WELL done, the mayor of Okehampton! No nonsense, no platitudes, just a clean statement that she is not happy with proposed plans for Simmons Park pleasure ground.
I hope her remarks are properly recorded and minuted. It takes courage for a person in her position to be so forthright, but she is well aware from feelings expressed at a public meeting that a very large section of the community do not wish to see our pleasure ground spoilt.
Simply to walk in, throwing the tennis and putting players off their established grounds, is utterly wrong. Both these clubs made it clear in front of councillors and paid officers that they wish to remain on their present site. The bowlers also have little to enthuse about the plan, as it will inevitably downgrade their fine club.
We are led to believe that the plan going forward to the Lottery Board is conceptual. It is hard to believe they will provide a huge sum of money for a scheme which is not finalised down to the last detail.
If we are not given more consultation and ample time to consider what we have in store, including (and importantly) alternatives, the first thing we shall know is the contractors ripping the place apart.
Waving unbreakable contracts, it will then be much too late to protest
Let the council tax payers of Okehampton beware.
Ted Cann
11 Exeter Road
Okehampton