Green space in Witney town centre will be preserved following the agreed plan to purchase land at Langel Common in Cogges.
Councillors from West Oxfordshire District Council have agreed to the plan to purchase land at Langel Common in Cogges in collaboration with local residents.
Langel Common is a meadowland situated between Cogges and Witney, containing many historical interests for residents and visitors alike, including a 2nd World War Norcon pillbox that receives regular visits.
The land is also used as a walkway and cycleway from the east of the Town Centre, with St Mary’s Church and Cogges Manor Farm located next to it.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainable Development, Councillor Carl Rylett, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that we protect our open spaces for communities by buying this well-used land from the current owner.
“Langel Common is an important area of land in Witney which is home to the River Windrush, a historic visitor attraction and a local primary school.
“The common provides space where residents can enjoy walking and relaxing while being in the heart of the town and within walking distance of local shops and places of interest.
“We know that having access to green space in towns is good for our residents’ wellbeing, and the purchase ensures that it will remain accessible for our residents.”
Local resident and Chair of the ‘Protect our Meadow’ residents fundraising group, Phoebe Lloyd, said: “It is a fantastic achievement that we as a community were able to come together to generate the funds, along with the support of the West Oxfordshire District Council, to protect the meadow for generations to come.
“The support generated in such a short timescale really shows the strength of feeling that the community has for this land and how important it is for the wider community and the wildlife that we share it with.”
On the importance of preserving green land, Councillor Rylett added, “By purchasing green space, the council can prevent its development and preserve public amenity in perpetuity and can work with communities to meet the current and future needs and aspirations of residents.”
