Council sorry for 'confusing' notices about parks

A local authority has apologised for "confusion caused" by legal notices" it recently posted that led some people to think it was considering selling off parks to developers.

Last month Teignbridge District Council said it had been in talks with partners about the future of some of its assets so they could be "managed locally where appropriate, or disposed of on the open market".

People were given two weeks to send objections or comments about the proposed disposals - the notices were issued on 28 May with the deadline for comments of 18 June.

Councillor David Palethorpe released a statement apologising and seeking to "reassure residents that there are no plans to develop any of these sites".

The council said it has been reviewing its property and land portfolio for several years as part of long-term plans for how it could most effectively run services.

It said the aim was to reduce financial pressure on council services.

Palethorpe, who is deputy leader and executive member for economy, estates and major projects said he recognised parks and green spaces were "highly valued" and he understood "the strength of feeling around this issue".

He said: "The aim is to safeguard these green spaces and community assets for the future. Your parks will still be your parks."

The assets named in the notices were: Cromwell Way, Bovey Tracey; Palace Meadow, Chudleigh; Morningside, Dawlish; Heath Close, Heath Hill, Prince Rupert Way and Naseby Drive, Heathfield; and Ashburton Road and Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot.

Neil Blaney, Teignbridge District Council director of place, added: "We understand the strength of public feeling and the desire to retain the green spaces.

"We've followed the appropriate processes... but I recognise that it's created a lot of concern, and we'll be making improvements to our approach to avoid a further repeat."

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