Swings and Smiles proposal for Greenham Common rejected
Charity founder, Sian Cook, was hoping that a proposal for a centre for the charity, including an outdoor play area, to be built on land near Greenham Common control tower and car park would be given the go ahead by West Berkshire Council.
The aim of the new building was to provide an environment where people with special needs and their carers, siblings or the whole family could play together without the pressures often experienced in wider community settings.
However, this week, the proposal was knocked back by West Berkshire Council.
Mrs Cook said she was: “bitterly disappointed” and added “We truly believed we had found the site for Swings and Smiles.
“We have gone through all the various channels to look into it,” she said, adding that she has been in talks with the council for a year.
Keith Ulyatt, Public Relations manager for West Berkshire Council, said: “Since the common has been returned to public open space, it has become a highly valued tract of countryside important for wildlife and as habitat for a range of flora and fauna.
“Elements have even been designated ‘sites of special scientific interest’ for their ecological importance.
“Having looked carefully at the wish of Swings and Smiles to create a playground on the edge of Greenham Common, we believe it would really be at odds with this status.”
His decision was supported by Julian Swift-Hook, (Lib. Dem. Greenham) and chairman of Greenham Parish Council Tony Forward.
“There has been a lot of local opposition to the plans since they were first announced, so from Greenham’s perspective the council’s decision is the right one,” said Mr Swift-Hook.
Mr Forward added: “It is not that we don’t want that sort of thing in our patch, it is just that that space is already being used for other things and it seems a shame to move that on.”
Mrs Cook is now appealing for the help of the public.
“If anyone in the community knows of any site that might be suitable for Swings & Smiles, contact us.
“While we are conducting our own search, we by no means know of all the possibilities and any help with this would be greatly appreciated so that we can meet the needs of the many families who will benefit from our play centre.”
Despite rejecting the charity’s proposals, West Berkshire Council, along with Greenham Parish Council, said they maintained support for the charity.
“Although Swings and Smiles will not be able to progress their ambitions there, the Council remains very supportive of their venture,” said Mr Ulyatt.
“Fundraising for the charity by council officers and members has been well publicised, and we will continue to talk to them about alternative ways forward.”
Mr Swift-Hook, who is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of West Berkshire Mencap, added: “I wish Mrs Cook every success in finding a suitable site. Meanwhile the extensive play facilities at West Berkshire Mencap are available for Swings and Smiles to use while her search for a permanent site continues.”