A CAMPAIGN has been launched to protect the future of a precious community greenspace that has been enjoyed by Windsor residents for over 150 years.
Homeowners living on Duke Street, Arthur Road, and Vansittart Road fear for the future of Gardner Cottages Community Green, known as The Green, as it will soon go to auction on November 24.
The one-acre greenspace has been enjoyed by residents for 152 years and has a rich history. The site was once used for an air raid shelter during World War Two and hosted Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. It has also been used to host children’s parties and local community events.
You may also recognise The Green from legendary British comedian Norman Wisdom’s hit 1962 film ‘On the Beat’ where Norman is pursued by a vast army of policemen. The well-loved comedian even gave the residents some money to buy their first lawnmower, referred to as ‘Norman Wisdom’s Mower,’ to maintain the grass.
However, The Green has five private owners and is being auctioned with a guide price of £130,000. Residents were not told the reason why it is up for sale but held a meeting to find out ways to make it unattractive for potential buyers.
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Windsor resident Lindsey Blake explained: “What we are arguing is that the landowners have been nowhere near this land and not kept it maintained, cut the grass, or anything like that for 152 years.
“During that period, the residents have looked after it and we have had free and open access to it. Not just us, but the local community as well.”
Neighbours have been maintaining The Green for decades and even formed a residents’ association in 2014 to oversee its upkeep.
This could be the ticket to deter potential buyers eyeing to develop the land if the residents can establish they have a ‘right of way’ by using deeds and old images, and that it is publicly available land as it is not solely used by the homeowners.
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For example, some nearby households have the right to enjoy the space whereas others have the right to the back entrances in order to put out their bins for collection.
The auction website states the land ‘may be suitable for future development,’ however, Mrs Blake believes development on The Green is “unlikely” given its open space, it’s on a floodplain, and it’s within the Windsor Neighbour Space – which earmarks it as open space.
The piece of land will be auctioned online on the Savills website.
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