The Future of Roehampton Playing Fields
An update by the newly formed Roehampton Playing Fields Community Trust
In recent weeks many local residents and users of Roehampton Playing Fields have expressed concern at plans by Wandsworth Borough Council to grant a 30 year lease to a private leisure company, TFC Leisure Ltd, to run Roehampton Playing Fields. All those who expressed concern will be pleased to hear that the Council has now agreed to put the proposed grant of a lease on hold for six months to give the local community time to develop its own proposals for taking over the running of the playing fields.
image @ Stuart King 2010
Warm thanks are due to all those who put so much work into challenging the Council’s proposals, whether organising letters of objection, lobbying decision makers or contributing in other ways. Due recognition should also be given to the Council for listening to the many and varied concerns expressed and for now giving time for an alternative approach to be developed. The contributions of Justine Greening MP, who has taken a close personal interest in this matter, and of local councillors have also been much appreciated.
What happens now?
It is important to understand that the Council has only paused the process for six months. A lot of work will now be needed to develop proposals for a community-led approach to the running of the Roehampton Playing Fields site. This has prompted a group of residents and long-standing users of the playing fields to form the Roehampton Playing Fields Community Trust in order to:
• Prepare a viable and sustainable business plan for the Playing Fields
• Identify and pursue all funding options, including grants, that may be available from sporting and charitable bodies and others
• Establish a charitable trust able to take on the running of the playing fields in collaboration with the local authority.
The Trust plans to consult closely with the local community and with current and potential future users, at all stages of the development and implementation of its plans, through public meetings and by using several channels of communication including the PutneySW15 website, social media and newsletters. As we progress we will need to draw on the skills, knowledge and support of many more people within the local community and from the population of users of the Playing Fields.
Stay in touch
For suggestions, offers and further information please contact Save.our.fields.17@gmail.com
On behalf of the Community Group
December 14, 2017