RESIDENTS in Stockwood and Hengrove have a clear message for the council – hands off our green spaces.

People in Stockwood have told the Evening Post they are "not just furious but absolutely livid" at the proposals for their area.

Most of the land that could be sold in this part of the city are in Stockwood, including part of Sturminster Close; Craydon Road Triangle; Craydon Road open space and Burnbush Close open space.

Smaller sites that could be sold off include Ladman Road; Bagnall Road; part of Hazelbury Road open space; Maple Close and Gillebank Close.

The Friends of Stockwood Open Spaces group has condemned the basic principal of the green spaces plan.

Secretary Pete Goodwin said: "People are simply opposed in general to any sell off of land because it's open space that makes Stockwood special.

"The general feeling is that none of this makes any sense.

"Sturminster Close enjoys all the things the parks people say an open space should have, yet they want to build on it.

"Claydon Road open space is widely used by the Scouts and other organisations.

"Stockwood is essentially housing, there is very little else here.

"The last thing we need is yet more housing, it just adds to the imbalance.

"The whole strategy looked quite attractive on paper, but now we're starting to see the flaws."

Like other residents opposed to the green space plans, Mr Goodwin argued that his part of the city lacks infrastructure already and so is not suitable for more houses. He also claimed that few were convinced Stockwood would see any benefits from the council's proposed £90 million investment plan.

The main site that could be sold off in Hengrove is Briery Leaze.

The council has put part of this area forward despite knowing full well that a group of residents have been fighting to have it registered as a town green.

According to artists' impressions provided by the council, its plan is to sell almost half of the land off for development with possible improvements for the other half.

That would include new seating, a children's play area and new entrances.

So far more than 70 people have signed a petition to protect Oatlands Avenue allotments.

The allotments are under threat of development under the site allocation plan, which the council is consulting on at the same time as the green space plan.

The council has put forward a number of ideas for areas that could be improved when money raised from land sales is reinvested over the 20-year period of the project.

Although it won't have the money to fund them all, the authority wants residents to say which they would prefer.

Proposals for this part of the city include an extended BMX area and teenage play space for Craydon Road open space.

A bridge could be built over the stream in Saltwell Valley, Whitchurch railway path could get new lighting and a children's play area could be developed in Hengrove Farm Community Woodland.

The council has repeatedly stressed that no decisions have been made on the plans and has urged people to take part in the consultation process.

Council spokeswoman Helen Hewitt said: "The publication of the citywide area green space plans and site allocations document follows years of work by council officers.

"The consultation period ends on October 29, until then, people can get in touch with us via the website, telephone, or write to us."

To view the detailed proposals, go to www.bristol.gov.uk/agsp.

What do you think of the proposals for your area? Email s.rkaina@bepp.co.uk or write to Sam Rkaina, Evening Post, Temple Way, Bristol, BS99 7HD