Campaign to save Bristol green space

A group of campaigners are hoping to delve into the memories of Bristol residents in a bid to save two community green spaces.

Chris Calland, who lives in Nibley Road, Shirehampton, is spearheading a project to create a dossier of information about the history of the Lamplighters and Daisy Field sites.

During the summer months, hundreds of residents protested over council proposals to designate the Lamplighters open space and nearby Daisy Field as 'low value', and therefore available for sale. Residents say they are popular assets which should be kept for community use.

In a bid to protect the green spaces, Mrs Calland is hoping a historical record of the uses of the sites through the years will discourage any plans.

She said: "We want to gather as much information about the site as possible. We understand that in the 1950s, the field was a rubbish tip.

"If it was, what was dumped there? Was it debris and metals from the Avonmouth smelting works? We're also trying to pinpoint the date when it was landscaped and given over to Shirehampton.

"We think it was around 1971-1973 and there was a drive to plant trees called 'Plant a Tree in 73', but the more specific the timeframe the better.

"We also understand the area is a flood risk and was submerged in the 1980s – again we're after the dates so we can find the cuttings on archives. But that would be a huge issue for building work. We're hoping our action will deter the council from selling.

"We're trying to gather memories, photos and records. If anyone has specific dates or even can remember the time of year, we would really appreciate their input. We're trying to catalogue what people use the space for now and asking individuals or groups to share their stories."

Under the council's Parks and Green Spaces strategy, open space designated by the council as low value will be sold off and developed, with the intention of enhancing remaining open space.

At an open meeting held in September Colin Pople, 62, who has lived in Shirehampton all his life, said: "The council obviously don't know the people of Shirehampton. They are going to have a fight on their hands. It is not low-value land – so many people use it. They should keep their hands off our land."

At the meeting, a panel of council officials said they would take residents' comments on board.

Steve Moore, head of environmental services, thanked the residents for their input and said: "No decision has been made yet on what will happen to it."

Anyone who has memories to share is asked to contact Liz Webster at the Evening Post on email or by calling 0117 934 3240.