I would like to thank my “support group”, the committee of the Friends of Coombe Wood, for the wonderful work they did in presenting the case for granting Village Green status to Coombe Wood in Thundersley.

The task the committee faced in applying for Village Green status was to collate the evidence of all those people within the neighbourhood who have, over a number of years, used the area for all sorts of leisure pursuits and activities.

That was until a fence went up excluding local people from using the land.

As word went round the area, a stream of people came forth: Pensioners who walked their dogs, Cubs, Scouts and Guides who went tracking and orienteering, birdwatchers, nature lovers and children playing.

Watching the stream of witnesses coming before the inquiry over three days made me realise local people do care about what happens in their community Society does really exist and, when people feel aggrieved, they will stand up and be counted – a bit like a modern day Peasants’ Revolt.

So, thanks to the committee, and thanks to all the witnesses for a job really well done. We must await the inspector’s report to see whether the fence will be removed and lawful access permitted.

Eileen Peck
Grasmere Road
Thundersley