Please stop the demolition of the Public
Baths
I represent a forum , that is in the process of being
established ,called “ Woodstock Village Forum”. This small group of volunteers
also represents the Woodstock Sector 4 Crime Forum from which it has
evolved. This new forum has undertaken to become more involved in community
issues other than just the sector 4 crime forum, which will remain one of its
key functions, but also looking at social integration and community spirit
as a more holistic approach to the crime problem.
In this regard we have been approached by the Queens Park
Football association to assist in the realization of their vision to establish a
Sports centre.
They have asked us for the opportunity to present their
proposal to the forum at our next formal meeting, being the 8th of
September 2009 at the Woodstock Police Station. The club believes that
their vision of creating a Club with a professional team possibly called “
Woodstock United” would have a huge impact on the youth of the area. At this
stage we are not able to comment much on their proposal as it has not been
presented to us in detail but one of our members, Richard Gaertner, is assisting
them and has been briefed in full.
we have been told however that the Public Bath Buildings, are
an interregnal part of the business plan of the Sports Club and that it would be
foolish to demolish them at this stage.
While we have also been informed of the history and the
complications of the buildings as well as the cost to council, we believe that
the proposed monitorium on the demolition and the opportunity asked for by the
Football Club should be considered in the following light.
1.
The sport facilities are used by the whole of
Woodstock.
2.
The club has informed us that they commit to take
over the costs of securing the property during this period.
3.
We would like an opportunity to consult with the
residents in Woodstock and be able to represent the majority
viewpoint.
While we know that the timing of this request is unfortunate,
in that this issue has been discussed for a very long period.
it is however only now that we have been approached by the
club and shown documentation dating back to October and November 2008 in which
they had expressed an interest in utelising the buildings.
Under the circumstances we feel that we need to support their
application for a further postponement of any demolition.
Kind regards.