Committee member Stella Etheridge shares an update about the bulbs – and the phone masts – of Birchtree Green:
Back in 2016 it was agreed that planting spring bulbs on the Green at the bottom of Birchtree Avenue and the junction of Gates Green Road and Kingsway would enhance our environment. We were well pleased with the result.
Imagine our dismay when workman were spotted digging up the turf on the Birchtree Green and paint marking adjacent paving stones. There followed a planning application in the name of Telephonica UK Ltd. – Vodafone Ltd. for ‘The installation of a 10 metre telecommunication mast and associated works’. As the directive to allow these installations came from Central Government our local Council was powerless, so it was up to local residents to do the fighting.
Letters of objection flowed back and forth between the Residents’ Association and the companies involved, letters of appeal for help went to Sadiq Khan and our MP, Bob Neill, all to no avail. A group of vigilant residents even persuaded workmen to pack away their tools and leave the site on occasions! Banners were displayed, posters appeared, all to keep people informed and aware but with waning confidence of success.
Then, one recent Autumn morning, workman were once again spotted on our Green. Upon enquiring, we were told they were removing all evidence of installations and there would be no more. Our Green was safe! Having battled for 9 years we celebrated victory by planting yet more spring bulbs. Watch this space!
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 