The Elms Residents Association is calling on local council to listen to public feedback about the future of an 'unused' green space in Uppingham.

The resident group, known as TERA, is campaigning for a strip of land in Uppingham to be properly discussed by Uppingham Town Council as the authority discusses options for the space to be put to alternative use.

The future use of the land, which is behind the housing estate on Leicester Road in Uppingham, was discussed at a Full Council meeting on 10 June, representatives from different community groups spoke about different possible uses for the land, including a space for local sports clubs or recreation.

However, TERA feel that the matter was not properly debated, with little attention paid to the full results of the survey that showed overwhelming public support for an environmentally friendly, nature-led solution.

TERA has requested a meeting with the Mayor to highlight key elements directly to her, saying: 'We place a great deal of importance on a meaningful response to the public survey which has strong recommendations for the Uppingham Community.'

The group want to get a firm understanding of how meaningful Uppingham Town Council takes results of the survey that was completed by members of the local area.

TERA's campaign is focused around the phrase 'the public have spoken,' wanting to be reassured that the council is listening to residents' opinions in the survey.

According to TERA chairman Trevor Colbourne, who was a member of Uppingham Town Council until earlier this year, 'As a councillor [...], I successfully lobbied fellow councillors to agree to a public consultation.'

advertisement

The results of the consultation found that, of the approximately 500 responses, the most popular intended use for the space was for nature and wildlife, with walking, exercising and relaxing also ranked highly.

The official interpretation from the results from the consultation said the main requested use for the site would be nature-focussed, a place for walking and informal recreation and a space for relaxation.

'As residents with land adjacent to our site, we are the most affected by any proposed development,' said Trevor. 'We wish to be included in a working party to pursue innovative solutions for the usage of the land whilst strongly supporting public opinion over the environmental priorities.'

The Mayor of Uppingham has confirmed to TERA that no final decision has been made on the use of the land and it is too early in the process to form a working party including councillors and residents.

The group is keen to emphasise the results of the consultation align with their hopes to preserve the natural space which provides both an ecological safe haven for local species but also is a popular stopping point for wildlife travelling to and from Rutland Water, saying 'The public have spoken.'

Uppingham Town Council was contacted for comment and Cllr Lindsay Cooper, Mayor of Uppingham, said: 'We are always interested in hearing views, and this matter is next due to be discussed by the Full Council at our meeting in August.'