Tooting residents speak out against decision to close Fishponds Playing Fields

Residents have been speaking out against the council's decision to again close Fishponds Playing Fields from open-community use.

The Fields were granted open access throughout lockdown by the Council after calls from Forever Fishponds - a group that campaigns for the green space to be open to the public.

Wandsworth Council has taken the decision to reinstate the closure on 29th March.

The Fields will only be accessible when booked by organised sports teams.

One resident said: "This is crazy, it's become our favourite place to go. We have met people of all ages there all loving it.

"People bringing their older parents to enjoy some outside space after being imprisoned because of Covid. It's vital this remains open to all. What is wrong with London?"

A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said: "As the name implies, Fishponds Playing Fields exists for the use of local schools, colleges and sports clubs for organised team sports like football, rugby and cricket.

"As one of a scarce number of designated sports pitch sites in the borough it is not compatible with general leisure use.

"Because organised team sports were not permitted under Covid regulations we took the decision to open up these sports pitches for the use of the local community so they had somewhere to exercise during lockdown.

"However we made it clear from the outset that once lockdown rules eased and team sports were once again permitted this general use would come to an end, but that the local community can still access the space when it is open for organised teams sports."

The council claims that more than 1,600 hours of sporting activities take place at Fishponds Playing Fields on a normal year.

Forever Fishponds has sent a letter to Councillor Steffi Stutters urging him to reconsider the decision.

Part of the letter reads

"We particularly regret that the closure coincides with the beginning of Wandsworth schools' Easter holidays, a time when families need outdoor exercise opportunities and fresh air for their children more than ever.

"We appreciate that organised sport will be allowed to resume on 29th March, but in practical terms, it seems highly likely that bookings by clubs and schools will be low, especially as football will not be possible, now that the goals have been removed.

"For the most part, the Fields will stand empty and unused at a time when they could not be more needed.

"We hope you will understand the disappointment and frustration that people living in the area around the Fields will feel at the loss of a major boost to their quality of life.

"This area of Tooting is disadvantaged in many ways, not least in its distance from other open space, as the Council recognises. From the copious feedback received, it could not be clearer that local people have clear expectations of local access to a local space.

"These are legitimate expectations. In fairness to Tooting's residents, we trust that the Council will think again and allow public access to the Fields to continue.

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