Don’t climb up the wall at Ferry Meadows plan

Nene Park is a triumph of the manmade and the natural. Since its creation as part of Peterborough’s New Town masterplan it’s provided residents of the city and surrounding towns and villages with a fabulous amenity.

Now bosses at the trust, which runs the park, have unveiled plans for a new development at Ferry Meadows. They want to build a high spec climbing facility which could provide hours of entertainment for families and nurture future Olympic champions.

Of course, a climbing facility is going to be quite a height (it will be one of the tallest buildings in the city) and that has caused some disquiet with some people worried it will be an eyesore.

Trust chief executive Matthew Bradbury was obviously aware of this potential reaction in the light of a rather stark artists’ impression and he was at pains to dispel any concerns.

He said: “It will be less prominent than the image makes it look. It will not be an eyesore.’’

When I first moved to Peterborough some 20 years ago I lived in Castor and so Nene Park was on my doorstep. I enjoyed it as a lovely place for a walk but there was not much in the way of facilities.

Slowly but surely those facilities have come – more children’s areas, an extended watersports centre – yet the park remains peaceful and unspoilt.

I for one trust Mr Bradbury will be true to his word and for Nene Park (and the climbing wall) the only way is up.