Forgotten Fields campaigners in Peterborough vow to monitor council chiefs ' promise of more facilities
Campaigners living on what they say is a ‘forgotten’ estate in Peterborough have welcomed a council vow to provide more services.
But the residents of Roman Fields, near Newborough Road on the north east edge of the city, have warned they will judge the promise by Peterborough City Council by timescales and actions.
The assurances from the council came in the wake of the creation of campaign group, Forgotten Fields, to lobby for more community services and facilities.
Residents are angry that in an area occupied by about 2,000 people, and where many have lived for 10 years, there is only one playground, two bus stops, and one mailbox.
Campaign group founder Radek Juszczynski said: “We know this is just the start.
"A promise from the council is welcome, but our community will be watching for action and clear timelines.
He said: "For over 10 years, our estate has felt invisible.
"The Peterborough Telegraph’s coverage is the first time many residents felt heard.
"It has given a voice to families who have no shops, children with nowhere to play, and elderly residents with nowhere to sit.”
Radek has previously said: “Residents feel left out by the city.
"We like our neighbours. We like our homes.
"But we don't have a shop. We don't have benches.
"Our children have nowhere to safely ride their bikes.
"We don't have a playing field.
"Children have nowhere to kick a ball. Seniors have nowhere to sit. We have nowhere to buy milk."
A council spokesperson said: “This development was granted planning permission several years ago under policies of that time.
"These policies have since changed with regards to developers providing appropriate facilities for large scale housing developments.
“However, we always take any concerns from residents seriously and our officers are actively working to find solutions for improved services and facilities at Roman Fields.”
Forgotten Fields is carrying out a consultation exercise to determine what residents would like to see provided first, whether its shops, park benches or playing fields.
A petition has also been set up at https://c.org/cVvR8QJ8ky and has 206 signatures.