Liberal Democrats Slam Labour for Ignoring Residents Over Stray Road Park Plans

Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised Labour for blocking long-awaited improvements at Stray Road Park, accusing them of ignoring local residents.

The proposals, backed by residents across Heworth Without and neighbouring wards, would deliver long-requested sports and play facilities that have been discussed for over a decade. 

The proposed scheme would provide long-overdue improvements to worn sports areas, as well as new facilities for basketball netball and cricket, a long-standing aim of the Parish Council. 

Cllr Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat councillor for Heworth Without, said: 

“This is a scheme that has been decades in the making, something the parish has been requesting since 2009. It’s exactly the kind of improvement residents have been asking for, yet Labour have chosen to follow the lead of the Labour Parish Council Chair instead of listening to the local community.” 

“The facts are clear. A full consultation by the council received 263 responses, 80% supported the proposed facilities, 80% backed Stray Road Park as the right location, and 41% of those responding were under 16. Local schools, families and residents all wanted this to happen.” 

“All KS2 children at Hempland primary school took part in a consultation and approved the plans.”

“It’s deeply disappointing that the Parish Council made no meaningful attempt to engage with residents before making its decision. In contrast, the citywide consultation, local schools, and over 100 people who signed a petition all made their support clear. Labour’s refusal to listen flies in the face of what our community wants.

“This is exactly the kind of small, community-led investment that brings people together and keeps local parks thriving. It raises no new issues that haven’t been addressed in the past, drainage, maintenance, and local impact have all been carefully considered. The truth is the overwhelming majority of residents see the benefits and no serious downside.”

“Labour have consistently opposed this scheme. For children to lose nearly £50,000 worth of investment into our ward because Labour decided to follow the casting vote of one Labour Parish Chair rather than hundreds of residents is shockingly bad even for Labour. The community deserves better.”