KEEP the Geodome climbing frame and the sand pit, and don't even consider a youth pod. These are the views of Headley residents following discussions about updating the play equipment on the village green. Concerned residents attended Headley Parish Council's amenities and recreation meeting on Monday, to express their views about the suggestion of providing a youth pod on the green for the older children. As The Herald reported in January, a sub- committee has been set up to determine, what, if any, improvements could be made to the village green play area. Among the suggestions was the idea of a youth pod for slightly older children. This resulted in a petition and several letters of objection being sent to the parish council. Chairman Richard Clifford said: "We decided that when we next spent money it would be on the older children in the village - the 10 to 14-year-olds." One member of the public said: "That's the age group that cause the most concern for the people living at the green, especially in the summer when large groups gather." He continued: "At the moment I feel safe whatever time I walk my dog, day or night. This would be a draw for youths, who do drink. It's about keeping them entertained rather than giving them somewhere to gather. Our immediate fear is that it will attract people not just from Headley, but also from Headley Down and Bordon." A woman agreed: "The pod would be a nucleus for trouble and would be targeted by drug dealers. It would also be intimidating for younger children who may no longer be allowed to play on the green." Another resident said: "We had a hell of a time with youngsters when the youth club was running, it was a nightmare, particularly in the summer when teenagers were being rowdy at 2 am. They can be intimidating, and if you call the police - they don't necessarily come out quickly." When asked what the residents suggested to do for the older children, one man remarked: "It's difficult on a limited budget. I think it's better to do nothing at all rather than something small as a token measure. At the moment there is a very good status quo on the village green and it is a happy, safe environment. Everybody's biggest fear is that the status quo will be altered." Following the letters of objections and these concerns the play sub-committee have not recommended pursuing the pod. For the unfenced area of the village green, the sub-committee has proposed installing SafaGrass under the swings, retaining the balance beams, removing the Geodome climbing frame and getting a quote for a small kickabout football goalmouth. For the fenced area they proposed putting SafaGrass under the Peter and Alice unit, removing the sand pit and extending the fenced area to include a pair of metal cradle swings and a children's springer. Residents worried about how much consultation was carried out before the proposals were made. Anthony Williams replied: "It's not fair to assume that this is being done without public consultation. You are watching democracy at work. We have to consider all the pros, cons, the cost and the level of use. We don't make instant decisions, we welcome public consultations." Continued on page 4 "We haven't made any decisions yet, they are just proposals," Mr Clifford confirmed. Many residents felt that the Geodome should be retained. One mother said: It's the main focus of my 12 year old's attention on the green. He's too old for the fenced area and it's the one piece of slightly interesting equipment. It seems to be in good order and is in constant use. If removed, it desperately needs to be replaced by more climbing equipment." The other main area for concern was the sandpit, which is costly for the parish council as the sand needs to be replaced on a regular basis. A resident remarked: "It's a shame to take away all the sand, the kids love it. In the summer months most of the kids are in the sand area where they use their imagination to create things. It's the one place which allows their imagination to run free and develop. On behalf of every parent, I'd like to say please keep the sand." The residents recommended that the parish council visit the play areas at Churt, Kingsley and Thursley for ideas on how to make improvements. Mr Clifford concluded: "I've taken on board all your comments, particularly about the Geodome and the sand pit, and we're not rushing to do anything. We will circulate any proposals for feedback."
