FOLLOWING the East Preston Parish Council meeting last Monday (Gazette story, September 18), I would like to raise my concerns over the proposed building extension to the village hall.
I fully understand the need for additional storage space, but question the need for additional toilets (there are already toilets inside and outside the village hall), parish council office and further meeting room.
There is also the issue of loss of parking spaces from the cricket field car park, which is a little ironic considering the parish council appears to object to proposed building developments in the village on the grounds of parking issues!
More importantly, there would be a minimum 10 per cent reduction in the size of the children's playground, once relocated.
A parish council such as East Preston should be increasing the size of children's playgrounds rather than reducing them.
They are also proposing to locate the playground in a position of virtually continual direct sunlight.
Then there are the financial questions — £45,000 to relocate the playground and £250,000-plus to build the extension.
I understand that the parish council does not hold funds to cover both of these costs and is looking at grants and, more worryingly, loans, that will have be paid back by the council taxpayers.
The majority of those attending Monday's meeting were against the proposed building.
Let's hope the parish council listens to its parishioners and drops this empire building!
Simon Locke, Eastern Close, East PrestonNOTE: All letters must include a name and address which can be withheld by request.
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