The community has come together and saved Damson Wood in Market Drayton from being built upon.
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00:00So we're here on a glorious sunny day at Dams and Woods.
00:07Dams and Woods.
00:08How are you guys?
00:09Fine.
00:10Amazing.
00:11All Market Drayton residents?
00:12Yeah.
00:13And you've had a bit of good news haven't you?
00:15Yeah.
00:16Yeah, fill us in Elliot.
00:17Go on.
00:18So what was, what were they trying to, what was planners trying to do here?
00:21So this is our fourth application submitted by the Healy States who own the land.
00:27They wanted to build some more industrial units which is the same that you see on the
00:31turn at Valley Business Park.
00:32Yeah.
00:33And we didn't want it because this area is so amazing.
00:35It's got fantastic wildlife, amazing habitats, great for dog walkers, great for lots of people.
00:40I'm gathering that, yeah, there's a few dogs here.
00:42They're being very well behaved today.
00:43So yeah, we're happy that the final application has been.
00:46So what did you, how have you managed to battle that then?
00:49Is it that they've listened to the public?
00:51Is that what's happened?
00:52So I think it's mainly the hard work from the community.
00:55It's getting everyone's support, get everyone involved, following the correct procedures,
00:59what we can do legally.
01:01So have the land registered as a land of asset to community value, get a tree preservation order.
01:06And just work hard.
01:07That's all we've done.
01:08We just fought, fought strong for the last four years.
01:10So, and that's where we are today.
01:12So we're really happy.
01:13So how are you feeling guys?
01:14Must feel very, very good.
01:16Yeah.
01:17A bit of people power.
01:18People power, definitely.
01:19Yeah, yeah.
01:20So you come out here regularly, sir?
01:22I do, yeah.
01:23With my children as well and my wife.
01:24Yeah.
01:25It's so important to have some green space, isn't it?
01:27And it's, I mean, you've got your lovely paths going through.
01:30So like you said, we've got some dog walkers.
01:32What's your name, madam?
01:33Linda.
01:34Linda.
01:35Tilly and Maddy.
01:36Tilly and Maddy.
01:37Yep.
01:38So what do Tilly and Maddy think of it over here?
01:40They absolutely love it.
01:42We come here every single morning, usually in the afternoon as well, and in the evening.
01:46Yeah.
01:47They love it.
01:48So do you, great news.
01:51Do you feel it's like it's just a matter of time?
01:54Yeah.
01:55How secure is it now?
01:56Or do you feel like, you know, there'll be another battle again?
01:59I don't think we can be naive.
02:01I think anything's a possibility.
02:03They may try again.
02:04But the power of the community and the spirit of the people of Market Trading, we're fighters, aren't we?
02:09Yeah.
02:10Yeah.
02:11And we're not going to give up because green space is so important to well-being.
02:14So.
02:15Well, that's it.
02:16I think when you look at the percentage of land that's woodland in places like France,
02:20I think England has the smallest percentage of woodland.
02:24You know, we're losing so much of these spaces.
02:26So guys, give yourself a cheer.
02:27Well done.
02:28Whey!