THE councillors who represent an area of Bracknell Forest caught up in a row over where a popular part of South Hill Park falls within a new map of the borough have had their say on the controversy.

Earlier this month the council agreed its response to a review of the borough’s new boundaries, which is taking place to improve electoral equality.

But this did not come without its controversy as Bracknell Forest’s Labour councillors questioned why North Lake and its adjacent field — a popular patch of South Hill Park — was recommended to be included in Hanworth ward rather than Easthampstead & Wildridings.

READ MORE: 'Land grab' boundary changes slammed by Labour councillor

Labour leader Cllr Mary Temperton claimed the proposal was a “land grab” which would leave Easthampstead & Wildridings with little green space.

Conservative Dale Birch, who chaired the working group set up to recommend the proposal, hit back saying Labour’s argument was “flimsy”.

Bracknell News:

Following this argument, all Conservative councillors present voted in favour of the recommendation at a meeting earlier this month, while Labour’s three councillors abstained.

The two Tory councillors who represent Old Bracknell — the ward which would partially form the proposed new Easthampstead & Wildridings ward — were not at the meeting last week.

The News asked councillors Peter Heydon and Malcolm Tullett for their thoughts on the recommendation.

Cllr Peter Heydon

“The three roads above North Lake are part of Old Bracknell.

“It just so happens this is where Cllr Tullett and myself live.

“We take great pride in living in our wards!

“It just mystifies me. The park in North Lake, I don’t know why it needs to even be moved. It’s a borough asset. It’s something that the borough enjoys.

“North Lake is looked after by the town council. It’s not the borough, it’s the town as well.

READ MORE: Boundary group chairman responds to map review criticism

“South Hill Park is a community asset. It’s being involved in a wrangle over boundary reviews. Personally I don’t really understand it. I know there’s a fairly clear decision made by the council so it’s not for me to comment on that now.

“I take the view it’s something that belongs to the community, not any one ward.

“The best thing to do is put it back in the hands of the boundary commission who can make a good, objective judgement of where the ward boundaries should be.

“A piece of parkland which is available to everybody should not be caught up in the wrangle. I don’t understand that at all.”

Cllr Malcolm Tullett

“Bracknell Forest Council has agreed to the recommendations put forward by the working party led by councillor Dale Birch.

“Bracknell Town Council has also agreed to those recommendations with the single exception of North Lake field.

EXPLAINED: Why Bracknell Forest's map is changing

“Along the lines that were recommended by working group chairman Cllr Dale Birch, I have put in submissions to the local government boundary commission (LGBC).

“One, as a councillor for the ward of Old Bracknell, and the other one, as an Old Bracknell ward resident.”