Council to re-think Stukeley Meadows play area after residents’ concern

Concerns from residents could see the site of a proposed play area in Stukeley Meadows relocated.

Huntingdon Town Council has put forward a plan to build a multi use games area (MUGA) on the Stukeley Meadows Nature Reserve, close to Haweswater.

In the proposal, which comes following a review of play provision by Huntingdonshire District Council, a small all weather sports pitch would be built with goal ends and noise dampening fencing.

District and town member for the area, Councillor Tom Sanderson said: “The land was chosen because it was quite near to the school and the idea is that school children will be able to use it and teachers can take them there during lesson.”

However, at a meeting, held late last month, many residents expressed concern about the history of flooding on the park and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour.

One resident, John Newtown, told The Hunts Post that he was worried about “what could happen at night” and that he had experienced the land flooding over a number of years since he moved in.

Following the meeting, the town council is looking at other areas to build the MUGA, which will be built with money from recent local housing developments, including waste land next to the existing skate park.

“What we are trying to do is look at something that is a bit further away from the houses,” added Cllr Sanderson.

As a part of the potential relocation, the town council is also looking for the play area to be monitored by the CCTV close to the skate park.