Leighton’s green space that prompted protests last year has been given protected status as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the town wants to mark this ocassion with a big celebration.
Under the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge Page’s Field has been granted permanent protection from future development and will remain as a playing field for the benefit of the town.
The scheme was set up to protect green spaces for future generations to enjoy and is supported by HRH The Duke of Cambridge and ‘Fields in Trust’.
Page’s Field was under threat a year ago when a planning application was submitted to build two hundred new homes on the site causing outrage and prompted local residents and some of the town’s councillors to protest.
Following this, the application was withdrawn and residents of Weston Avenue suggested the idea to apply for protected status as part of the ‘QE2 Fields Challenge’.
Charles Fowler, of Weston Avenue, said: “Pages Field is a valuable open space enjoyed by many local people. We wanted to preserve Pages Field and stop it being built on.
“We are really pleased that the application for QE2 status has been successful and that everyone will be able to use Pages Field for many years to come”.
The ‘Deed of Dedication’ was signed at a special meeting of the Town Council on November 1 and Councillor Amanda Dodwell, town councillor for Brooklands Ward, co-signed the Deed on behalf of the town.
After the meeting, Cllr Dodwell said: “Page’s Field is a green lung in a heavily developed part of the town. Once these open spaces are concreted over they are lost for ever.
“Leighton Buzzard needs to protect its parks and playing fields for the enjoyment of everyone. I am delighted that we have been able to fight off the developers once and for all.
“I would also like to thank the residents of Weston Avenue for their support and for putting the initial idea to the Council”.
The Town Council is planning a celebration to mark Page’s Field becoming a QE2 Jubilee Field, where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.
Councillor David Bowater, leader of the Town Council, said “Over the next few months the Town Council will be working with local residents and Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway to organise an event when the town can come together to mark this special occasion.
“Our initial thoughts are that it would be fantastic if we can arrange it to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Coronation of the Queen.”
Further details of the celebration will be made available in the new year.