Campaigner heralds new benches as small win for residents battling for community facilities in 'forgotten' area of Peterborough
A campaigner has welcomed the installation of four public benches in a residential area of Peterborough as a symbol of the power of residents.
Radek Juszczynski, founder of campaign group, Forgotten Fields, said the arrival of the benches, which are for public use, was a small win but proof that residents can deliver for their areas.
The four benches have been installed in the Manor Drive area of Peterborough, which is part Roma Fields that has been dubbed Forgotten Fields by residents who say planners have neglected to install community facilities despite allowing the construction of hundreds of homes.
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They have been funded by a grant from the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Paston, Gunthorpe and Welland set up by the government to help regenerate the area.
Forgotten Fields was set up to secure much needed facilities for 2,000-strong community who live in an area of 800 homes built 10 years ago but with only one playground, two bus stops and one mailbox.
Mr Radek Juszczynski said: “The benches are a small win but are also proof a resident can deliver.
"I applied for this grant myself, as a resident, to the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
Mr Juszczynski said he was not disappointed that it was only benches that had been secured so far.
"I am disappointed by the way planning has worked so far.
"Things like benches, post boxes, playgrounds, pitches, bus services, local shops, GP surgeries should be planned and built at the same time as the houses, not after the developer builds the last house and then it's just a case of “we'll see how it goes.”.
He said: “Residents are already here. We are living in these conditions. We have been forced to live like this for many, many years.
“The benches are a separate, small project funded by Pride in Place not from Section 106 monies from housing developers.
"From an empty field to four places to sit — people are already using them. At least residents of Roman Fields have something.
"The big project — £809,000 of section 106 monies for a multi-use games area and play provision for children at Arkwright Way is still ongoing.”
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “I am delighted the benches are now in place, backed by Pride in Place funding, and making a difference in the community.
"This is exactly the kind of change we need through Pride in Place.
He said: “Residents around Manor Drive have been left in the cold for too long with promises of community investment failing to materialise.
"I am really pleased the council is now getting a grip on this thanks to the work of local councillors and residents like Radek.
Mr Pakes added: “We need to keep up the pressure for the area to get the play areas and investment it deserves.”
Cllr Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, has pledged to the residents that she will help them to resolve the lack of community facilities in the area.