Hundreds have signed an online petition against plans to turn part of Queen Elizabeth Park, Grantham, into a wetland.

Kevin Bohea has so far attracted around 400 signatures against the proposal to 'restore' the banks of the River Witham in Grantham and the surrounding area.

As Nub News recently reported, people have until Jun6 to send their comments on the Blue Green Corridor Consultation, as previously reported by Nub News.

The Blue Green Corridor project extends from Dysart Park through Wyndham Park, into Queen Elizabeth Park and on to the parklands at Belton House - touching green spaces in Stonebridge Close and Sedgwick Meadows.

Funded largely by the European Regional Development Fund, the project is a partnership between South Kesteven District Council, North Kesteven District Council, the Environment Agency and National Trust.

Their shared vision is for a scenic corridor of green spaces with formal parks, sweeping meadows, wetlands and wooded regions all connected by species-rich, healthy, and vibrant blue river corridor routes.

Ambitious plans for Queen Elizabeth Park include the provision of wetland features, flower and hay meadows and river improvements to provide food, shelter and spawning or nesting sites for land and water-based wildlife.

However, Mr Bohea said on this petition: "If this proposal goes ahead it will mean that large parts of the grassed areas of QEP will be lost. This will mean no more walking, jogging or dog-walking on the existing grass areas, as the majority of dry grass will be lost to the proposed wetlands (meaning boggy unwalkable areas).

"Whilst I am an avid animal lover, I have pointed out to those proposing this project that there is already an abundance of wet areas in the park which aquatic animals call their habitat. i.e. the River Witham, and the two large ponds in QEP."

He continued: "If the wetlands project goes ahead this will make the majority of the park unusable for the local community and our four-legged friends, who enjoy stretching their legs in these areas (one of the very few places in town where the dogs can safely do so)."

He added: "The history of the park states "SKDC purchased the land in 1979 with the intention of creating a public park" Note: it did not say " to create an aquatic park".

"If you do not want to lose access to these areas please sign this petition and vote against this proposal.

"If we do not get enough support against this proposal, our green exercise areas will be lost forever. PLEASE ACT NOW AND HELP BY SIGNING THIS PETITION."

South Kesteven District Council has a display of the scheme ay the Wyndham Park Visitors centre and more can also be found here.

Consultation information said: "Our vison for Grantham is to develop green spaces ranging from formal parks, sweeping meadows, wetlands and wooded regions all connected by a species rich, healthy, and vibrant blue river corridor with adjoining riverside walk.

"As an urban park adjacent to the River Witham, Queen Elizabeth Park is ideally placed to benefit from the environmental restoration opportunities this project offers.

The introduction of wetland features, lowland floodplain meadows, hay meadows and in-channel berms will compliment works already being undertaken within the park, as well as other river corridor restorations and enhancements, so that we can provide an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as being species rich and diverse."

People can have their say by completing the survey before June 6. The link to the survey is here.