Friends of Freeman's Wood trustee and local councillor, Mandy Bannon, has achieved great success with making the Lucy Brook access to Freeman's Wood safer for all with the installation of a temporary bridge. This may be replaced in the near future with a more durable installation which could generate a permanent safe access route from Coronation Fields.
Mandy Bannon said - "The planning application for the industrial units along FW has just been passed at Planning so if they do get built, there may well be a permanent bridge over Lucy Brook.
I spoke at the Meeting with my 'trustee hat' on to raise concerns about the lack of biodiversity net gain, and asking for assurances that our trees will be protected, that Japanese Knotweed will not be spread to our land and that noise and lift pollution will be minimised.
I also asked if section 106 funds for the bridge can be used for its associated path, but I have had conflicting responses to that question.
With my 'councillor hat' on, I also raised concerns about the state of the roads on the estate but this is too complex to go into"
If all goes well, we hope to bring further good news that this bridge can be replaced for a more permanent access route and for improvements to the ground beyond which is currently very muddy at times. We will keep you updated on any progress.