Green Party councillors have pledged a 200-acre park in Didcot to tackle an “ecological emergency" if they are re-elected.

The councillors, who are part of the Liberal Democrat and Green coalition in South Oxfordshire District Council, spoke ahead of the May elections.

They claim the nature park, which would have separate areas for people and wildlife, would mitigate the rising population caused by housing developments in Didcot.

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More than 16,000 new houses are planned for Didcot between now and 2034. The town has already seen its population increase from 25,000 to 30,000 in recent years.

Cllr Andrea Powell said: “A park for Didcot is a key priority for us as Greens should we be re-elected.

“This is a Green idea and we will make sure we embed it in our strategic plans and work towards making it happen.”

Cllr Sam Casey-Rerhaye said: “The people of Didcot have seen unprecedented growth in their town. It’s high time they had a beautiful green, natural space to enjoy.”

Cllr Peter Dragonetti, who first proposed the idea, said: “Hampstead Heath was preserved for the people of London when it was purchased by the Metropolitan Board of Works.

"It requires ambition and determination to create a new park but by working with partners including the Local Nature Partnership, the Earth Trust and Oxfordshire County Council, we can make this dream a reality here in South Oxfordshire."

Green campaigner Adam Grindey added: “I will work my socks off to make sure this dream is realised."