Hands off our open space say residents

The meeting at Bournemouth Learning Centre was the first of three "early planning sessions" organised by Bournemouth Borough Council's leisure services, which aims to make the space more usable and attractive.

It included a presentation by Alan McRae of Bournemouth Arrow Cycling Club, which hopes to get a competition-standard community cycle track as part of a re-designed park.

The meeting was comprised of randomly selected residents and representatives from groups that the council felt may have an interest in the area.

During the spring and summer, the council plans to develop a new plan for Slades Farm, recognising it as an important resource for people to walk, socialise, relax, play and get involved in sporting activities.

Michael Rowland, green spaces project officer, said: "We are trying to get an idea from a cross-section of people what they feel about the site and what they like and don't like.

"Obviously we are supporting the cycle track bid but it doesn't mean we are going to say yes'. It's a public park for local people and this is to find out what they want."

Mr McRae told the meeting that there was "massive local interest" in cycling across the conurbation and many people wanted to find a venue to cycle that was free from traffic.

But Tony Rawlings, who runs Ensbury Community Centre, said that people did not want to see a cycle track there. He said: "To develop at the site would be going against the whole essence of the reason the Talbots left it as an open space."

There would have to be a building for people to shelter in and toilet facilities he added.

Jean Scovell, chairman of the Ensbury Park Residents' Association, said: "I've no problem with children learning to ride bicycles and safety for children.

"But I don't think it's right or should be allowed to build in our open space."

Tennis courts and basketball facilities might be more popular with young people, the meeting heard.