RYDE is to have a new country park on land owned by the Isle of Wight Council.

The local authority has made around 15 acres of greenfield land available.

Cllrs Michael Lilley and Charles Chapman have been campaigning for a part of the proposed Nicholson Road development site to be used as a small country park - using part of the site not suitable for buildng work.

Ryde Town Council has been lobbying the IW Council, in partnership with Natural Enterprise, to open up the site.

Local residents will be asked for ideas to name it and Natural Enterprise will be launching a consultation with the local community to develop the area further.

A volunteer group will care for the new park and projects will help improve it, and protect the important nature on site.

Ryde mayor, Cllr Michael Lilley said: “In Ryde, we have a deficit of accessible green space, and during Covid-19 the need for recreational countryside is desperately needed for physical and mental well-being.

"Ryde Town Council and I have been working with Natural Enterprise on other sites previously and are delighted that in true partnership collaboration with Isle of Wight Council we have made this possible.

"Ryde thanks the Council for agreeing to open up this beautiful site for residents to enjoy.”