What the candidates think about Bertie Park

Hannah Scott: Green Party

Bertie Park wasn’t mentioned on the Green Party leaflet, so I asked Hannah Scott what she thought. She apologised for leaving it out. Hannah is against building on Bertie Park. She thinks there’s an urgent need for affordable and social housing, but the council should take into account the quality of life for existing residents too. Leisure access to green and blue space is important for mental health. There is already a lack of community provision in south Hinksey. Hannah understands why residents are upset. She expressed an interest in youth facilities in this area.

I asked Labour Party candidate Siobhan Lancaster where her bottom lines were for Bertie Park. Siobhan believes that local recreation grounds are really important. She was surprised to find out the new local plan no longer requires replacement of our Multi Use Games Area. Siobhan was keen to find out more about the campaign, and left with lots of questions. If she is elected, she promised to make sure we aren’t kept in the dark.

Siobhan Lancaster: Labour

Rick Tanner: Lib Dem

Rick fully understands the need for house building. He supports building on Redbridge Meadow, but he has reservations about current plans. Rick has lived here for 33 years. His daughter and friends loved to play in Bertie. Like the rest of us, Rick is against building on Bertie Park. Not only will it add little to the housing stock, he is worried about flooding and sewage. Rick also thinks that the replacement play areas won’t cater for existing users, let alone the new people who will move into this area if Redbridge Meadow goes ahead.