Supporting young people’s health and development
Sandhurst Town Council has given a full and factual statement in response to the matter of the Sandhurst Football Club lease for Bottom Meadow where football has been played since at least 1910. It has been explained that Sandhurst was in danger of losing its football club. When approached the town council responded, I am sure, with the best interests of residents at heart, particularly the many children’s and youth teams. I am informed that the council is working with the club owners to address local parking issues on “big game” days.
The council’s statement can be found here www.sandhurst.gov.uk/bottom-meadow.php in which it is clearly explained how the decision was taken within the rules that govern local council dealings with third parties. Cllr Ray Mossom has only recently explained on social media that there are a number of leases in place with local clubs and other providers on the park, all negotiated under the same rules.
It says in the council’s statement that the owners of Bracknell Football Club may seek a suitable site back in Bracknell for the return of Bracknell Football Club, but such plans take a long time to deliver. But should that happen, I think the Sandhurst community would be pleased to have all the facilities the current owners have provided remain available to Sandhurst Town Football Club to use. I urge Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Town Council to assist in the early return of Bracknell Football Club to a suitable site within Bracknell.
It is unfortunate that this sensitive situation has been used in this local election because what has happened is not reversible, but I am committed to seeing the council working with the football club owners and residents to achieve the best outcome we can for those residents who may be adversely affected.
My support is for our young people to have the chance to participate in sport, in this case, football, and all forms of sport for their wellbeing and health that our excellent parks and open spaces can provide.
Gill
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello
I’m Gill Birch and I’ve lived in Little Sandhurst with my husband Dale and our two, now grown, children for over 40 years. Our grandson has just left St Michaels and now goes to Sandhurst school.
I’m a retired teacher and I’m also a school governor.
I already have experience in representing the community as I have previously been elected to Bracknell Forest Borough and Bracknell Town Councils.
I believe it is important to give people the facts about what is happening in their community. A town council does not do all the things that the borough council does so I will not claim that I can change things that are not within the remit of our Town Council. For instance, the Town Council has no say in how the GP surgery is run, or how Thames Water operates.
I am passionate about preserving our green open spaces to keep our unique community identity.
I will always act in your best interests, and I pledge to work hard to keep Little Sandhurst a great place to live, work, and play.
Gill
