It’s been claimed that one of Cambridge’s biggest green spaces has been “abandoned” and “left to rot”. Locals have complained about the condition of Stourbridge Common saying that parts of the common have been left in a bad state.
Used needles, dumped mobility scooters and other rubbish are commonly flytipped at the park. Locals say that part of the common is often used as a campsite.
Ryan Henniker, chair of the East Chesterton Residents Group, says the common has been “abandoned” by local authorities. He said: “We have seen a wide range of wildlife there, everything from Kingfishers to muntjacs. It’s such a rich, biodiverse spot.
“During the winter, the common floods and creates an amazing environment for some creatures. However, the rubbish is pushing them [animals] out.
“What we have seen over the past three years is a steady lack of investment, support and care for the site, resulting in a decline in wildlife sightings and a lack of site use from the public.
“Most noticeably, there are two abandoned encampments which have been left to rot and ruin on for over two years now, each representing a significant threat to the public and wildlife, from used needles to excrement and non-biodegradable products.”
Ryan added that the common has a “historical significance in Cambridge” and it is “such an important area for wildlife”.
He added: “But, it’s impacting people using the area. It’s also dangerous with the needles. You wouldn’t let young children near there.”
Members of the East Chesterton Residents Group have tried to improve the area by cleaning up. Ryan said: “It’s a real shame. We feel like we are doing our part as the community, but the council is not doing their fair share.
“It’s saddening and frustrating.” Ryan also raised concerns about overflowing bins. The common is maintained by Cambridge City Council.
Ryan and the residents’ group would like to see clean-ups take place. He said: “I would like to see them clean up and put more measures in place to restrict people from being able to camp there.
“Whether that’s more patrols, I would like to see a strategy on how to make Stourbridge Common more user-friendly and ways of bringing it into the community.” A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council described Stourbridge Common as “one of the city’s largest and most historic open spaces”.
They added: “The common is designated a local nature reserve, and is managed by Cambridge City Council. Other neighbouring areas are owned and managed by different landowners.
“Bins on the common are emptied three times per week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Additional litter picking across the common will sometimes take place if there is an identified need, for example, following increased use of the park, specific reports, or due to seasonal pressures.
“People can report build-ups of litter, including dangerous litter like needles, and can request a litter pick in particular open spaces or streets, via the city council website. We routinely respond to reports of fly-tipping on the common and these are usually cleared within five working days of being reported.
“We respond to reports of needles within two hours where they are reported between 6am and 3pm. We are aware of a number of abandoned camps within the tree line at Stourbridge Common.
“Due to recent wet weather and boggy conditions, we have not been able to safely access these areas. Plans are in place to remove the waste and clear the affected area in the coming days.”
The council reiterated that camping on public land is “not permitted” in Cambridge. The spokesperson added: “We will investigate all reports of illegal camping on public or council-owned land, although some cases can be complex and take time to resolve. Wild camping can be reported to the council.”
Concerns were also raised about a number of trees that were cut down in the common. The council spokesperson said: “Regarding tree management, we have undertaken essential work with partners to ensure a small number of trees on the common did not compromise the safety of the railway line which crosses the common. In the coming weeks we will be checking fences, water troughs, gates, tree guards and cattle grids on the common before cows return in April for their grazing season.”
The common has an interesting history, as King John granted a charter in 1211 to allow it to hold its annual fair, which still runs today.