Dereham: Row over threatened green spaces prompts protest

Demonstrators gathered at one of the threatened sites, on Sandy Lane in Dereham, to campaign against proposals to sell off a number of parcels of land in areas of housing.

The rally was organised by Cllr Harry Clarke and attended by more than 50 locals with homemade signs displaying defiant messages against the Breckland Bridge Business Plan.

The document, first revealed in October, shows the district council has earmarked several small areas of land in Dereham for potential sale.

Locals say they are important green spaces for communities, which would be lost if the sites were sold and developed.

The council says no decisions have been made but that it is just "exploring options" to ensure land is best used for the wider community.

Cllr Clarke told the crowd: “I've spoken to hundreds of residents to get their views- quite a few are understandably anxious and upset and angry. It's important we are here to make our voices heard.

“We chose to hold the rally here as it's symbolic of all the other areas, and a past attempt had been made to sell it off."

Harry Clarke, a Breckland and Dereham Town Councillor (Image: Newsquest)

Norma Dupres, who lives in Dereham, said: "I'm glad there is a good turn out, it's important we are all here today to show our passion and objection to any developments on our open green public space.“

Another local, Andy Widders, said: “It is vitally important to show the strength of feeling about possible disposal of our land.“

Tracy Lockwood added: "I am pleased to be here – as a resident overlooking the green I'm naturally concerned. It's important to stand up for all the other areas.“

The Breckland Bridge Business Plan is vehemently objected by residents (Image: Submitted)