BMX changes defended

Adam Hewitt • Published 19 Jul 2010 09:30 20 Comments

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ONE of the leading lights behind the Paddick Drive BMX track has defended trying to drop the footpath from the project.

Cllr Michael Firmager, who chairs Earley Town Council's amenities and leisure sub-committee, said campaigners were "just wrong" to say it would affect safety or was to cut costs, as reported in last week's Chronicle.

He said: "One major reason it was decided was because the path would cut across a football pitch, stopping people using that. They shouldn't be praising the Lib Dems - when it came to full council, the Lib Dems did not vote for or against the track."

Work will start on the BMX track as soon as the planning amendment to drop the footpath is decided by Wokingham Borough Council. The original plans were approved last year, despite an 18-month battle by neighbours.

The Chronicle understands the track is unlikely to be open before Winter.

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 22 Jul 10

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Anthony Vick
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Jul 22, 15:02
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It's "Just Wrong" to exclude people from public meetings when you're going to do something contentious. Michael Firmager did exactly that when he and other Conservative councillors voted to go in to "closed session" and discuss dropping this footpath behind closed doors. They know a great many people are interested in this project and yet they deliberately tried to keep them in the dark. See for yourself in the minutes: http://www.earley-tc.gov.uk/amenitiescommittee.htm

The logic behind removing the footpath is simple: they don't want to spend money on trying to prevent kids from cycling along Lower Earley Way ( which is one of the most dangerous roads in Wokingham ). Saying the footpath would have cut across a football pitch is nonsense, go to Lidstone Close and see for yourself: there's a single goal post in the middle of a field.

Quite frankly, people are turning to the Liberal Democrats because of the way Earley's Conservative councillors have treated them, the consultation mocked local people. As residents with concerns over Elms Field are finding out consultations are not a Conservative strong point.

Anthony Vick

Liberal Candidate for Hawkedon

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Pauline Jorgensen
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Jul 22, 21:33
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Anthony

In the interest of transparency are you in favour of or against the development of the BMX track?

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Tahir
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Jul 27, 09:55
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Principally the Lib Dems are not against the idea, but what we were not happy with is the way the Tories conducted the consultation process. They effectively ignored the issues (of which they were many) put forward by the residents of Piddick Drive.

The BMX track is very large for a residential area; it will effectively sits in the middle of a once relatively quite residential play area. Because of its size it will attract people from outside the area and there are serious questions about the parking facilities and local access to the track.

After seeing the problems we had last year in the Events field and surrounding area I fear that we have exposed the residents of Piddick Drive unnecessary to such possible disruption. This is not fair for the residents who live near the proposed BMX track. The location is wrong. This simple point the Tories missed or refused to accept.

When they are questioned they respond by "Do you support the BMX track or not?" and if you say no, they will immediately rush to incorrectly brand the individual as not supporting the youth in the area (as per Pauline's question to Anthony, above).

The point is we the Lib Dems do support the youth in Earley – the point is the location is wrong – the point is the track is far too large for where it is situated – the point is the Tories don’t listen.

The whole thing was and is a mess, how could we vote for it. I would not have any objections if the track was moved to one of the parks or the nearby Events field. It's almost not worth saying this as the Tories won't listen.

Tahir Maher

Lib Dem Leader Earley Town Council

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Anthony Vick
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Jul 27, 12:03
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Hi Pauline,

I suspect as a Conservative Town and Borough councillor you already know the answer to this; you should because I lobbied you and your colleagues against this project - in fact, I believe you were sympathetic to our arguments and voted against this proposal yourself. Regardless, I've never made a secret of my opposition, it's plainly stated on Adam Hewitt's previous articles and my election campaign literature.

The intent to provide youth provision is always laudable, but this project completely disregards local opinion - including that of the youths, it's in the wrong place - against the advice of youth workers and PCSOs, and it's going to be far, far too big for Earley's needs - costing more money than it should and attracting people from outside the area. It's interesting to note that Wargrave's BMX track is 420sqm, Woosehill's will be 760sqm, where as Earley's will be 2450sqm ( without landscaping ). It's complete overkill and a waste of taxpayers money in a time of difficulty.

