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Whitby playing field has date with destiny
A GROUP of Whitby residents battling to protect their playing field from falling into the hands of developers have been given their date with destiny.
The public inquiry to decide the fate of the Helredale Recreation Park has been set as 21 and 22 April at Sneaton Castle.
Helredale Neighbourhood Council (HNC) has been working towards this since applying for Green Field Status in 2007.
Chairman Mark Nicholson told the Whitby Gazette they were pleased to finally have a date.
He said: "We welcome the opportunity to have our say on the future of the field.
"It has been a long process and it seemed that this moment would never come. It is thanks to Viv Wright who has managed to keep us on track and believing in ourselves.
"Scarborough Borough Council is attempting to destroy one of our last remaining green spaces to build affordable housing.
"We are not trying to deny the need for more affordable housing, just that it is built in the right location."
The inquiry is open for anybody to attend and the sessions are held from 10.30am until 5pm and 6pm to 8pm on the first day and 10am to 5pm on the second day.
Mrs Wright added: "We cannot stress how important it is that everyone who uses the playing field, and especially those who completed an evidence form for our original application in 2007 should make every effort to attend the inquiry.
"We shall be callinga number of main witnesses to give formal evidence, butthere will be an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age,who wants to speak about their use of the field to do so.
"The evening session has been requestedto make it easier for those people who are at work during theday to come along and support us.
"The inquiry will be held in an informal manner to encourage members of the public to have their say.
"The battle is not yet over, if you really want to keep the playing field we will need your support at the inquiry."
Scarborough Council wants to use the land to ease the affordable housing crisis in the town, which sees almost 300 families in Whitby waiting to be housed.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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