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Longthorpe residents vow to save Holywell Ponds reserve
Residents, the police and council have banded together to protect Holywell Ponds. (METP-02-09-10DL508) Pictures: DAVID LOWNDES
MORE than 30 residents have vowed to help protect a city wildlife reserve which has been blighted by vandals.
Teenage arsonists plagued Holywell Ponds, off Larklands in Longthorpe, last month, throwing a spate of late-night parties and leaving the beauty spot strewn with empty bottles, bonfires and charred aerosol cans which had been tossed into the flames.
A public consultation was held last night by the Friends of Holywell Ponds and Peterborough City Council, to ask residents for their views on improving the reserve.
Now volunteers, police and council have vowed to ensure the nature reserve stays a haven and the supporters hope to set up an official committee.
Following the problems last month, calls to police and city councillors from frightened residents led to a crackdown on the anti-social behaviour.
Police upped patrols, catching several youngsters throwing aerosols into fires and made tackling the issues a priority at a police panel meeting.
Scores of volunteers also helped with a clean-up, litter picking and removing graffiti from trees.
George Wood, spokesman for the Friends of Holywell Ponds, said he was “delighted” that so many people had turned up last night.
He said: “It has been a nightmare here but since it has been cleaned up and people have taken an interest it has improved.
“It is vital everyone gets a say in how we can improve things and take care of our community.”
Antonella Fitzgerald, who walks her dog Layla round the ponds daily, said she thought it was quite a good turnout and hoped more residents would get involved.
Mrs Fitzgerald, who lives in Stokesay Court, said: “It has been quite bad sometimes in the four years. I have been coming down here with litter and things like that, but hopefully it will continue to get better.”
Grace Taylor (72) of Apsley Way said it was vital to protect the area and said she would help out.
She said: “Despite the traffic all around us, it is simply a refuge for people.”
Malcolm Roden (59) used to live in houses near the pond in the 1960s until they were knocked down to build the parkway.
He said: “I come here every day and it has been terrible but hopefully we can make it lovely for everyone to enjoy.”
Jamie MacFarlane, neighbourhood officer for Peterborough City Council, said he thought the turnout was fantastic.
He said: “It is great that so many people have made the effort to come down and it shows the community engagement here.
“We are circulating a brief questionnaire and then we will be collating the answers to begin an action plan.
“The best thing about tonight is that everyone has been extremely positive and have suggested improvements rather than focused on the negatives.”
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Friday 10 February 2012
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Comments
There are 10 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
hissing cyd
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 02:23 PM9 smalllove2 The man you mentioned was actually helped by his friend's. Do not speculate on things you did not attend or know about.
smalllove2
Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 06:07 PMI wonder how the man at the front of photograph managed to get up that steep slope on the way back - he's supposedly disabled and can't walk 20 mtrs without difficulty !!
pottyborough
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 04:27 PMFreaky.......... WOOD!..........about!
Sid Cowans
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 01:30 PMIts a stupid bug in the software - time the ET sorted it out !
hissing cyd
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 01:19 PMSorry must have pressed the button twice.
hissing cyd
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 01:18 PMAndy Chu who is by Jamie is very young. The Admiral )Yes the yobs are local from the Welland, Orton's, Paston and other areas. But also some Idiot ( calling that one an Idiot is degrading the real ones) Put the area on a fishing site which resulted in people coming as far away as London and the Midlands. They apparently were told the land belonged to no one and they were free to do what they liked as it was remote. I have been trying to trace the site with no luck so as I can warn them there behavior will not be tolerated any more. Amongst other things they can be arrested for Arson as well as camping and fishing without a license. In fact Andy Chu and Jamie McFarland told two youths to pack up there fishing gear clear up there rubbish and go home. They did not argue and went from the area with there bikes and bags with tents in them.
hissing cyd
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 01:16 PMAndy Chu who is by Jamie is very young. The Admiral )Yes the yobs are local from the Welland, Orton's, Paston and other areas. But also some Idiot ( calling that one an Idiot is degrading the real ones) Put the area on a fishing site which resulted in people coming as far away as London and the Midlands. They apparently were told the land belonged to no one and they were free to do what they liked as it was remote. I have been trying to trace the site with no luck so as I can warn them there behavior will not be tolerated any more. Amongst other things they can be arrested for Arson as well as camping and fishing without a license. In fact Andy Chu and Jamie McFarland told two youths to pack up there fishing gear clear up there rubbish and go home. They did not argue and went from the area with there bikes and bags with tents in them.
aressee
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 11:14 AMThe couple at the very back of the photo may feel a little miffed that you think they're 55+ !
Holly Golightly
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 11:09 AMIf the police took finger prints off the bottles, cans etc, they would soon know who the trouble makers were. A few dawn raids would soon sort them all out. The Police need to do more - what are we paying them for? Speeding tickets?
The Admiral
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 10:44 AMThe only one in foto below 55 is Jamie MacFarlane. The rest are senior people who still have a sense of respect for the environment and everything around it. It is about time the locals did come out and support this area, but remember the yobs who are causing the problems are not coming from too far away
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