AN AMBITIOUS scheme to revamp the heart of the Oxmoor could see a number of key buildings pull down, relocated and replaced. The proposals, which would demolish and relocate several public buildings in Sapley Square, have been put out for consultation w

AN AMBITIOUS scheme to revamp 'the heart of the Oxmoor' could see a number of key buildings pull down, relocated and replaced.

The proposals, which would demolish and relocate several public buildings in Sapley Square, have been put out for consultation with residents.

Huntingdonshire District Council is seeking views on plans which would involve relocating the Golden Knight Pub, the Medway Christian Centre, Kingdom Hall, Medway Court, St Barnabas Church and the Medway Centre.

The plan also includes the development of the open land at Oak Drive next to the Oak Tree Centre.

While nothing has been set in stone, HDC wants to ensure residents can have their say before the final scheme is devised.

Some meetings have already been held. However, the last of these takes place next month.

One sticking point the scheme will face is the relocation of the Golden Knight pub.

Janice Knight, from Nene Road, told The Hunts Post: "This is a social meeting place, the heart of our community. This public house has gone from strength to strength over the last few years.

"Yes, at one time it was a noisy place and yes it even had a bad name for a while but it is a wonderful place now where, as a parent and neighbour, I feel safe."

She added: "If the district council takes away our little oasis in the middle of a grey desert, there will be only bare walls and housing and housing and housing."

The manager of the pub, Ricky Newton, who also lives on the premises with his wife, Natalie and twin sons aged 11, said his understanding was that nothing will happen for the next three years.

Mr Newton, who has been in place for 10 months, said: "I have turned the pub around and made it a community pub."

The council said a previous consultation found residents supported plans for more housing in the area but wanted to be consulted further on density and design.

There were also lots of other ideas put forward that HDC is considering, such as additional play areas, a solution to parking problems and how to tackle anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman said the "hot issues" surrounded St Barnabas Church, where worshippers and residents did not want to see any change, the removal of the Nene Road footbridge, and the proposed Medway and Nene Road Link Road - which was not wanted.

Part of the plan is to have a community enterprise centre to support voluntary organisations and small firms.

INFORMATION: An open event to discuss the plans for the land east of Sapley Square is being held by the Oxmoor Community Action Group (OCAG) at the Maple Centre, Oak Drive on Wednesday, March 4 from 7pm to 8.30pm.

An exhibition of the plans is at the Maple Centre until Sunday (February 22) and at the Medway Centre from Monday, February 23 to Friday, February 27. The consultation ends on February 27. Comments can be made on-line at www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk