almost 40 years, that there should be a green wedge alongside the Battling Brook all the way from the Ashby Canal as far into town as possible. This would bring the fresh air of the countryside along with its natural plant life and wildlife right into the centre of town.

"To some extent this has been achieved. Hollycroft Park has been steadily improved over the years. Clarendon Park was extended. We managed to fight off moves to build over the college playing fields and now the Langdale Road Park has been planted up and improved. Over the years various improvements and planting schemes have been applied to the Battling Brook corridor itself and so we can see a measure of success with this overall strategy.

"The loss of Brodick Park would have been a real blow and that is why I really hope that the local community will get behind this scheme to safeguard and enhance the area by this planting scheme. If we can also improve access to the Ashby Canal at this point that would be a real bonus."

Plans have been drawn up to create a habitat for nature conservation at the park, while also providing a quiet area for people to walk and enjoy the natural environment.

A consultation questionnaire has been circulated to local residents about the proposed scheme, and if they support the proposals, it is hoped they will help to plant the woodland and be involved with the future management of the site.

The site itself is opposite Langdale Community Park, which was improved in 2008 to provide new formal play facilities for children and teenagers, improved access throughout the site and better drainage of the football and cricket pitches.

Final plans will be drawn up at the beginning of March and will be publicised on the notice boards at Langdale Community Park.