A WINCHESTER city councillor has welcomed the opening of a new community open space, saying it has cleared out an area used by drug abusers.

Badgers Patch was officially opened by the Mayor Patrick Cunningham on woodland off Somers Close in Stanmore.

Local children and parents were given a tour of the wood which in the past has been the base for anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Jamie Scott said: “As part of community development in Stanmore the WCC Open Space Team supported the Carroll Centre for a Government grant of £25,000 for a woodland project in Somers Close Rec.

“The woodland had become over the last few years an area of concern with drug use and anti-social behaviour, so I welcome the project which is named Badgers Patch.

“This area is for local families to enjoy and they will see the woodland project has wooden sculptures and an area where stories can be told. I would like to thank the staff at the Carroll Centre & the WCC Open Space Team for making the project happen”.

Cllr Scott added: “I know for many years local families will enjoy the woodland trail with a magical area where stories can be told”.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Badgers Patch now has a footpath, den building space and a seating area alongside wooden sculptures including a large carved badger, a stag beetle and an owl. Volunteers from the nearby Carroll Centre, and young people from the Amber Project helped make the project possible by clearing vegetation and rubbish.

The haven has been funded as part of a national scheme to help communities to develop ‘pocket parks’ – the city council placed the successful bid for funds in partnership with the Carroll Centre, which provides activities for children, young people and families. The site is also home to the 8th Winchester Scouts comprising two scout and three cub units, and Poppins nursery school.