According to reports, Nottingham City Council are considering using green space at Stonebridge City Farm in St Ann's for a car park. A consultation of 31 local residents found that just under 50% of them were in favour of a scheme that would use up 10% of the farm's land for a car park. People involved in the farm have set up a petition to protest the move.
Stonebridge City Farm is an urban farm in the heart of St Ann's that has gardens open to the community. The farm actively involves people with disabilities and mental health problems in volunteer roles and grows food that local people can buy. The farm is the result of many years work of committed individuals. According to one supporter, the Council's attitude shows that they are unreliable partners and are not genuinely concerned with environmental issues. "[A]fter the effort has been put in over many years they will think nothing of putting people's work under tarmac."
Newswire: Hands off Stonebridge City Farm | Transition Market Launch Saturday 12th December 11-3 Sneinton Market
Links: Stonebridge City Farm | Hands Off the Land at Stonebridge City Farm (petition) | Transition Nottingham
Stonebridge City Farm logo
Stonebridge City Farm are a regualar fixture at local environmental events such as the Green Festival and Transition Towns events. The farm has played an important educational role in teaching people about growing food and using green space productively.
According to supporter Paul:
"The development of local urban food sources, skilling up local people and drawing in vulnerable people are all a major part of giving tangible expression to what needs to be done in the face of energy problems in the future. Nottingham needs all the community gardens it can get and the city council should be giving them all the support that it can. That means giving them secure tenancies and not undermining their long run security. They are vital to the future of the city, to training in DIY cultivation and food skills, for setting examples to people which will ultimately be key to the maintenance of public health in this city. Around the city Transition Groups are trying to encourage local food growing and community gardens. This is not the message that the city council should be sending out - that after the effort has been put in over many years they will think nothing of putting people's work under tarmac."
Protect Stonebridge City Farm
13.01.2010 19:03
Aiesha
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http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=247195272869