Several Leighton councillors have hit back over a resident groups’ concerns about the new £1.35m pavilion planned for Astral Park (click here for original article).
Councillor Amanda Dodwell said: “We are delighted that we are able to bring this long overdue project a step closer. We have listened carefully to the wishes of the residents of Billington Park and Sandhills, and we hope that this community centre will become the focal point of the local community.”
Councillor David Bowater said “It is somewhat misleading to suggest that the costs are running out of control. If we had listened to Mr Johnson’s wishlist, the costs would be on target to exceed £2million. We have a limited budget, and we have had to make compromises. The choice was between a larger number of changing rooms or a large community facility, and the overwhelming view of the local residents was that they wanted a community hall, and this is what we plan to deliver.”
Regarding speculation about parking, Councillor Ray Berry said “The proposal that has been approved by council is for a community facility. We do not anticipate bus loads of away teams clogging up the estate. This is a local community facility, not a Premier League football stadium!”
Regarding funding, Councillor Dodwell added: “As Cllr Berry was at pains to point out to those attending the council meeting, the future of the land to the west of Billington Road is yet to proceed beyond outline planning permission, so no money can be made available from this source, nor will any S106 funding arise from this development for some time. Mr Johnson’s continued speculation is unhelpful. I have already suggested that residents should contact Central Bedfordshire Council if they have any further questions about the funding. Why Mr Johnson would seek to see the funding taken away from this project and used elsewhere is a mystery to me.”
She added: “I do not understand why some members of SRG seems to be so opposed to this development, when just 18 months ago they were asking why this project had been delayed for over 10 years. I think the residents of the southern developments need to realise that the leaders of SRG are doing everything they can to derail this project.”
Regarding the Community House, Councillor Bowater added: “The Community House was only ever a short term measure whilst permanent facilities could be built in the south of the town. It is a very small facility and only serves a very limited number of users. We want to provide a permanent purpose built community centre that will benefit the wider community. I am dismayed that the Southern Residents Group – which claims to represent the residents of Sandhills and Billington Park – want to see this project dead in the water.”