HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition to save the Shack in Cheswick Green.
Cheswick Green Parish Council has set out a plan to replace the shelter following an inspection carried out by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) which deemed it ‘a high-risk structure’.
The Shack has been dedicated to boy named Charlie who died seven years ago.
In a letter sent to Mr and Mrs Jay from the parish council, it said the council also inspected the shelter and contacted RoSPA on a further two occasions, to ensure there was no doubt the structure was high risk.
The letter, which was sent to The Observer, revealed a timeline to remove the Shack and agree upon a suitable replacement which is predicted will be in place by mid-2025.
It read: “We understand the deep emotional significance that the shelter holds for your family.
“Please rest assured that we will handle this transition with the greatest sensitivity and care.
“We are committed to ensuring that the new structure will continue serving the needs of our community into the future.”
However, residents have been up in arms and are calling for the Shack to be saved.
The petition, which garnered just over 700 signatures in 48 hours, is calling on Cheswick Green Parish Council to repair and maintain the Shack for future generations to come.
Emily O’Connor, who set up the online petition, said: “The beloved spot known as ‘the Shack’ in Cheswick Green, a place where our community bonds and pays tribute to a dear soul lost tragically seven years ago, is under threat of demolition by the Parish Council.
“This Shack has served not just as a symbol of remembrance for our dear Charlie, but also as a space for community gatherings and unity.
“Yet, without consideration to its sentimental and social value, it is set to be torn apart.
“We believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the Cheswick Green community. We would much rather see it repaired and preserved to continue serving its purpose.”
On signing the petition Sharon Angell-Owen said: “The shack serves as a connection, a link with our beloved Charlie.
“Anyone who has lost anyone dear to them will know the importance and healing power of having somewhere they feel close to that loved one.
“He (Charlie) would want it to remain there.
“It’s condition is far from broken.
“The good nature of the village and those who care about keeping this central point of the park will help maintain any repairs.
“This is already happening anyway. Charlie’s parents would never want to see the shack in bad condition so this being the reason for its demolish is rubbish.”
For more on the petition click here.
