Angry Sidcup residents gathered on steps outside the Bexley Council offices to protest the potential sale of Old Farm Park.

Residents fighting to save the Sidcup open space submitted their petition of more than 2,500 signatures as the decision nears over whether five parks will be sold for housing developments.

When the council met on Wednesday evening campaigner Tracey Bridge submitted the petition and gave a passionate speech against the principle of selling Bexley’s open spaces for development.

News Shopper:

Sidcup residents take a stand against the proposed sale of Old Farm Park.

On behalf of the large group of campaigners, the 47-year-old told councillors: “Bexley’s open spaces are the glue that sticks residents of Bexley together. They are what make our borough a community and not just streets and people.

“Bexley Council do not own this land. They are the custodians of our parks and green spaces for the past, present and future generations.

“The sale of our green spaces is totally unacceptable under any circumstances.

“You are the elected representatives of the people. The people of this borough are asking you not to sell its land.”

She concluded: “What will your children, your grandchildren say when they think of you in the future.

“This fix is temporary but the consequences are permanent. This will be your legacy.”

News Shopper:

James Brokenshire MP enjoying the park with residents fighting to save it. (.c) Save Old Farm Park Sidcup Facebook page.

Mrs Bridge, a mother to two teenagers, warned the council of the added pressure large-scale housing developments would have on infrastructure, such as roads and school places.

She also highlighted the wide range of people who use the park multiple times a day and the devastating impact for the community, particularly with the growing problem of childhood obesity in the borough.

The campaigners argue that selling off Bexley’s open spaces contravenes the council’s core strategy policies.

Mrs Bridge told News Shopper that they oppose the principle of selling land as a short-term solution to tackling the council’s money woes.

She said: “Old Farm Park is really important to the local people. It’s used by a lot of people and we just don’t think that it is the answer to solving the council’s cash flow problems.

“I think everyone’s quite passionate about it, not just because it’s our local park but because of the principle of what they are trying to do.”

The Old Farm Avenue resident, who has lived there for 18 years, said she was chuffed to see such a strong turnout as campaigners filled both sides of the public gallery to show their support.

She added: “We were very pleased that people took the trouble to come out and that really showed us that what we were doing was the right thing to do.”

News Shopper:

Councillor Peter Craske.

In response to the campaign councillor Peter Craske, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, said: "It was good that residents had the opportunity to express their views, although it is important to be clear about where things stand.

“At the moment, the only decision being taken is whether or not to start a consultation on whether or not to dispose of five open spaces across the Borough.

“There will be plenty of time for residents to set out their views during the consultation process - and equally, their own ideas for ensuring we can still maintain the Borough's open spaces to a high standard.

“No final decisions will be made until after the consultation has ended and the comments and proposals have been read."

The next stage will be decided at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday which the public are welcome to attend.