The amount of green open space belonging to South Holland District Council has increased dramatically with the £302,000 purchase of Moulton Park.
The 23 acres of land, just off High Road, sold for £52,000 above the guide price.
Ward district councillor and cabinet member Anthony Casson says residents from across the district can look forward to “first-class recreational facilities”.
While the acquisition will improve a shortfall of green open space and parks identified in 2012 in the South East Lincolnshire Open Space Assessment, it comes at a time when Welland Homes Ltd – the council’s new housebuilding company – wants to build on almost half of Severn Road Playing Field in Spalding.
Approximately one and a half acres is proposed for 24 new homes. The move has drawn criticism from several quarters opposed to the loss of open space.
And this week Spalding and District Civic Society spokesman John Charlesworth said: “The civic society warmly welcomes the purchase and the enjoyment it will bring for the people of Moulton as a public park, particularly for children. But what, one wonders, have Spalding kids done wrong?
“Twice within a year council departments have tried to rob them of playing field space. First it was the Chiltern Drive playing field – an attempt rightly thrown out by the planning committee – and now it’s the Severn Road field.
“Spalding has a 44 per cent deficit of public recreational space. The council should be seeking to provide Spalding youngsters with more playing field space, not trying to take it away.”
Meanwhile, the council says it is “delighted” to announce the purchase of Moulton Park in its quest to acquire more open space.
A spokesman said: “The deal follows the authority’s commitment to addressing a lack of green open space in the district and developing stronger and healthier communities which residents can take pride in.”
Coun Casson, portfolio holder for facilities management, said: “We’re very pleased that the deal has been completed and we now look forward to developing the site into a park that people from across the district can enjoy.
“We will be looking at the option of installing a play area and other equipment and facilities at the site.
“As part of our corporate plan we are fully committed to supporting communities to develop and thrive and to have pride in South Holland.
“I’m confident that the park will provide residents with a first-class recreational facility for many years to come.”
