A NATURE group has called on the council to save a green space in Basingstoke from development after it gained more than 3,000 signatures.
As previously reported, Basingstoke MP Maria Miller launched a campaign calling on the borough council to protect Old Down and designate it as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).
The MP, with support from a group of residents, is fighting to protect the 16 hectares of open chalk grassland which runs between Beggarwood and Kempshott to save it from being built on.
SEE ALSO: Thousands sign petition to save green space in Basingstoke from development
The petition was presented to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council by Mr Sarah Mutton last week (March 24).
She said: “We want Basingstoke and Deane council to take all the steps to make to designate Old Down as a Local Nature Reserve.
“Old Down is an integral to the health and quality and life of the community and supports and enhances natural ecological wildlife habitats.”
She said that “hundreds of people” use the area every day to relax and complete their exercises, meaning it should be “properly preserved and managed”.
She added: “It is also an important site for local wildlife and all the woodland and grassland is already classed as a site of importance for nature conservation.
“We believe it is really important Old Down is designated as a local nature reserve and not just a green space.
In 2013, a petition was raised by residents seeking to declare both Beggarwood Park and Old Down as LNRs.
The council adopted a priority list for declaring these and as part of this process Beggarwood Park was declared as a LNR.
However, because of potential issues relating to the development of Manydown, Old Down was excluded.
Mrs Miller is urging residents to get behind her campaign and sign the petition.
She previously said: “Working together with councillors, local groups, and residents I have launched this petition calling on the borough council to designate Old Down as Local Nature Reserve and protect this important community green space.
“We are still some way short of the necessary 4,000 signatures. It is vital that we push to this number so that the council must debate the petition.
"I would encourage everyone who values green space and nature in Basingstoke to sign and support this important cause.”
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