New country park could be a new jewel in the crown for Portsmouth.

For many years we've wondered what would become of the old landfill site that grew ever higher over the years. A few years ago residents were pleased to hear that this vast open space would eventually be transformed into the city's own county park.

For a city that is as densely populated as Portsmouth, open and green spaces are important. The new Horsea Island Country Park will not only unlock this former landfill site for recreation use but importantly, provide a new habitat for some 50,000 trees and greenery, to be known as the Queens Diamond Jubilee Wood.

This is great for the city's green credentials. Literally turning an old landfill site into what will eventually become a beautiful country park should be something that we can all get behind and enjoy when it opens to the public in 2020.

The work to transform the old landfill site into the new country park will be completed by 2020. This will provide visitors access to a staggering 128 acres of public green space.

The new country park will feature woods, wildflower meadows, cycle trails, footpaths, picnic areas and no doubt spectacular views across Portsmouth Harbour.

It's important that the city continues to see sensitive developments such as Horsea Island Country Park and is a testimony to what can be achieved under difficult circumstances such as turning an artificially made landfill site into open green space. The new park could be a new jewel in the crown of the city and I welcome this news.

Portsmouth City Council and Veolia are holding a drop-in session at Port Solent, in the old Chimichanga restaurant (Boardwalk). You'll be able to see the designs for the new country park and discuss the proposed plans with the project team. 9:30 am - 7 pm, Tuesday 28th August, 2018.