'Save Sandleford' campaigners out in force

Protest walk from Wash Common to Newtown across fields of Sandleford attracts 60

STOMPING in the mud around 60 campaigners waving placards and signs held a protest walk across the rolling fields of Sandleford Park today (Sunday).

Newburytoday accompanied the walkers, out to highlight their concern over Sandleford Park's status as a site for 2,000 homes, as they took in the fields from Warren Road in Wash Common down into Newtown.

Residents from nearby streets and many other areas of Newbury turned out to show their support.

The 'No to Sandleford' protest group was out in force, and despite a spattering of rainfall spirits were high as the older members of the group told the children present about the history of the land and it's unique status in literary history.

The walk took in the home of Watership Down author Richard Adams' fictional rabbits, Sandleford Warren, as well as the view of Sandleford Priory from the green fields of significant heritage stretching back to the days of 18th century landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

Wendan Road resident Jane Day said she and many others felt very strongly that Sandleford should be left alone as part of the rich heritage of the area.

"We have chosen to live here because of the scenery," she said.

"This is happening so fast I don't think many people realise what is going to happen to the area where they put these homes here. The infrastructure will not be able to cope."

Last month West Berkshire Council finalised its position on offering up Sandleford Park as a ‘strategic' site for up to 2,000 homes along with Newbury Racecourse, where up to 1,500 homes are set to be built.

For more on this story and more views from those present see this week's Newbury Weekly News.