Council leader Peter Chowney shakes hands with Ian Sier, Ore CLT’s special projects officer. Next to him is the group’s secretary, Becky Polain, and Heather Bishop, Labour candidate for Ore ward.

Ore CLT takes over parts of Speckled Wood

Ore Community Land Trust have taken ownership of parts of Speckled Wood from the council. As they prepare to receive further plots, work is under way to clear accumulated rubbish on their new land. Nick Terdre reports.

Last month the transfer of two plots of land in Speckled Wood from Hastings Borough Council to Ore CLT was completed. Council leader Peter Chowney turned up to mark the symbolic handover.

Rubbish clearing under way.

“This marks the first stage in acquiring the wood and turning it into a public amenity,” Tony Polain, Ore CLT chairman, told HOT. “We are already in negotiation to acquire further plots.”

Together with a team from The Conservation Volunteers, members of the group have begun clearing away rubbish from the plots. The work is being aided by a generous private donation of £500. More volunteers are always welcome, Tony says.

The plots border Church Street, which  runs alongside part of the wood but is now largely grown over. The clean-up has revealed some of the road’s original kerbstones.

Last year Ore CLT prepared for land ownership by becoming a charitable incorporated organisation.

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