WHAT is thought to be London’s largest new park for a century has been handed over to the public in Woodford Bridge.
After years of legal wrangling Claybury Park, off Roding Lane North in Woodford Bridge, has been transferred to Redbridge Council from property developers Crest Nicholson as part of a deal with the company over its building works in Repton Park.
The 70-hectare green space was supposed to have been handed over back in 2006, but legal complications and financial problems with the developers plunged its future into doubt.
It took years of campaigning by residents and the Barkingside 21 environmental group to secure the park into which the council has pledged to invest at least £1million to create facilities including a new play area for children.
lan Howe, of the Barkingside 21 group, said: “We're all absolutely delighted. There's been so many snags over the years so it's great we've finally got this after campaigning for so many years.
“It's such a wonderful park.”
A further grant of £90,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund has also been unlocked now the transfer is complete.
Campaigner Doreen Hewitt, who has been trying to win the park for the public since 1995, said: “It's a beautiful place, particularly the ancient woodland. “It's unique and rare especially considering its proximity to an area of heavy urbanisation.
“We were worried we'd never get to this stage, but it's wonderful that we've finally got there.
A council spokeswoman said: "The park will be maintained by the council for the benefit of residents and will create a legacy for future generations.”
The park's woods are thought to have been in existence since at least 1600, and the area hosts a large variety of rare plants and habitats for wildlife such as tawny owls, woodpeckers, and even a rare type of hover fly.
An official opening for the park is planned for later this year.
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