CONCERNS are growing over plans to shut Canford Park for up to two years so that a sewage tank can be built.
Wessex Water needs to build three underground tanks, at Canford, Old Quarry Park and St George Park in east Bristol, to catch storm water sewage before it reaches our rivers.
It will give Bristol City Council £1 million for a green spaces improvement fund to make up for the disruption caused by closing the parks while the interceptor tanks are installed.
Councillors and environmental campaigners have welcomed the action sewage pollution but people in Westbury and Henleaze say there are questions to be answered before the work begins.
In Canford Park, the main grass area will be closed for up to two years for the installation of the biggest interceptor tank. In Old Quarry Park, the grass area would be closed for one year while a smaller tank is installed. The three Liberal Democrat ward councillors say they are pressing Wessex Water to ensure that play areas and other facilities remain open throughout.
Wessex Water has a legal duty to undertake the works as the sewerage provider and does not need to seek planning consent.
Wessex Water chief executive, Ruth Jefferson, said: “The Bristol Green Spaces Fund will help community organisations deliver projects that encourage greater participation, improve access and create safer, more welcoming spaces for local people.”
Conservatives in Westbury and Henleaze say they support the moves to tackle sewage pollution and they welcome the £1 million secured for the parks.
But they are concerned that local people have not been given enough information.
They want to know:
• Exactly which areas of the parks will be inaccessible and for how long?
• Will play areas and other facilities remain open throughout the works?
• What steps will be taken to minimise disruption to residents, dog walkers and local sports teams?
• How will the £1 million improvement fund be spent?
• What alternative provision will be available while the works are taking place?
We Love Stoke Lodge campaigners say they would like to see more public access to that site while Canford Park is closed.