Hundreds sign petition in bid to save Shropshire riding centre
Almost 700 people have signed a petition in the fight to protect a riding school near Telford from the threat of being demolished and replaced by homes.
A campaign was launched by staff and clients of Nedge Farm Riding Centre, Shifnal, due to fears for its future after the land was earmarked for potential development in Telford & Wrekin Council's draft Local Plan – a blueprint shaping future development in the borough.
Parish councillor Greg Sinclair started an online petition and so far 671 people have signed it in a bid to protect the site. He said their cause has got the backing of Telford MP Lucy Allan, many residents and borough councillor Connor Furnivall.
It states: "Save this business, its jobs, and the amenity for the people of Telford, the environment, the wildlife, and the last stretch of natural countryside on the east of Telford. For the sake of about 300 houses this green and pleasant land will be lost forever.
"The riding school exists because it is set in unspoilt countryside. It is an area that forms a natural buffer from any possible development from Shifnal and Wolverhampton. Too much of the open spaces around Telford are being taken over for building of houses and industry; it is getting hemmed in."
It was revealed in July that up to 25,000 jobs will be created and 3,500 homes built in Telford & Wrekin over the next 16 years. Land earmarked for potential development included The Hem, between Telford and Shifnal that includes Nedge Farm Riding Centre. About 300 homes could be built in this area.
While there is currently no planning application to build on the land at Nedge Farm, which is owned by the Homes & Communities Agency, riding centre owner Anne Curtis-Durnall said this could change in the future.
Ms Curtis-Durnall, who started the riding centre 17 years ago, appealed for help in protecting the site. She hosted an open day last Sunday, offering free rides to raise awareness of the role the centre plays for people of all ages.
The council's cabinet has approved the Local Plan and a public consultation period will remain underway underway until Friday, September 25.
To sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/say-no-to-building-on-the-nedge-farm-riding-school
For more information visit the website www.nedgefarmridingcentre.co.uk or call 01952 728205.
