Stoughton Rec – Councillors Agree To Take Up Residents’ Concerns

Published on: 6 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 8 Aug, 2016

Children enjoying the play park with Stoughton Rec

Children enjoying the play park in Stoughton Rec

Two councillors have agreed to take up the issue of maintenance levels at Stoughton Recreation Ground on behalf of concerned constituents, following a meeting at the park on Thursday evening (August 5).

This bench covered in bird droppings is, unfortunately positioned under a tree.

The meeting followed a reader’s letter, sent in by Brian Holt and published in The Guildford Dragon NEWS, which outlined the concerns shared by some users of the rec.

Cllr Fiona White

One of the councillors, Fiona White (Lib Dem, Guildford West at Surrey County Council) who was at the meeting, wrote today: “I am very grateful to the residents who came out to talk to me and Cllr Pauline Searle at Stoughton Rec last night.

“They showed us the things which are causing them concern. I will be writing to the head of parks and countryside at Guildford Borough Council with that list and asking the council to take some action.

“Generally okay but could do with a lick of paint,” said a local resident.

“In fairness, what residents are worried about are not hugely expensive items.

“I know that Guildford Borough Council have said they inspect the rec regularly but some of these problems have been missed and need to be attended to. I hope that we can find a way of resolving them.”

Brian Holt

Brian Holt had commented earlier: “I would like to say thank you to the Lib Dem councillors Fiona White and Pauline Searle, for coming and meeting local residents at Stoughton Rec tonight [Aug 4], to see the appalling state of the children’s playground.

“I would also like to say thank you to The Dragon NEWS for publishing our letters on Stoughton Rec, which resulted in two councillors getting involved.”

Cllr Richard Billington

Cllr Billington (Con, Tillingbourne), lead councillor for rural parks and leisure said: “Stoughton Recreation Ground is looked after and maintained in the same way as we do for all our 65 parks and garden sites in the borough. Our parks ranger service visits the ground twice daily and the play area is inspected and maintained regularly.

“This year we have invested £70,000 in improving the community centre at Stoughton Rec and in 2015 we invested £28,500 in refurbishing the multi use games area and £4,000 in improving the playing surfaces on the football pitches. We are planning to replace the play area in the future, in the line with our new play strategy.

Heavily soiled picnic table.

“As with all our sites, we welcome residents’ feedback and support through friends groups or funding activities. Any residents with concerns should get in touch with the contact centre on 01483 505050.”

Stoughton resident John Crabtree, who was with his two young daughters at the play park yesterday (August 5), said: “It is generally okay but could do with a lick of paint.”

Responses to Stoughton Rec – Councillors Agree To Take Up Residents’ Concerns

Brian Holt Reply

August 8, 2016 at 1:01 pm

In response to Cllr Billington I would like to point out that residents in Stoughton area are unaware, and have been for years, that there is a community centre in Stoughton recreation ground.

For several years the sole purpose of its use of this “community centre” has been by the Disability Challengers. How can it be called a community centre if no other members of the community have been able to use it?

This park was given to the community by a local businessman for everyone to use and enjoy. The community have also lost the use of any pitches as a football club have taken them over, and claim they are “theirs”, even though they only hire them.