Teddington residents have responded positively to news of a community bid to buy Udney Park playing fields.
Key local groups The Teddington Society and the Udney Park Playing Fields Trust say they back a new bid organised by Hampton Wick resident Jonathan Dunn to buy the fields from private developer Quantum.
The bid was announced last week and is backed by several local sports groups and Teddington MP Munira Wilson.
Responding to the news, a spokesperson for the Teddington Society said: "We are delighted that a well-supported community bid has been assembled by Teddingtonian Jonathan Dunn to acquire the site for multiple sports activities – rugby, football, cricket, tennis, netball and a mini “Park Run.”
Read full article on the Teddington Nub News: Teddington residents express support for community bid for Udney Park playing fields
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
