Outrage Over East London Council’s Plan to Sell Beloved Campsite

East London: There’s a real uproar happening over a campsite that holds a lot of childhood memories for many. Newham Council is planning to sell Debden House Centre, a lovely 50-acre spot near Epping Forest. They say they need to save money, aiming for £70 million in cuts.

Over 3,000 folks have signed a petition to stop the sale. The council’s Deputy Mayor, Sarah Ruiz, mentioned that most users aren’t from Newham, and the site needs a lot of cash to keep running. But Stuart Walker, who started the petition, believes this campsite is crucial for the kids in Newham.

Stuart, a big advocate for outdoor activities, argues that the site has given countless kids great experiences. He thinks selling it off is just a quick fix for the council’s money troubles. He said, “If young people aren’t using it, that’s on Newham for not managing it well.”

People are really chiming in on the petition, sharing how important the campsite is. One person pointed out that young people already face enough challenges, and losing access to nature would be a huge mistake. Another shared their own fond memories from the site.

Debden House itself is a historic building, and the campsite has space for over 300 pitches. Newham Council bought the land back in 1946, and it officially opened as a residential education center in 1949. Now, they plan to put it on the market in early spring 2025.

The council says this move will help them save about £200,000 right away. Cllr Ruiz explained that with the financial pressures they’re facing, it’s necessary to rethink their resources. She also mentioned that the main users of the site aren’t local, which makes the sale seem more reasonable.

While they’re looking to sell, Cllr Ruiz reassured that kids in Newham can still access Fairplay House, another outdoor center. The council is facing a massive budget gap, largely due to high temporary accommodation costs, which is a big issue in Newham.