User Group meeting of 22 June 2016

We were pleased to report that works to the weir by the hospital had been completed. Construction company Volker Fitzpatrick has completely rebuilt the weir and it is hoped that this will maintain the flow through the river channel in the meadow.  Park users are asked to keep an eye on how the new weir copes with the large amounts of rain that we are occasionally experiencing.

The main item for discussion at the meeting were the proposed improvements to the tennis courts in the North Field. This will involve the complete resurfacing of the hard courts, new fencing and the introduction of floodlights. In addition, the two grass courts will be turned into hard courts. The proposal also includes a suggestion that an annual membership charge will be levied as well as a pay by use fee. Entry to the courts will be via a new keypad system. While there are concerns about ensuring that some free to use courts are maintained,  a majority of park users support the proposals.  The improvements are to be carried out by Lewisham Council in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association  Many thanks to Andy Thomas, council officer with responsibility for sports, and to the tennis court users who joined us to provide information and answer questions at the meeting.

Park users also raised a number of park management issues, including the recent damage to the railings on the bridge between middle and south fields, which are being pursued with Glendale and others.