Park revamp plan may re-route river

11:17am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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A RIVER could be diverted under plans for the future of a park.

Plans to develop the Whitehall Recreation Ground in Bromley Common are open to public consultation until June 6.

The plans include a proposal to re-route the River Ravensbourne, which runs around the park, to create a wetland and two streams.

Ideas for the park came about after the Friends of Whitehall group asked members of the public what they would like to see there.

Friends chairman Jason Glen said: "I think people will support it as the ideas have come from people in the area in the first place.

"We have not plucked them from nowhere. I'm optimistic."

The proposals being put forward in the consultation include a footpath with an adjacent cycle path running through the park between Walpole Road and Bath Road - depending on available funding.

An orchard and picnic area would also be added, the park's football pitch relocated and shrubs and trees put in.

Depending on funding, a children's play area and an adults' fitness course would also be created.

The re-routing of the river would create the wet marshland area, along with streams and islands.

This is a long-term part of the plan, along with building a community building.

At present, the Ravensbourne flows past the park in a man-made basin and is liable to flood.

Mr Glen said: "In periods of real peak flow there's nowhere else to go but into properties.

"There have been a couple of big floods.

"The idea is to not only create a nice environment but to also double up as flood prevention."

Bromley Council will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposals at Raglan Primary School, Raglan Road, Bromley, between 8pm and 10pm tomorrow.

Residents will have a chance to view and discuss the proposals.

Whitehall Recreation Ground is one of two open spaces in the borough being looked at for development during 2008/09, along with the parks and gardens in Bromley town centre.