Peterborough's Forgotten Fields campaigners warn 'the fields are still empty' ahead of meeting with council boss

Residents of the Forgotten Fields group say they are enthused by a request from Peterborough City Council leader Councillor Shabina Qayyum to meet her to discuss the area’s plight.

The campaigners say that their area of Peterborough – which is largely around Manor Drive – has 2,000 residents but hardly any community facilities except one playground, one post box and two bus stops.

This is despite the fact that the area has been in existence for more than a decade.

Radek Juszczynski, campaign group founder, said: “After more than 10 years we've been invited to the table.

"Cllr Qayyum has now invited a group of Roman Fields residents to an official meeting to discuss the next steps.

"This will take place after her meeting with Ward Councillors and Officers next week.

But Mr Juszczynski added a note of caution to the discussions, saying : “As long as the field is still empty, we have to contain our excitement.”

Cllr Qayyum made her offer at a meeting of the full council, stating: “By the end of July, we will be meeting with stakeholders, who will include residents, ward councillors and the local MP, to decide what is needed in those development areas.

She added: “By the end of July, we should be forthcoming with a plan as to how we are going to implement those much needed facilities.”

It came after a group of Forgotten Fields campaignerS attended the meeting to try and quiz councillors.

Campaign group founder Radek Juszczynski said: “A group of us parents from Roman Fields are going to the full council meeting and we’re finally asking them face-to-face: ‘where can our kids play?’

Juszczynski said: “It’s been more than 10 years since we moved here.

"Our kids have only the streets to play on and nothing else.

"Our elders have no bench.

He added: "Meanwhile new estates get proper play areas.”