ERITH campaigners against proposals to build on the Riverside Gardens have had positive news from the government following a debate in Parliament.

The Friends of Erith Riverside Gardens [FORGE] have been campaigning against attempts by Bexley Council to sell the land in Erith High Street to developers.

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce presented a petition, signed by almost 2,500 people, to the House of Commons to be debated last week.

In response the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, wrote the Government believes local communities should be able to protect local green spaces which are important to them.

Alec Tapper, a member of FORGE, said: “The comments are very heartening. I do hope the people responsible for making the decision will take them on board. “It’s the only green space we have in Erith and it’s very special to us.”

The gardens, which currently have open access to the public, cover almost three acres of the riverfront in Erith’s town centre and are part of the Erith Riverside conservation area. Bexley Council have earmarked a quarter of the gardens for a seven-story tower block of flats.