Sidcup campaigners say the fight is not over yet, as Bexley Council continues to push forward the sale of Old Farm Park.

The park was one of 27 open spaces suggested to be sacrificed for council cuts, as Bexley struggle to reduce a £34million predicted funding gap over the next three years.

Following public protest, the western part of Old Farm Park and Old Manor Way in Bexleyheath have already been saved.

However last night (November 17), the Cabinet passed a motion to continue with the "disposal" of four of these green areas - including Wilde Road Park west and east, and West Street Small Park in Erith.

Following the meeting, campaigner Malcolm Wright, 45, told News Shopper: "We obviously are not being listened to.

"This is David against Goliath.

News Shopper:

Protesters gather outside a Bexley Council meeting, in July

"We are up against the council, who will just rail road it through.

"They say: 'On the basis that we haven't got any money, we are still going to sell it', which is wrong."

Despite last night's developments, campaigners remain optimistic.

Mr Wright said: "The fight's not over until the end.

"Right now, the main aim is to stop it or delay it from being sold."

Last night, cabinet member for finance and corporate services Coun Don Massey claimed the sites are "surplus", as King George's Recreation Ground is only minutes away from Old Farm Park.

News Shopper: Cray Meadows Councillor Don Massey is urging people to show their strength of feeling over the 492 bus

However dog walker Mr Wright said the beauty of Old Farm Park is that it is an undeveloped space where animals can run free, compared to the football pitches and children's play park over the road.

Coun Massey also claimed the park is not well-used, despite 3,024 people signing petitions to save it.

Over 1,500 residents responded to council consultations about the closure of all the parks.

The council recently conducted a survey, to monitor usage of the parks. This was done during half term week (October 26-30) but, unfortunately for campaigners, it was a wet one.

Last night, Labour Coun Joe Ferreira, representing Erith ward, asked why council popularity surveys were not done in the summer - when parks would have been busier.

Coun June Slaughter, who represents Sidcup ward, said open spaces were "essential for the quality of life to be maintained and endured".

News Shopper: Councillor June Slaughter

She added many Sidcup residents "feel their strongly held views are being ignored", and of the 19 outer London boroughs, Bexley has the fourth lowest percentage of open spaces.

The council propose to use the £710,000 raised by selling these parks to continue to fund existing open spaces.

Coun Slaughter concluded: "Old Farm Park should not have to be sacrified to bare the cost of maintenance of parks throughout the borough, when there are alternatives which could have pursued to meet the cost."

A final decision will be made early next year.

What do you think about the possible closure of these parks? Email josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk to have your say.

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