Teddington councillors and MP Munira Wilson have expressed their disappointment following last Friday's shock news that the widely supported community bid for Udney Park playing fields has been rejected.
Twickenham MP Munira Wilson, who represents Teddington in parliament, was a key supporter of the bid for the fields led by local resident Jonathan Dunn. Dunn's plan included a foundation to oversee the running of the fields as a community-led sports ground and a home for local clubs. His ideas also included a charity cafe and careful use of the space to ensure environmental protections. But on Friday 20 August it was revealed that the owners of the field, AHH (formerly Quantum) intended to accept an alternative bid.
Teddington's MP Munira Wilson responded to the news on Twitter.
She wrote: "Such incredibly disappointing news and a blow for local grassroots sports and clubs that badly need a base. Huge thanks to Jonathan Dunn for his vision and energy in working with so many to pull together an inspirational bid. I will be following developments very closely."
Hampton Wick Councillors Jim Millard, Robin Brown and Petra Fleming had also spoken out in support of the bid. Councillor Millard said the outcome was "very disappointing news."
Councillor Brown added: "So disappointed to hear that the Udney Park community bid has not been accepted by Quantum.
Continue Reading the Article on Teddington Nub News: Teddington councillors and MP react to news that Udney Park community bid has been rejected | teddington.nub.news
Political momentum for a CPO growing
The Udney Park Trust have released a ‘press release’ updating everyone on the momentum gathering for a CPO of the fields at Udney Park. Local hustings were held as a prelude to this week’s general election and the Trust raised a question regarding the future of the site. It was confirmed at the hustings that there was universal support for a CPO from all parties.
The tragedy of the War Memorial Pavilion has been revealed by arial photos taken by residents. These reveal that under the ownership of Mr Wu the building has fallen into such disrepair as to render future renovation work hugely expensive. The project had been to bring the changing rooms back into early use for the community clubs playing on these fields. There were relatively new boilers and heating systems installed just before Imperial College sold the site. The building interior had been dry – even if the changing rooms needed to be brought up to modern standards.
It is hugely disappointing to report that Udney park is now under offer from another group of investors headed up by local resident, Keith Williams.
Udney Park is an Asset of Community Value, defined in the Localism Act (2011) as "Land is an asset of community value if its main use is to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community." The Localism Act states that ‘social interests’ include cultural, recreational and sporting interests
