Paddington Rec Bowling Green: Update

Last week we held a meeting regarding the early-stage proposal from Council Officers to replace the current Bowling Green in the Rec with additional tennis court facilities.

The meeting was very productive and we were grateful to the Cabinet Member for Parks (who will eventually take the decision regarding the Bowling Green) for being willing to listen and consider our views. We staked out a clear argument against the changes mooted by the Officers and highlighted several deficiencies within their plans which we believed did not offer justification for the change. We are pleased to report that the Cabinet Member agreed with us that she could not make a decision based on the current information available. As a result, officers have been asked to go away and re-consider their plans, provide more information and a clearer justification for their proposals.

As with all things in local government, these decisions are taken slowly. Even when officers come back with new plans, we will continue to oppose the changes, based upon the clear view of local residents and the need to maintain a balance set of facilities for residents and visitors of all ages.

In the meantime, please do continue to let us know your views on the proposal. Further, the survey run by several local residents on the future of the Rec remains open and can be accessed here.

The plans for the Rec are at an early stage and we will continue to keep you updated. Now is the time to gather your views on the future of the Bowling Green in readiness for closer to when the actual decision is going to be made. Don't hesitate to get in touch.

Alastair, Jan and Lee