COUNCILLORS in Grays are bidding to secure the future of an open green space in the town.

Riverside ward councillors Martin Kerin, Jane Pothecary and Tony Fish have today (Monday, 26 July) launched a bid to grant 'Green Space Designation' for the Parker Road Recreation Ground. A successful bid would see the park receive a status akin to the green belt and protect the it for the long-term use of the residents of Grays.

In a joint statement, Cllrs Kerin, Pothecary and Fish said: "Representing a densely-built urban area such as Grays Riverside, we feel it is our duty to protect the limited amount of green space available for our residents to enjoy.

"Having green space to enjoy has always been important. However, the recent experience of Covid has brought this into sharp focus. Having protected green space in urban areas is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of local people.

"Having 'Green Space Designation' will give this much-loved park a status akin to the Green Belt, with all the protections this affords. Very recently, we worked with the community to fight and stop an access road being built across this park. This new status would provide the protection which this park needs.

"We look forward to celebrating a successful bid."