A Benfleet wood should be turned into a conservation area to stop it from being neglected, the borough's environmental chief said today.

Coombe Wood came under the spotlight after the council refused to grant planning permission to create a wildlife sanctuary and fishing area there.

Joe Cooke, Castle Point's lead member for the environment, said the council was determined not to let the wood "go down the pan".

He said: "We will be consulting with residents as to what they would like to see done to the wood as it is important to hear their views.

"Although the wood is already green belt land it would be preferable if it was classified a conservation area and that is something I would like to see done."

Published Monday, April 7 , 2003

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