Frome sport facility plans need careful consideration

FEARS for the future of the town’s public tennis courts have been raised, and a Frome town councillor wants to ensure further consultation before any decisions are made. 

Frome Town Councillor Eve Berry says that plans to improve sporting facilities in the town should consider the impact on existing facilities.

She said, “The results of a recent limited consultation by Frome Town Council appears to suggest that a multi-use games area ‘tops the park’s wanted list. However only 198 people completed the survey. I would respectfully suggest that the residents of Frome, who number around 27,000, would expect a wider consultation before any decisions are taken.

“Currently Frome Town Council also has a sports and recreation working party, of which I am a member, who are encouraging sports clubs and sports people to come together to identify, share, develop and improve sports facilities going forward for the whole of Frome. Surely any proposals for Victoria Park and The Mary Bailey Playing Field should be integral to the strategy being developed within this group.

“The wider impact of any changes within both sides of the park need to be carefully considered as we don’t want to drive people away from these special communal spaces. For instance, a multi-use games area in Victoria Park could be disruptive to current users, those bowling, in the cafe, exercising or picnicking.

“With morbid obesity increasing within the country and with the Olympic legacy, we are trying to sustain, improve and develop sporting facilities, not just for now, but for generations to come.

“Ideally the courts need resurfacing and new nets provided so that tennis can be enjoyed here for years to come.

“I would be pleased to hear from anyone who is interested in saving the tennis courts or coming along to the next sports working party meeting. Please contact me via my email:  eveberry@blueyonder.co.uk