CIPPENHAM RESIDENTS ANGRY AT COUNCIL’S ACTIONS FENCING OFF ELTHAM AVE CAR PARK

“Many Cippenham residents are angry at the mindless damage that Slough Council might cause to local facilities, community activities, health and safety”, said local resident Jen Simpson. 

Jen (second from left) is seen here with Bridget Orr (centre), Lib Dem Councillor Frank O'Kelly (Cippenham Village Ward), and other local residents. 

Jen Simpson continued: “out of the blue, starting on 26th July, and during the following few days, the Council put up a very high metal fence around the existing car park at Eltham Avenue Recreation Ground. Previously there was a low wooden fence with various gaps to allow pedestrian access to the hard surface, and through the car park to the outdoor gym and the changing rooms for the sport’s fields”.

“There was no need for a secure fence because vehicles were not kept in the car park overnight. The new fence might provide security for school minibuses that it is said will be stored there, but it seems to completely block access to the car park for pedestrians. Some say it looks like a military compound or prison.”

“There was no prior engagement with existing users, or local residents. It seems there was no impact assessment undertaken to understand any possible damage to residents, community groups, the environment etc. But, the new fence will make access to the local outdoor gym more difficult, especially for disabled people. The car park has been extremely valuable to local community groups including a local health and fitness company, EL Fitness, and FC Cippenham, the local grassroots community youth football team. The compound fencing threatens to reduce the access for FC Cippenham, who pay to hire the changing rooms, fields and the car park. If the cars have to park in the road that could cause many problems, including for buses. They hold 5 matches per weekend during the season, including for children as young as 6."

Jen explained, “I am one of over 100 members of EL Fitness who use the facility to provide a range of outdoor exercise classes in all weather conditions. Some of their clients have disabilities and rely on wheelchairs. They run a successful Mum and Baby fitness class which provides a safe space for new mums to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing whilst bringing baby along. Not having access to the hard surface will limit what can be done.”

Jen Simpson added, “the residents were very grateful that our local councillor, Frank O’Kelly immediately supported us. Together with local resident, Bridget Orr, we organised a meeting for local residents at the Cippenham British Legion a few days after the fence went up.”

The Lib Dem Cllr for the Cippenham Village ward, Frank O’Kelly, said, “we called the meeting because many residents and community groups were raising their concerns at the Council’s ill-considered actions. This comes just a few days after a Council meeting accepted my motion to improve access to Slough’s green spaces, including for disabled people. The actions of Slough Council are going directly against what councillors just voted for.”

"I invited residents to express their concern, and provide evidence where possible, so that I could build a strong case to report and discuss with officers at Slough Borough Council who decided to put the fence up, without consultation."

“Jen Simpson, Bridget Orr and many other residents are determined that we shall all campaign as hard as possible to persuade the Council to change their plans. We have held a series of community meetings The Cippenham British Legion.”

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Cllr O’Kelly concluded: “Many very significant concerns were raised by residents. Some of the main ones included:

· The fence has reduced access to the fields and the fitness equipment in the outdoor gym;

· If FC Cippenham and EL Fitness leave, it will impact on local health;

· The fence is blocking the view of the local defibrillator;

· The scale of the compound has a detrimental effect on the landscape;

· The massive fence creates a dangerous blind spot on a bend in the road just at the point where children will come out of the changing rooms.”