Bristol City Council’s 16-week consultation on a plan to sell off 62 green spaces is due to end on Friday next week. Today, local government reporter SAM RKAINA looks at Eastville, Frome Vale, Fishponds and Hillfields

THOUSANDS of people have signed petitions against the loss of green spaces across this part of the city.

Proposals to sell off open space at Lodge Hill and Snowdon Road have attracted particular criticism.

And the possibility of seven travellers' pitches at Begbrook Drive has also not gone down well with locals.

Other areas that could be sold off include Ridgeway playing fields; Delabere Avenue; part of Gill Avenue and open space at Bracey Drive and Duchess Way.

Campaigners against the loss of Lodge Hill open space have collected more than 1,000 signatures on a petition.

They have also obtained the "value assessment" carried out by city council officers for the area. Like the only other site assessment seen so far – for Wellington playing fields in Horfield – residents were not happy with it.

The assessment claims that "there is no obvious use aside from the pedestrian route running across (although) it may be used by dog walkers".

Protester Rosemarie Rendu-Jefferies said: "We've been fighting this since June.

"This is a tiny space in the midst of houses. That green space is our gathering point for when the fireworks are on, or planes are flying overhead or when people want to kick a ball about.

"I've lived here for 23 years but families going back more than 100 years have used it.

"This is a site of history and it means so much to the community. If they were to sell off the whole site they're talking about 80 dwellings, which is horrifying.

"It's an emotional thing, people have said this cannot happen. It's a place of peace. We need it."

Sherryl Wilson lives near the Snowdon Road open space in Fishponds.

She said: "My neighbours and I are dismayed by these proposals on a number of grounds, the chief being that the space is a much loved oasis of calm amongst the heavy traffic and dense housing that defines Small Lane.

"The space is in continual use by dog walkers, joggers, groups playing ball games, children playing away from the road and people picnicking in fine weather. It is also a haven for wildlife.

"Using this land for housing would immeasurably reduce the quality of life for those of us who live here, and the council seems to be in complete disregard for the negative impact that this proposal signifies."

Even a horse has become involved in the fight against the loss of green spaces as the field where it has been kept comes under threat of sell-off.

Kipper turned up at Council House, where a meeting was being held, with his owner Evita Gonzalez last month, because the College Road open space in Fishponds is under threat of being sold off.

The Gonzalez family, who have lived in Fishponds for more than 30 years, set up their own website to save the field and gained more than 600 signatures on a petition.

At the same council meeting Dr Innes Newman presented another petition, with 724 signatures, against the potential loss of land at Begbrook Drive.

She said: "Begbrook Drive open space has been a playground and park used by the local community since 1946. Officially referring to our community green space as a 'disposal site' in recent council literature has created enormous distress and anxiety for many residents.

"To lose our beloved green space would be more detrimental to us than you can imagine."

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 will not 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 new children's play areas for land at Snuff Mills and Ridgeway playing fields, and a skate park and BMX track at Hillfields Park.

Oldbury Court Estate could see a new visitor centre and cafe, with a redesigned car park and a multi-use games area for young people.

Council spokeswoman Helen Hewitt said: "We know people are very passionate about their parks and open spaces and many want to see improvements in the parks near where they live.

"At this stage no decisions have been made. We are urging local people to take a close look at the options and have their say."

To view detailed plans 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.