PITCHCROFT belongs to the citizens of Worcester not the city council. The council has been granted the right to run a maximum of 12 race meetings annually and for the rest of the year this is a free open space for the public.
Officially, all rails, jumps and obstructions should be removed between events to keep this space open. Certainly there is no right to develop this open site and the council should have made this clear to their tenants.
Pitchcroft is a vital part of the city's flood defences allowing the water to spread without obstructions. Large floods send millions of gallons of water across the Croft into Croft Road, through the railway arches and the Cattle Market and over North Quay.
The Environment Agency and owners of riverside properties should oppose any development in this area. New obstructions on Pitchcroft will raise water levels all along Hylton Road and upstream of the site.
The river authorities quite correctly refused Homebase permission to erect a fence around their property as it would trap flood debris and raise water levels in Hylton Road. Similarly, the Canoe Club was made to remove their clubroom from the river banks in Hylton Road.
No development can take place on Pitchcroft without a referendum of the city's population being conducted by the council and the Civic Society. It is so easy to lose ancient rights through apathy.
R M SINCLAIR,
Frenchlands Lane,
Worcester.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article