A mother is furious that a “beautiful” green space will be destroyed and replaced by a footpath. 

Work is underway to create a path in Greenbank Road which will link Nascot Park with Greenbank Road and Holy Rood Primary School in Watford.

However, for Puja Bozorgi, the work is completely “unnecessary” and she is demanding that it is stopped.

Mrs Bozorgi says that when she and husband moved to their current house ten years ago, the green space under the tree was a key reason.

According to the mother, who has children aged four and six, the grass is a popular play space for children.

Watford Observer:

Mrs Bozorgi said: ”This green area should stay. Children use it all the time. Our neighbours have lived here for more than 20 years and their enjoyment is being destroyed by these actions. We all take pride and enjoy the grassland outside our homes.  The beautiful green is now destroyed.

“It’s disappointing as well because my children could have been playing out there and having a picnic but they can’ now because the grass has been dug up.

"We mentioned that we were upset about the plans in January but we weren't consulted since."

Joan Walters, who lives nearby, added: “This is just a waste of money. We weren’t told about this. When I woke up on the morning the started, I thought ‘are they here to fix the potholes?', not to take the green away.

The work, which has been organised by Cllr Mark Watkin, is being done to encourage parents to walk to school following complaints about “horrendous” parking.

However, Mrs Bozorgi believes the work will not stop the difficulties she sometimes faces getting into her driveway.

Watford Observer:

Cllr Watkin said that the project had received the backing of the Courtlands Residents Association and not all of the grass is going to disappear.

He said: “The logic behind all this is to make parents walk to school because residents weren’t happy about people blocking their drives.

“I’m sorry that people may be upset but there will still be a green space. The footpath will only run along the front. Children will still be able to play there.

"The family did know about it and it may be that they believe this is the wrong thing to do. But I know that this will beneficial to the community."

Cllr Watkin expects the work to be completed by next week.