WHILST I thank both Eddie Holden and Tony Pearson for their expressions of confidence in me regarding the Country Park being developed at Ely, I would like to address some misunderstandings. The area that we are looking at is that bounded by the River Ous

WHILST I thank both Eddie Holden and Tony Pearson for their expressions of confidence in me regarding the Country Park being developed at Ely, I would like to address some misunderstandings.

The area that we are looking at is that bounded by the River Ouse to the East and stretching from the Pocket Park through to Roswell Pits and the area adjoining the Pits.

We have appointed Sheils Flynn as consultants to meet with all the landowners and those who have an interest in this area , including the Ely Society, CPRE, English Nature, the Environment Agency, the Wildlife Trust and, of course, the general public. This process started at the recent working party meeting, which was open to the public and was attended by Liz Hunter and Andrew Balmforth from CPRE and Cllr Tony Parramint.

Our aims are several. One is to address the shortfall of recreational and leisure space in Ely and East Cambs as a whole. It is also to create a rich bio diverse area with good access for local residents and visitors. There is no intention to take away some of the lovely grazing land that exists and there is no part of the area under consideration that is intensively farmed.

I have no involvement in the Wicken Fen vision, the Great Fen Project, or the Ouse Washes reserves, but we have asked the consultants to advise us on how our Country Park can be part of a green corridor along the River Ouse and link to other important wild life habitats.

We have also asked our consultants to advise us on the best and most efficient way to manage the Country Park and any future extensions as Ely continues to grow.

A the same working party we also saw some of the preliminary ideas for a new play park and picnic area for part of the Pocket Park, a scheme which will run in tandem with the development of the Country Park.

There will be further public meetings of the Working Party and further consultations as ideas and plans begin to come together. We welcome public comment as we know that the Country Park is something that a great many people are looking forward to and we want it to be an exciting area for all to enjoy.

CLLR MIKE ROUSE

Chair Country Park Working Party

East Cambs District Council