Say that proposals represent a good deal for both local sports clubs and taxpayers

Wandsworth Council has defended the the proposed new management arrangements for Roehampton Playing Fields with TFC Leisure Ltd saying that they will provide better facilities for the use of local schools, sports clubs and community groups.

They claim the proposals would upgrade the pitches, playing facilities and changing rooms at the playing fields in return for a 30 year lease on the 12 acre site.



The council’s cabinet member for community services Cllr Jonathan Cook, pictured above, said the proposals represent a good deal for both local sports clubs and taxpayers. He added: "Local community groups, sports clubs and schools will be able to enjoy much better playing facilities along with modernised changing rooms and all the existing users will have their rights and fees protected.

"In addition, a whole range of new sports would be available for the first time, while the introduction of an all-weather pitch means that people of all ages will be able to take part in team sports and health and fitness activities whatever the weather.”

image @ Stuart King 2010

Under the terms of the proposed legal agreement, sports clubs that currently use the playing fields would have guaranteed access for their fixtures and training sessions and throughout the entire duration of the lease would have the cost of their bookings cushioned by being pegged to the rates charged by the council for pitch bookings elsewhere in the borough.

The plan to invest more in the playing fields has been welcomed by the Putney Primary School Sports Association, which has stated: “The view of the PPSSA is they feel they will benefit from the change as they will be getting better all year round facilities at the same cost as before.”

The agreement will also mean the company taking responsibility for the site's running costs including security and grounds maintenance, which currently costs local council tax payers £50,000 a year. In addition to this cost saving the proposals would also generate an annual rental income for the town hall for the duration of the lease.

Keen to dispel 'wild allegations and rumours', the council has published two sets of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the proposals. The first initial set has been extended to include more information following a local drop in session for local residents and is designed to address some of the additional issues raised at that meeting, which was held on November 13.

November 24, 2017