On Saturday 15 March, Leicester Conservatives joined a demonstration to oppose the City Council's plans to develop large-scale industrial units and a travellers' transit site on two vital green spaces in the city: Beaumont Park and Western Golf Course.
Hundreds of local residents joined the protest to defend these much-loved green areas, which are crucial for the physical and mental well-being of the community.
The demonstration highlighted the significant concerns about the environmental and social impact of the proposed developments.
Cllr Hazel Orton, Leader of Save Beaumont Park and Conservative City Councillor, Said: "Beaumont Park and Western Golf Course are not just spaces for leisure—they are vital to the health and well-being of the community. These plans for development are short-sighted and will have a lasting negative impact on the environment and the people who rely on these green spaces every day. I stand with local people in demanding that the City Council halt these proposals and listen to the community's concerns."
Steve Walters, Leader of Save Western Golf Course, Added: "The last major expansion of Leicester City in the 80s preserved green spaces like Western Park Golf Course and Beaumont Park for good reasons: wellbeing, local walking areas, and space for nature. These reasons are even more relevant today, which is why there’s strong opposition to the City Council's plans. All the proposed development sites are on green land in NW Leicester, worsening traffic and impacting the community. Despite consultations, the council hasn’t shown they’re listening to the public. I urge them to rethink before moving forward with these plans."
Les Mant, Local Resident, Said: “We didn’t move to Beaumont Leys to be near a motorway. The traffic and pollution will increase, and the impact on our mental well-being is far more important than this industrial development. Our green spaces are not for sale, and we’ll fight to protect them.”
Shenna Charlton, Local Resident, Added: “These green spaces are an essential part of our community. We cannot afford to lose them to concrete. The people of Beaumont Leys deserve better than more traffic, pollution, and unnecessary development.”
Why we joined the demonstration:
- Beaumont Park and Western Golf Course offer a vital escape for local residents, providing space for exercise, relaxation, and enjoying nature. The proposed developments would destroy these much-needed areas.
- Increased traffic and pollution from the proposed industrial units would negatively impact the community’s health and well-being. With plenty of unused industrial sites across the city, there is no need to sacrifice our green spaces for more development.
Leicester Conservatives are committed to continuing this fight, urging the City Council to reconsider these plans and put the needs of the local community first. Our green spaces should not be sacrificed for short-term gains.
We will continue to push for the protection of these green spaces and call on the City Council to halt these damaging plans. The future of our community depends on it.