And, of course, now your colleagues are proposing to cap it all by dropping the footpath link from Meldreth Way, which will make travelling to and from the track potentially very dangerous for some youngsters.

The Liberal Democrats support youth provision, but in partnership with local communities not against them, where there's a clear desire and requirement you'll have my full support: like the proposals for a youth cafe in Earley or an Astro turf pitch for the Salvation Army's youth club.

I hope this answers your question. Perhaps if your interested in transparency you'll join me and ask your colleagues to stop going in to closed sessions every time they have to discuss something potentially controversial.

Yours Sincerely,

Anthony Vick.

Liberal Democrat Candidate for Hawkedon

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Pauline Jorgensen
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Jul 28, 20:19
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Anthony

Thank you for your response, it was a genuine question, you are quite correct I did vote against the proposal as did one of the other Conservative Town Councillors, these were the only two votes against. The reason I asked was that I am genuinely confused by your Party's policy which hasn't been made any clearer by your leaders comments above which do not match the voting record of your colleagues on the night.

Pauline

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******
Jul 29, 13:52
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Michael Firmager
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Jul 29, 13:56
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At last night's meeting of Earley Town Council I reiterated the comments I made in the Chronicle of 22nd July 2010 where the Lib Dems did not vote for or against the BMX Cycle Track at the Full Council Meeting that approved this project, and indeed could not be bothered to abstain. There was no reaction from the Lib Dems present to this comment. The Lib Dem Leader was not present.

It must be noted at the Amenties and Leisure Committee Meeting prior to the Full Council Meeting that approved this scheme, there was Lib Dem support. Clearly they have not made their minds up, and have no policy for the children and young people here in Earley, and would rather sit and do nothing. If Anthony Vick (as a resident of Earley he is entitled to do so) turned up at last night's meeting he would have seen this.

As mentioned in earlier articles the footpath was going to cross a football pitch, but is now not needed. This does not stop people taking this route anyway, and using the roads and pathways approaching Paddick Drive, and so avoiding Lower Earley Way. There is no need to use Lower Earley Way.

As Anthony Vick is well aware meetings are sometimes held in private perhaps because of a contractual nature. However, the minutes when published are in the public domain.

The BMX Cycle Track is not designed for competion use, but for the local children and young people to use. It appears that the local Lib Dems are wary of such people which is a shame.

Cllr. Michael Firmager

Chairman, Amenities & Leisure Committee

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Tahir
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Jul 29, 17:38
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I think that Cllr. Firmager in his last paragraph gives away his true intentions. Try to find something (in this case an implied “..are wary of such people” ) to blame the Lib Dems on and then spin the story – unfortunately this is the way the Tories operate.

Let me reiterate - the Lib Dems support the youth in Earley and are not as Cllr. Firmager suggests “wary of such people”; the BMX track is over sized for its proposed site; it will ruin a pleasant residential area and that is very very unfair to the residents; it has a serious potential to increase unwanted disturbance in the drive…. the list unfortunately goes on.

These and other reasons (poor consultation being another) is why we did not vote for having the BMX bike track in Paddick Drive.

The reason we did not vote against it was because we wanted to show our support for the youth in Earley who need such facilities. Hence we abstained.

The Lib Dems support youth facilities in Earley and are happy to support proposals that work and are well balanced.

It’s a shame that the Tories who had such a good opportunity to do something positive for the youth in Earley have mismanaged the situation so badly.

Tahir

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Anthony Vick
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Jul 29, 18:14
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Hello Michael,

I'm sure you can appreciate that I've been put off the attending the Amenities and Leisure committee meetings because so many of interesting discussions and subsequent decisions are taken in private.

If you check Earley Town Council's website I think you'll find the minutes from the Closed Sessions are absent. What other publications did you have in mind which put them in the public domain?

Many Thanks,

Anthony

Liberal Democrat.

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Michael Firmager
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Jul 30, 10:07
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Tahir,

I am rather surprised by your term “spin” this could not be further from the case, but that is the way it appears.

The area around the track the will be landscaped with indigenous plants etc. As mentioned in my earlier comments the track is not competition sized and is designed for local use. If the track is oversized then why was it given planning permission, and where did you say it was oversized at council?

