LAND plagued by fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour is to be cleaned up. 

It's hoped that St Mary's Field in Wyke can become a valuable resource for people living in the area. 

A consultation is now underway on the Incommunities-owned land.

The social housing provider said:" Incommunities is planning to clean up St Mary's Field, making it a nicer place for you and your community to enjoy.

"We are currently talking to people who live in the houses surrounding the field about what they would like to see happen on the land."

Paul Forrest, from the sustainability team at Incommunities, said: “People may not think about this piece of land in Wyke as something with sustainable value, but sustainability comes in lots of different forms.

"It doesn’t always have to be about big schemes with massive carbon impact.

“This project in Wyke is about social sustainability. We want everyone that lives near St Mary's Field to have input in what they would like to see happen to this land.

"It’s about the community coming together to have a positive impact in the area where they live, whilst also expanding their social network. It’s been a real bonus that our placement student Phoebe has been able to lead the project."

Phoebe Hayes, from the University of Leeds, has been working with Incommunities on plans for the land. 

Speaking about her placement and the work she has been involved in, Phoebe said: “There were over 100 companies who wanted to offer a placement opportunity to a student on my course.

"A lot of the companies were technically focused, but I wanted to specialise on social sustainability, as this is what I'm passionate about. That’s why the placement with Incommunities really appealed to me.

“The focus of my work has been how to involve and engage customers in sustainability work.

"Whether that is sustainability work that will be done on their home, or in the case of St Mary’s Field, it was about this piece of green space that is a huge part of their community."

Joanna Bielak, who lives in the area, said: “I’m really happy that something is going to happen to this piece of land."

She said there are lots of young children in the area, but a lack of safe spaces for them to play.

Incommunities has drafted an outline proposal for St Mary’s Field which they are sharing as part of the consultation.

The consultation is open until August 31 any residents living in the area surrounding St Mary’s field are invited to give feedback by emailing: Gemma.Lawson@incommunities.co.uk or visiting https://www.incommunities.co.uk/customer-voice-tell-us