AS reported yesterday, Val Jonas, of the Cattle Market Action Group, presented its view on the problem of community space in the town, to town councillors.
Speaking at a meeting of the full Town Council on Tuesday evening, Val Jonas said: “We recognise and welcome the fact that Thame Town Council is proactively supporting the provision of much needed community facilities in the town. We also welcome the Council’s willingness to consider taking on the management of such a facility. In this context the Cattle Market Action Group support the Council’s plans to reopen the football club on behalf of community groups in Thame.
“However, there are some points that we would like to bring to the Council’s notice as they discuss taking on the management of the old Windmill Road Suite.
“First, we would like it to be noted that there was a shortage of facilities in Thame before the football club closure, so re-instating the venue will be insufficient to provide for the medium to long term needs of the community, especially in the context of new local housing developments and a growing population.
“Second, there are some practical issues that need to be considered regarding reopening the Windmill Rd Suite:
(a) the length of the proposed lease needs to be clarified, to provide hirers with confidence of the longer term availability. With uncertainty over the future of the Windmill site, potential users may be discouraged from hiring the facility if they cannot plan beyond a year or so, especially those requiring a large capacity space.
(b) we understand that the equipment in the venue has been removed and would like clarification on whether the Council will provide the budget to replace this equipment, given that the length of lease may be short term.
“Lastly, we would like to ensure the Council are considering the bigger picture community needs for Thame. Any decisions made now, relating to the Windmill Rd Suite, should not preclude consideration of other opportunities, should they arise. The best option for the town would be a community facility, combined with the town library on the Cattle Market site. Currently, a planning application has been submitted on behalf of the farmers to SODC to relocate.
“It is time for the Town Council to join with SODC and OCC to produce a strategy whereby the town can get a new (purpose built) community facility and state of the art library on the Cattle Market site. This site is the most central in the town, has best access, best parking and would bring people to eat and shop, combined with attending classes, concerts or using the library.
“To summarise, CMAG is very pleased to see the Town Council taking a proactive role in re-instating a facility that is much needed in the short term in Thame. Please make sure you do not lose sight of the bigger picture and the longer term needs of the community.”
The Cattle Market Action Group includes represents of a variety of organisations and groups in the town, including Thame First (formerly the Chamber of Commerce), St Josephs church, St.Josephs school, ThameCAT/young people’s groups, Cuttlebrook Reserve volunteers, Thame residents, 21st Century Thame Partnership, Conservative party, Nadfas, Liberal Democrats, the Labour party and Surrounding villages residents.
Leave a Reply