A top South Kesteven district councillor has reassured Grantham residents about the possibility of parts of a park in town being converted to wetland.

The district council and other organisations plan to improve the ecology of the River Witham, with a first phase of work focussing on Queen Elizabeth Park, Grantham

SKDC is currently running a public survey on the issue but an online petition from Kevin Bohea opposing the scheme has gathered hundreds of signatures.

Mr Bohea said in his 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).

However, Coun Peter Moseley, the SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, has responded: "The petition incorrectly claims that large parts of the park will be converted into wetland, and contains further inaccuracies including claims about restricted access to certain areas and removal of dog walking facilities."

The councillor continued: "SKDC, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park, has identified a 2.4 acre area which would be suitable for landscaping for biodiversity improvements and increased year-round access to its 25 acres of parkland.

"Within that 2.4 acres, a series of permanent water features covering less than one acre will be connected by new raised pathways and meadow areas, which visitors will be able to use.

"To assess public opinion, SKDC is hosting a consultation to allow people to see and understand all of the information before making a considered response to what they would or would not like to see in the park.

"SKDC would encourage anyone interested in the future of this historic open space to visit

www.withamsleabluegreencorridor.co.uk/Grantham-consultations to read the details and to submit a consultation response. "This information can also be found in the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre." As Nub News also previously reported, the consultation ends on June 6.