CAMPAIGNERS have raised concerns over the future of a popular woodland site in Tiptree after it was sold by Wilkin and Sons.

During the latest Tiptree Parish Council full council meeting, councillors discussed public fears regarding the Birch Wood site.

There has been some controversy regarding the site after it was sold by auction in October last year.

The Facebook group, Save Birch Woods, was set up by Tiptree residents two weeks ago and now has more than 550 members.

The future of the private site has not been confirmed and residents are unhappy after now being unable to use the site.

Barbed wire has been put up around the site, now blocking the public entry to the land.

The council confirmed the concern regarding the new fencing has been reported to Essex Highways.

Kelvedon District Angling Association lost their access to the reservoir on the site when it was purchased at auction by the new owner.

The society had held the water since 1970, but due to the owner “having other plans for it” the group were told they can no longer the use the site.

A planning application for a change of use at the site, however, has not yet been received by the council and the future of the site has not been confirmed.

In the meeting report, a spokesman for Tiptree Parish Council said: “There was an item on the agenda regarding Birch Wood, where a resident had asked for Parish Assistance to establish Public Rights of Way across the Woods.

“The Chairman was aware that all public attendee’s today were here because of the rumours of development at Birch Wood.

“The Parish Council must act within their legal parameters. There is no planning application in place at this time.

“There is a Temporary Tree Preservation Order in Place. The landowner has fenced his property, as is his right to do so.

“Where there is concern about the fencing encroaching outside of the land of the wood, this has been reported to ECC Highways.

“Where there is a concern regarding barbed wire, this too has been reported to Highways.”