A group of Bath locals are hoping the council will help them secure the future of their local park.
A view across Newbridge Park | Photo courtesy of Friends of Newbridge Park
Newbridge Park is one of only a few public open spaces in the Newbridge area of Bath, and the only one in the vicinity for recreation.
But Andrew Tapper of Friends of Newbridge Park said: “It’s very well used. I went down there yesterday. There were about a dozen dog walkers with their kids. And people come from quite far away because it’s the only secure park in Bath.”
But he warned: “Our bit of space is only determined to be an open space. It’s not classified as a park.”
Over the last few years, proposals from the neighbouring caravan site and marina to expand into part of the park were both shelved after the response from local people, Mr Tapper said.
But he warned there was nothing currently preventing anyone from applying to build on the park as it stands, due to the current type of open space designation it has.
Friends of Newbridge Park working at the site | Photo courtesy of Friends of Newbridge Park
Now Friends of Newbridge Park has applied to Bath and North East Somerset Council to change the park’s designation and protect it from any chance of future development.
Mr Tapper said: “We have done some careful research and were very surprised to find that there is precious little permanent safeguarding in place to protect this much needed and cared for local resource.
“This is surprising because the Newbridge area is deficient in local open spaces with safe play areas that we can afford to lose.
“We need something that will ensure effective long-term protection of Newbridge Park not only for today but also for future generations.
“[Friends of Newbridge Park] are applying to the council to have the park designated as an open space thereby safeguarding the park’s long term future”.
The group was set up in 2022 in order to have a greater say in decisions around the park and has already renovated the park benches, installed a picnic bench in the children’s play area and renovated the children’s swings.
The group has also planted 2,000 bulbs, sponsored by local business Total Bathrooms, as well as carrying out general maintenance at the park.
Bath and North East Somerset Council was contacted for a comment.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
