New community woodland to be created

A new community woodland is set to be created on the edge of a West Lothian village.

West Lothian Council’s Executive has backed plans to agree a lease with Rosebery Estates Partnership (REP) for an almost seven acre site next to Bridgend’s primary school and pump track. 

The site was originally let by the previous authority, West Lothian District Council, for allotments which have long since fallen into disuse. 

Council officers have worked with the Central Scotland Green Action Trust charity to explore plans to revamp the area and bring it back into community use. 

This includes a suggested layout for the site, which would include a mix of paths, open ground, broadleaf trees and an apple  orchard. 

Under the new terms of the lease, the council will be responsible for site clearance, planning of the planting  and future maintenance costs of the new woodland.

Officers told a meeting of the Executive that negotiations with owners or garages and a former pigeon loft on site  would be undertaken before works start.

 Executive councillor for the environment Tom Conn said: “The proposed redevelopment of this site would create a new space for leisure and recreation for Bridgend residents. 

“It would be a step forward towards turning this under-utilised site into a real asset for the Bridgend community, which is expected to grow in the near future.”

by Stuart Somerville Local Democracy Reporter