You will now know BMX is an Olympic sport and we should be encouraging interest in the same way as any other sport.

The project is funded and is within budget.

This is not my decision but one of the Amenities & Leisure Committee and Earley Town Council, of which Lib Dems are also members.

To offer an olive branch I am more than prepared to work in areas with the Lib Dems where we are in agreement or have common values, as we have on previous occasions.

Anthony,

I am rather saddened by your comments surrounding the Amenities & Leisure Committee. You, as a resident, are more than welcome to attend the next meeting and/or meetings.

As you are aware the minutes for Part 2 items (the private items to which you refer) are available in the public domain, but not on the website.

Cllr. Michael Firmager

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Anthony Vick
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Jul 30, 12:59
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Hello Michael,

I think the figures speak for them selves don't they? Wargrave and Woosehill will have tracks which are 420sqm and 760 sqm and Earley will have one which is 2450sqm. It's clear which are the play tracks and which is closer to regional class. I think residents expressed this loud and clear at Council meetings alongside Liberal Democrats saying "This has been a case study in how not to do a consultation".

The decision to build BIG is a mistake, please don't compound it by endangering lives, build a footpath and zebra crossing for the kids - if you need more money, then maybe building a smaller track is the answer. Do you really want future accidents weighing on your conscience?

In regards to the Part 2 minutes ( minutes of meetings where the public and press are excluded ), I ask again, where are they put in the public domain? I would dearly like to know. I believe the last Full Council went in to Closed Session 3 times...

Many Thanks,

Anthony

Liberal Democrat

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Michael Firmager
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Jul 30, 15:47
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Anthony,

If you feel it is big, then why do you think planning permission was granted? Also, as I stated earlier why did not the Lib Dems raise this concern at council? The access to the track does not include any busy roads, but normal housing estate roads.

As I mentioned previously the part 2 minutes are available, all you need to do is ask Earley Town Council.

You once said so me that you felt this track would be too successful. A strange thing to say if you are against.

I am only a phone call away if you wish to speak further.

Cllr. Michael Firmager

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Know-Dice
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Jul 30, 17:44
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Hmm. Let me see now...

Reported here - http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2009/07/02/39647-arguments-after-bmx-decision

"Of the five committee members able to vote at Wednesday's meeting, four were Conservatives - two of whom voted with Lib Dem Cllr Stephen Conway to defer a decision on the track, to give Earley Town Council the chance to scale back the track design and deal with parking and traffic issues which have been thrown up."

"Norreys ward Cllr Lee Gordon-Walker, who said the track was 'just too big', was criticised after the meeting by a party colleague"

And Councillor Chopping was quoted as saying "It's a shame that a young and inexperienced councillor opened his mouth in this case, Lee Gordon-Walker."

So there clearly was concern about the size of the development and it was only passed by the Planning Committee after the "party card" was played...

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Michael Firmager
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Jul 30, 18:03
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Know Dice,

Politics did not come into this. The project was given planning permission.

You can always speak to me.

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Mark
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Aug 10, 09:16
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Michael,

As a resident, who has been involved in most of the meetings, and in particular the two public planning meetings, I can say, that Politics did play a very big part in this, the difference between the two meetings was very obvious to those that made it to both meetings.

None of the concerns raised at the first meeting were actually discussed at the second, and it got it's rubber stamp.

The cloak and dagger way in which your party has handled this, has caused me to reconsider my support for you and your party. I have personally voted for you in the past, and after 23 years of supporting the Conservatives, your actions, and those of your colleagues on the Earley Town council have caused me to switch parties.

You shall not have my support when it comes to re-election time.

You have failed the local residents who will be most impacted by this plan.

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Michael Firmager
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Aug 10, 09:50
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Mark,

Thanks for your comments. I must that in all the meetings I attended or was involved in party politics did not come into it.

