The most popular options for improving the site were:
- 65% Community Woodlands
- 51% Five-a-side / Multi sports area
- 48% Quiet area – seating & planting
- 43% Children's Play Area
Current problems on site
The following issues were raised as current problems and should be taken into consideration.
Dogs
A total of 27 people mentioned the problem of dog fouling, and many more voiced their concerns at the Winter Warmer event. It appears to be a very serious issue at this site, with no controls or provision of facilities for dog walkers to use. It causes problems with football games, and is seen as a barrier to allowing children to play at the site. A number of suggestions were put forward which should be considered alongside any future development on site.
- Encourage responsible dog walking, including local press coverage.
- Create a zoned area with separate areas exclusively for children, dog walkers, and recreational use.
- Display signs explaining the zoning and asking dog walkers to adhere to them.
- If possible, include provision of dog bins and dog loos.
There are a high number of dog owners using this area, but many of them are responsible and also have children themselves. A system such as this could be self- managed if implemented correctly.
Access
Access to the site currently has positive and negative aspects. It is reached via a main road and a footpath. A number of concerns were raised about the access from Shelton Road both in terms of the speed of the traffic and provision for car parking. Access for push chairs was also considered to be difficult from Shelton Road, as was access to the site by car (parking provision is non existent). The site is very good for disabled people to both access and use, and this could be improved to encourage mixed use by able and disabled people.
Community Facilities
Considering the fact that community facilities were not the focus, nor included within this consultation exercise, 36 people requested some sort of community meeting place, whether it be a hall, hut or centre.
It may be that there is a real need for some sort of meeting place to be identified within this area, and to this means it is suggested that a mapping exercise of current provision for Community meetings be carried out to establish if the need is real or perceived. Although the land in question is not suitable for building development at the present time, an alternative may be possible either through renovation, mixed use or new build.
Interesting ideas
A number of interesting new ideas were suggested that could be feasible on site. These are:
- A painted maze to walk around on the hard-standing area
- A fitness / assault course with activities (BTCV have developed the 'green gym' – an outdoor exercise trail)
- Children's adventure playground
- Nature trail
Recreation facilities
The marking out of sports areas on the hard-standing was supported in general with a mixture of uses being identified including tennis and five-a-side football. The retention and improvement of the football pitch was seen as essential and the provision for other sports such as bowling and cricket was also mentioned.
BMX / Skateboarding
The provision for BMX / Skateboarding at the site was seen as a low priority option by the majority of residents. If this option is to be included in the development of the site, a further consultation should take place on site showing detailed drawings and illustrations of the proposals. It could be that many of the concerns are perceived rather than real, and further consultation could lead to higher local support.
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