Residents of Peterborough's 'Forgotten Fields' to vote on new community and play facilities
A special poll has been launched to give residents of Peterborough’s so-called Forgotten Fields a voice in the provision of community and leisure facilities.
The consultation is being carried out by campaigners ahead of key meetings with council leaders about the best way to spend £890,000 set aside in the form of a Section 106 provision by homes developers.
An online poll has been launched by officials of the Forgotten Fields campaign group which will run until September 20.
It states: “We are urging all residents in the Forgotten Fields area - Burghfield/Manor Drive/ Roman Fields/Paston Reserve – to take part.
Forgotten Fields campaign leader Radek Juszczynski said: “This is the first time in years residents have a real say on what gets built at Arkwright Way with the £809,000 from the developers.
"Whether you want a LEAP (locally equipped area for play) for toddlers, NEAP (a Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play) for older kids, BMX pump track or a multi use games area (MUGA), please fill in the poll – one form per householder.
The ideas suggested for new land at Arkwright Way range from a tennis court, skatepark, climbing wall and multi-use games area to zipwire, outdoor gym and football area and a pavilion and benches and picnic table.
Mr Juszczynski said: “This is not a decision as the final decision will be made by council. We are just showing what residents want.”
The Forgotten Fields group says its area of 2,000 residents has been without community facilities except one playground, one post box and two bus stops for the last decade in a situation that has gone unnoticed by council chiefs.
But the situation changed early this summer when campaigners protested and asked questions at a full meeting of the city council.
That prompted council leader Councillor Shabina Qayyum to invite representatives of the group to discuss a way forward.
After the meeting, Cllr Qayyum said: “A few options were discussed and what remains now is for a consensus to be gained about what the residents will choose out of the options proposed for development.
"A follow up meeting has been arranged with a larger group of residents in a month where the chosen option on amenities will be selected and delivery will be at pace.