How does Bertie Park differ from threatened parks in London? https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/aug/30/protests-grow-against-new-council-homes-on-green-spaces-in-london London is chronically short of land for building. There is so much land in Oxford that the City Council would like to transform the city by creating more employment, attracting an extra 100,000 residents. On a national podcast this morning new houses in WolvercoteContinue reading “Park not Profit!”
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3 Questions for Oxford City Council
Questions sent to Alex Hollingsworth who is Oxford City Council member for planning and housing delivery.
What is an open green space?
Oxford City Council currently intends to build on all of the open green space on Bertie Park. They would like to compensate by upgrading a nature trail on the adjoining wasteland. I had a conversation with Oxford City Council in which they said that this was not problematic as they didn’t see a difference betweenContinue reading “What is an open green space?”
Brunch on Bertie 2
From 11.00 to 13.00 on Saturday 26th June, roughly 100 people of all ages attended the Save Bertie Campaign’s second “Brunch on Bertie”. The activities were spread out across the park. Activities involved pavement chalk, paint, French skippping, balloons and bubbles. Shazia made samosas for everyone, we had our first book swap, and a bakeContinue reading “Brunch on Bertie 2”
It’s not the land, but the money
Nobody actually wants Oxford City Council to build on Bertie Park. If people support the development, it is because they believe that families deserve homes, and because the Council says that land is in short supply; difficult times mean difficult decisions have to be made. The council funds social housing by charging a levy onContinue reading “It’s not the land, but the money”
Brunch on Bertie Park
On Saturday morning, the rain held off long enough for about 80 people of all ages to come together on Bertie Park in Oxford to picnic, to play, and to show support for the Save Bertie Park Campaign. Local parents and grandparents organised activities for the younger members of our community. St Luke’s Church helpedContinue reading “Brunch on Bertie Park”
Young People talking about Bertie Park
M.M who is 19, going on 72 said “it is nice to chill, have fun, socialising”. He didn’t want to lose the park adding “It’s pathetic. Let’s be real. Round this side of the bridge there is no other park. If they take this park away, it will affect every local citizen and all youngContinue reading “Young People talking about Bertie Park”
Oxford City Council’s use of language
Oxford City Council chooses its language very carefully when defending its decision to build on Bertie Park Recreation ground. The council’s 2019 draft proposal suggested that the playground on Bertie Park should become “smaller but more modern”. The council then promised to provide an “adequately sized” play area before conceding that they are legally obligedContinue reading “Oxford City Council’s use of language”
Housing is not a priority for Oxford City Council
The council likes to blame the lack of social housing on its residents: “A plan to build as many as 33 homes at New Hinksey Playground on Bertie Place, known locally as Bertie Park, has recently met with resistance from local families”. It frequently cites the 3000 families on the waiting list for housing, yetContinue reading “Housing is not a priority for Oxford City Council”
Save Bertie Park Oxford 