Secret Plans for Glasshouse Field?

10.29.44am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Feb 2008

Residents living in Southstoke Road and Midford Road, whose back gardens back on to the field, were surprised to receive a letter from the Council asking them to sign a licence for the long-standing use of their back gates into the field.

Concerned Councillors and Residents at Glasshouse Field

For as long as many can remember some residents have had access into the field without any problem. This action coincides with rumours of the departure of Old Culverhaysians Rugby Club from the field and the £2m sale of the field for development.

Local councillors have been kept in the dark about the future of the field and are now asking Cllr Malcolm Hanney (Cabinet Member for Resources) to 'set the record straight' and confirm that there are no plans to sell off Glasshouse Fields.

Cllr Cherry Beath (Lib Dem - Combe Down) said:

"This letter came out of the blue, with local councillors not even told about it. We were also not involved in the discussions to relocate Old Culverhaysians to Odd Down, which had been going on for months."

Cllr Marian McNeir (Lib Dem - Lyncombe) said:

"The letter and the possible move of the Rugby Club may have sparked rumours of a sell off. I think it is disgraceful of the Council to send this letter without even telling local councillors, but I am afraid ignoring locally elected representatives seems to becoming normal practice for the Council."

Cllr David Bellotti (Lib Dem - Lyncombe) said:

"We are in favour of the improvement of Odd Down playing fields and will support a move by Old Culverhaysians if this is what they want, but we will fight 'tooth and nail' to retain Glasshouse Fields as an open space. It was at a very late stage, after councillors got wind of a sell off, that the Council revealed the plans for Odd Down Playing Fields. It is a shame that the Council continues to ignore the help that local councillors can give."