Glentworth Woods

Glentworth Woods Public Consultation

RESULTS

 

In recent months concerns have been raised by some local residents with regard reported misuse of the woodland area, the presence of BMX tracks and anti-social behaviour.

As a consequence Shropshire Council's Outdoor Recreation Service has undertaken an extensive consultation involving local residents and members of Centre North West in Oswestry coordinated by the Youth Service.

In order to resolve the ongoing issues and to initiate a long term management plan for the woodland a questionnaire was produced and sent to around 650 addresses in Morda. In addition, the thoughts of the young people using the woodland were also sought and their opinions and desires have also been taken into serious consideration.

 

The outcome of the questionnaire are as follows:

 

	Yes	No
Do you want the complete removal of all bike ramps from the woodland?	41	31
Would you like to see the current bike ramps removed and smaller ramps built in a designated area of the wood for local children?	23	41
If you answered yes to Q2. we would need to provide enhanced footpaths for walkers away from cyclists, would you agree to this?	25	4
Would you accept the construction of another dirt BMX area on the Morda teen play area next to the football pitch. Note: this could actually be in place of the smaller BMX area suggested in Q2.	55	18
Would you like to get involved with having a say on the long term future management for wildlife in the wood and join the 'Friends of Glentworth Woods' group?	33	32

A total of 83 questionnaires were returned.

 

Conclusions and Action

 

This consultation has produced strong arguments. The primary question of whether to completely remove all ramps from the wood isn't exactly unanimous but more people want them removed than retained and so this is what will happen.

However, clearly the imagination and industrious nature of the children's efforts in constructing these ramps is something to be highly applauded, we shall therefore endeavour to provide the children with alternative venues both in Morda and in Oswestry. We are currently working to secure land in Oswestry at the new leisure centre for a larger dirt BMX area and a smaller local area in Morda on the 'Morda teen play area'.

 

For further information, please contact:

Shaun Burkey, Conservation & Community Officer, Shropshire Council, Swan Hill, Ellesmere, SY120DQ.        Tel: 01691 624448 Email: shaun.burkey@shropshire.gov.uk