Campaign launched to save Springfield Farm

A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Portishead to stop one of the town's remaining High Street farms being sold off for development.

Mum of two Rita Baker, 37, has launched a petition pressing Bristol City Council to halt plans to sell off Springfield Farm - known locally as Gales Farm.

Instead she is calling on the authority to open up discussions with local residents about leasing them the site so they can turn it into a community farm.

Mrs Baker, who used to go riding at the farm as a child, has launched a petition calling for the sale to be stopped and has already got several hundred signatures of support.

The farm, which was once rumoured to be lived in by a Lord and was part of a wider estate in the town, is one of only a handful of farms left along the High Street.

Others have been sold off over the years and, despite massive opposition from residents, used for housing.

It is understood that guidelines have already been issued by North Somerset Council for any potential development of the site, which lies within a conservation area, that state the Grade II* listed farmhouse must be retained but the outbuildings and land could be developed.

Mrs Baker, a cook, said: "It seems as if Portishead's heritage is being sold off bit by bit.

"The council says it needs to sell off the site because it is a non operational holding and it is not getting much income for it, yet is responsible for the upkeep of the building.

"The aim of the petition is to stop the council from selling the farm and open up discussions about the possibility of the farm being leased to perhaps a trust that could run it."

Mrs Baker said she would like to see the buildings and land used as a community farm, with visitor centre and allotments.

She added: "There are a lot of historic artefacts from Portishead that could be brought here and put on show to residents and visitors.

"When I was a child I remember riding horses at the farm and being able to see all the animals.

"There is also a long waiting list for allotments in the town so perhaps some of the land could be used for this.

 "We are a family orientated community and do not want this precious site to be used for even more housing."

Mrs Baker has already visited other community farms in Bristol to see how they operate and has put her ideas for Gales Farm to Portishead Town Council's heritage committee.

The town council has already earmarked £160,000, which was previously allocated for a new community hall at Trinity School, towards protecting sites of historical interest.

A heritage committee launched a year ago following concern that a number of historical sites in the town - including some of the High Street farms - were under threat from development.

Portishead Town Council chairman, Councillor David Pasley, said: "Portishead is unusual as it is one of only a very few towns to retain its High Street farms and it is vital we do all we can to protect our heritage."

Bristol City Council was due to put the farm up for auction this month, but this has now been delayed until May.

A spokesman for the city council said: "

WAITING FOR QUOTE WILL SEND AS ADD

Anyone who wants to get involved with the campaign should email Mrs Baker on tootsie1972@tiscali.co.uk.