Thousands of concerned residents are campaigning to save a playground and wildlife centre in Pudsey.
Thousands of concerned residents in Pudsey, Leeds have signed a petition to save a much-loved wildlife and tropical garden centre from plans by council chiefs to close it.
Petition organiser, Dawn Seary said: “We have over 2,200 signatures and hope to send Tom Riordan a strong message ‘keep our wildlife centre open. This is a children’s centre for children, instead of demolishing it, they should upgrade it and make it a proper visitor attraction and help keep Pudsey alive”.
The wildlife centre is home to rare fish, birds, mice, rats and rabbits and was opened in 2010 to celebrate the diverse range of local wildlife. It has become a focal point for children in Pudsey and attracts thousands of young visitors every year. Whilst no decision has been made to close the centre, the council has started a consultation process. Local residents, however, feel that this is just a formality and that plans to flatten the centre and save £90,000 a year is a forgone conclusion.
Councillor Trish Smith said: “In my opinion, the consultation process is paying lip service”.
Councillor Simon Seary echoed her sentiments: “We are in the middle of a lockdown, the consultation period is a waste of time and is typical of how this council operates.”
Philip Copeland, a local Pudsey resident of 67 years said:
“What this council is doing is disgusting, they are on about closing the bowling green, the children’s park and the wildlife centre, what’s left?”
Councillor Trish Smith said: “It’s very short-sighted of the council and begs the question as to what LCC are spending their money on.”
Pudsey Park has a long history as a local attraction and was opened at the end of the 19th century, with a children’s playground opening in 1937. The park has welcomed countless generations of children. It has been a main focal point of Pudsey.
Grandmother of two Larisa Owen said “My children used this park and now my grandkids, ransacking it would leave a huge gap in their lives”.
Councillor Smith said: “It’s a well-used park and one of the largest attractions in the area and to try and reduce it would be fool hardy”.
Article originally appeared on In your area.
The Institute cannot confirm the accuracy of this story or confirm that it presents a balanced view. If you feel this is inaccurate we would welcome your perspective and evidence that this is the case
