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20.11.17
6 Deputy L.B.E. Ash of St. Clement of the Minister for Economic Development,
Tourism, Sport and Culture regarding access to F.B. Fields (OQ.330/2020):
Will the Minister advise whether the gate giving access to F.B. Fields from Samarès is ever locked and, if so, will he commit to remedying this situation to allow for ease of access to this facility, particularly for those residents of Andium Homes properties who are elderly or who have young children who are otherwise required to walk to the front entrance?
Senator L.J. Farnham (The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and
Culture):
The gate in question is used only for school access to the running track. Public access to the F.B. Fields is via the main gates, which remain open 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, I am told by our team that there have been incidents of vandalism, dog mess and littering, including broken glass in the athletics area and officers have concerns that this will increase if the gate is opened and access is provided. We do need to ensure that sporting events are not disrupted and that the specialist surface of the rubber athletics track is maintained. Deputy Ash's question indicates that there might be a shortage of general amenity space in what is a very residential area. I will undertake to discuss with officers and the Deputy to explore solutions and review the current position.
4.6.1 Deputy L.B.E. Ash:
I believe the Senator has covered it but can I just confirm that he would agree with me that following the granting of permission by the States for Andium to build a substantial development on the Samarès site that it is of paramount importance that young people are provided with and have access to decent recreational facilities?
Senator L.J. Farnham :
Yes, I do, I completely agree. It is absolutely paramount and I think we should learn from such developments, even though they provide fine housing for residents, it is absolutely unacceptable to build these developments without providing adequate and suitable amenity space. I hope we can all learn from that. I am sure the new Minister for Children and Housing will also take that on board.