'Broomhill Park, an open green space success story' says Strood North by-election Lib Dems candidate

Alan Wells, Lib Dems candidate for this weeks Strood North by-election said "Whilst I recognise the need for new housing, it must be in the right places, where there is good provision of infrastructure. We would concentrate new housing developments in areas with good bus and rail links to reduce car usage, and in locations where there is scope to provide decent pedestrian, cycling and public transport connections.

Liberal Democrats want to preserve open spaces around our towns, giving the local community, space for leisure and recreation, without causing harm to Medway's most sensitive wildlife habitats and species. We would improve the connectivity of habitats to provide robust ecological networks and provide new allotments on 'brown build' sites to provide for an increased population.

This is highlighted in the expansion and success of Strood's Broomhill Park, which has had a huge impact on the health and well-being of the children and families in the surrounding areas. The group is run by enthusiastic and able members who are determined to improve the park for the benefit of the local residents and to engage the local community and young people. Money raised has also been used to improve the park by providing notice boards, benches, picnic benches and the park trustees worked successfully with Medway Council's greenspaces for S106 funding to benefit the park's meaningful projects.

The park is a hub of community life, getting more people involved in their local area, for raising awareness and for continuing to care for this public green space in their community. Broomhill Park keeps going from strength to strength, with improvements and expansion, since May 2018 when the Friends of Broomhill finally fulfilled their ten-year dream of purchasing The Old Orchard.

Work to clear the paths and glades started shortly after purchase and shall continue into the foreseeable future, and the area is now accessible for many park users and provides a quiet and relaxed environment for residents and visitors. The park has been revitalised over the last 15 years thanks to strong local partnership work.

The parks and green spaces of Strood and Frindsbury are vital resources for us all, bringing our communities together and benefitting our physical and mental health and wellbeing. I would demonstrate my commitment to this, and support and champion parks and green spaces as well as advocate for their protection.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Liberal Democrats would prepare a Local Plan, which included a robust green infrastructure plan for Medway, fully supporting adaptation to climate change, improving flood management and prevention, and improving urban air quality as well as providing other important benefits which underpin sustainable economic growth.

Broomhill Park has something for everyone. Energetic visitors will find the panoramic views at the top of the hill well worth the climb up the steep paths and steps. Families will enjoy the two children's play areas, whilst those looking for an easier stroll can follow the marked 1km walk along the surfaced pathways around the edge of the park. Broomhill Park has been awarded a Green Flag; these awards recognise the best green spaces in the country.

Notes and additional text for Editors:

Alan Wells Strood North Candidate

Alan has been an active member of Medway Liberal Democrats since 2018 and has campaigned in Kent elections for the last 3 years. Alan has previously been a Candidate for River Ward in the 2019 local elections and has been Press Officer for the local party since January 2019.

Alan is a natural, enthusiastic campaigner on a wide range of issues. He has a strong understanding of social justice and campaigned in the our mental health unit campaign. He has been active on a number of our issues, such as defending the environment, homelessness issues and campaigning on air quality issues.

Alan Wells said "I feel privileged to represent the Liberal Democrats for Strood North. I have been working in the ward as a care assistant for 2 years and know the ward very well and I am determined to work hard to represent the residents of the ward"

A vote for Alan will be a vote to:

Improve Air Quality for Strood North & the area
Fight to protect local green spaces from unwanted development
Fight to keep local planning decisions under control of local people
Safer Streets

• Alan has lived locally all his life and works as a care assistant in Frindsbury, Strood.

• Alan also is a great believer in life-long learning, having done a foundation with the Open University and Medway Adult Learning as a mature student.

• He is also a keen cyclist who understands the trials faced by those cycling around our towns, he lives in Chatham with a cat.