Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest area of open space in Redditch at 900 acres. It is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. The only catering allowed in the park at the moment is in the Visitor Centre - a publicly owned buidling which is leased to a catering company.

In 2013 I applied to the council for a permit to sell snacks and refreshments near to the Sailing Club end of the lake. I was told I had to take out public liability insurance - which I did. After that I was then told that they would not allow any additional catering within the grounds of the park because they "didn't want to affect the business of the person leasing the visitor centre". Since then, I have repeatedly tried to challenge this standpoint - which seems to have no legal basis, is anti-competitive and is against the interests of the park visitors.

On Sunday the 16th of March - one of the hottest days of the year so far - the visitor centre decided to keep their ice cream kiosk and bar closed. Visitors inside the building were offered a choice of one flavour of ice cream, out of about 12. With no competition being allowed by the council, they are left to charge whatever prices they choose.

I need your help to riase the profile of this issue with the Council. I have tried to question the policy with management to no avail. I am always told the same thing - that they wouldn't do anything to hurt the business of the company occupying the visitor centre.

Please add your name to my petition. When I have got enough entries, I intend to present it to the Council personally. Only then do I think they will consider this matter properly, and realise that their stance until now has been harmful to the interests, enjoyment and the finances of the people of Redditch (and visitors)!