As you are aware following discussions with residents across Lower Earley it was clear comething more had to do be done for children and young people, and this where the idea of a BMX cycle track came from. This part of a package of sport/leisure activities across the town including Sol Joel where there is a skate part jamboree tomorrow where Sir John Madejski will be in attendance, together with the planned re-opening of the Laurel Park Pavilion. There are other ideas such as a Youth Cafe, that has Lib Dem support, and using empty shops for art and craft work. It is important that these events are spread across the town and not just in one place.

As mentioned in my earlier comments I am more than happy for residents to contact me and talk about this and other matters. Mark, I would welcome the opportunity for you to call me, and talk through your concerns. I know we have also spoken in the past.

Cllr. Michael Firmager

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Michael Firmager
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Aug 10, 10:34
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Mark,

Just one more thing, all these matters are Committee and Council decisions, which includes both Conservatives and Lib Dems.

As I mentioned in an earlier comment at the meeting of the Amenities & Leisure Committee (before I became chairman) that approved the BMX Cycle Track, there was support from both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Parties. At the council meeting the Lib Dems did not raise any concerns.

Also, as mentioned previously why was planning permission given?

Cllr. Michael Firmager

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Know-Dice
Unregistered User
Aug 10, 12:04
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Michael,

You say "why was planning permission given" which is strange because that is exactly the same question as the local residents are asking...

In fact the Local Government Ombudsman (found that there had been maladministration at Wokingham Borough over this matter, but decided that there had not been an injustice due to the fact that one of the conditions of the Planning Committee was "During the first 12 months of operation the developer would carry out parking surveys to be agreed with the Planning Authority"

We expect Earley Town council to stick to this requirement and promptly address any short comings that are raised by these surveys. May be we should also remind Councillor Deegan of his promise to "Bulldoze the area flat, if there were problems there".

As has been say time and time again Paddick drive is a residential area it has none of the facilities needed for a track of this size, regardless whether competitions can be held there. Compare this with Laurel park which you have mentioned above, that has a pavilion, toilets and 63 car parking spaces.

Even the Worshipful Mayor says [as I understand it] that the main problem area for lack of facilities for young people is around the Radstock Lane area...

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Tahir
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Aug 10, 17:35
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Michael,

I note that you have attempted to deflect some blames to us again. We raised a number of concerns, in a number of different meetings and outside of meetings (I did, Steve Scarrott did, Jenny Lissaman did and I believe that Tania Christialis even walked out of one meeting over it). I believe that even David Swindells (a previous councillor) raised a number of concerns via email. Borough councillors raised concerns, Anthony who is our prospective councillor for Hawkedon raised a massive number of concerns. Did we miss one instance at one particular meeting !!!

The comment you make is not worthy of you. Nit picking is not helping your cause or going to resolve the issue for the residents of the Drive.

WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES AND YOU MUST BY NOW HAVE REALISED THE REAL CONCERN AND DEPTH OF FEELING LOCAL RESIDENTS HAVE - TAKING YOUR OLIVE BRANCH (YOU OFFERED, 30TH JULY) WHY NOT RECONSIDER THE LOCATION OF THE BMX TRACK AND MOVE IT.

It is the right and mature thing to do, while we still can. We are here to work and support our community and whatever you say this does not do that.

Tahir

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shocked
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Aug 11, 13:06
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I see that the requirement to build the pathway has been dropped ... absolutely amazing to see the power or politics. In the event taht a child is injured or killed getting to or using this track I hope teh mighty local politicians take full responsibility and resign.

Application No: VAR/2010/1298

Location: Paddick Drive Open Space Paddick Drive Lower Earley Reading

Key Dates

Received Date: 07/06/2010

Valid Date: 10/06/2010

Consultation Start Date: 29/06/2010

Details

Proposal: Variation of condition 15 of planning consent F/2009/0570 to remove the requirement for the provision of new footpath linking Meldreth Way with Paddick Drive and the extension of existing footway on Meldreth Way.

Planning Officer: LAURA CALLAN Tel 0118 974 6443

Plans and Documents: See the Plans and Documents

Decision

Decision Date: 06/08/2010

Decision: APPROVED

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Know-Dice
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Aug 11, 13:37
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My statement above about the LGO finding Wokingham Borough guilty of maladministration over this matter is not correct, so I withdraw this statement and apologise for any concern it may have caused.

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