THE PUBLIC have had their say on plans to upgrade and install new community sports facilities in Thornbury.

Public consultations, which sought to enhance Thornbury’s Skate Park, as well as install new features on Oakleaze Green and Chantry Field, took place at the end of last year, with Thornbury Town Council making a decision based on comments made by residents.

Thornbury Skate Park expansion

A total of 73 people responded to proposals for double the size of Thornbury Skate Park – 60 of which came from public consultation events at the Castle School and Thornbury Leisure Centre.

The site has already been through the first stage of a redevelopment plan, with new signage, access and improved visibility having been hailed as a success, with the next stage increasing the size of the facility, introducing new equipment and a café hub.

While only one person responded to the consultation against the plans with concerns over anti-social behaviour, drug activity and litter, the majority of responses were positive, citing an improved use of the area, offering a great place for young people to go and try a new sport.

Chantry Field - Cricket nets and wicket

There was also support for new cricket facilities on the Chantry Field, which would see practice nets and an informal-style wicket being installed, this time, however, with only 12 responses.

Many praised the idea, given there are no cricket facilities in the Thornbury Parish, saying that it would be a good use of the field for young people and families.

Again, only one member of the public chose to oppose the plans, saying that stray cricket balls so close to homes could do damage and potentially cause injury.

Oakleaze Green - Petanque Court, trees and path

Finally, councillors heard about the 34 responses to proposals for a Petanque (French Bowls) court to be installed on Oakleaze Green, along with a path across the field and new trees being planted.

In general, the path and trees were well received by the majority, but the Petanque Court was heavily opposed by residents, who said they were concerned it could become “a giant cat litter tray” that would require a lot of maintenance and could attract anti-social behaviour.

Upon hearing the feedback from each consultation during their meeting on Thursday, members of Thornbury Town Council’s playing fields and cemetery committee chose to follow the will of the people, and supporting further work into the cricket facilities, skate park expansion and the installation of the path and new trees on Oakleaze.

The Petanque Court, however, would be funded by £6,000 of developer money that would have to benefit residents of Grace Lodge, and so councillors said they would go back to the drawing board.

Cllr Clive Parkinson, the committee’s chairman, said: “We are very thankful to the public for an excellent response to all the consultations.

“We are pleased to say that we are responding to the wishes of the majority of the people who took part in the consultations, and going forward, we will be developing each of them in a way that meets the wishes of the local people.”