We did not attempt to undermine application

✒ LAST week’s letters pages included a discussion of a matter of importance to the area we represent.

The Parklands Community Centre has recently been awarded Asset of Community Value status by Cheltenham Borough Council.

Alec Woodward, as chair of Parklands, is correct to point out that as ward councillors we asked questions about the application.

That is what anyone would expect us to do in the circumstances – part of the role of a councillor is to scrutinise the democratic process.

However, we were not the ultimate decision makers over whether the Parklands Community Centre’s application was successful.

This status was awarded under a formal process set out in legislation.

We supported the decision, which was taken by Cheltenham Borough Council officers.

It is regrettable that a decision on the application was delayed and we were only made aware of the application after many months.

We are sure local people will understand that for the majority of the past 14 months council officers have been focused on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

That has included supporting emergency and urgent services, supporting businesses and many other key functions.

The reason we, as the area’s councillors, asked questions about this application is because the area around Parklands, in the centre of Whaddon, has the potential to be significantly improved.

If done right, these improvements would be realised in in a way that serves the needs of not just Parklands Community Centre and its members, but also local residents, Cheltenham Town FC and Cheltenham Whaddon Bowling Club.

Robins fans and local people will be aware of the longstanding discussions about Cakebridge Place, which adjoins the football stadium, which adjoins the bowls club and Parklands.

Given the record that we have of working with the community for longer than a decade, and the council’s commitment to partnership working, we are disappointed by the suggestion that we were in some way attempting to undermine the potential for a prosperous future for Parklands.

That was never our intention. In due course, we hope to work with everyone who has an interest in the site.

Consultation with local people will be very important.

In the meantime, we thank the committee of Parklands for bringing forward their application for Asset of Community Value status and for pursuing it with such vigour.

We look forward to working with them for the good of the community as the pandemic restrictions ease.

Councillors Rowena Hay, Max Wilkinson and Colin Hay Oakley ward