Imagine a beautiful summer day perfect for children to play outside with their friends. For the residents of the Oscott ward, Glenmead Playing Field was once the ideal spot. Bordered by homes, it offered a safe space for local kids to run around, kick a ball, and enjoy the outdoors. But on this Thursday morning, the field is eerily quiet. No children, no laughter, and no games—just an empty, overgrown field.
A Neglected Space
The once-vibrant Glenmead Playing Field has been left in a state of neglect, with waist-high weeds taking over the area. The grass, which hasn’t been cut all year, is now so overgrown that the field resembles a savannah rather than a neighborhood park. The only signs of life are a few dog walkers, sticking to the perimeter path, unable to venture into the thick vegetation.
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Community Concerns
Local residents are frustrated and disappointed with the state of the field. Councillor Barbara Dring has raised the issue multiple times, but the council has no funds to maintain the area due to financial constraints. As a result, the field has become largely unusable, depriving the community of a much-needed green space.
Sheila Clarke, a 73-year-old resident who belongs to a dog-walking group, shared her concerns. “My dog had to go to the vet because he got a grass seed stuck in his ear, and it cost me £100. We have a great dog-walking community here, and we’ve formed strong friendships on this field. But now, it’s empty, and we have to stick to the pathway,” she said.
Another local, Ann Harvey, 80, echoed Sheila’s sentiments. “It’s bad because dogs are getting sick from things like seeds and contaminants in the grass. We think foxes are making it worse. The kids can’t play here anymore. They used to come after school, have picnics, and play football, but not now. It’s an eyesore.”
A Call for Action
Resident Danny Walmsley, 80, also expressed his disappointment. “No children are on the field because of the grass. When my kids were younger, we used to play there all the time. It’s such a shame.”
Councillor Dring is pushing for the space to be officially recognized as a village green, which would provide it with some protection and ensure its maintenance. “Residents are irate because they’ve always had access to the field. But now, during the holidays, children haven’t been able to use it,” she said.
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Conclusion
Glenmead Playing Field, once a hub for community activities, has sadly become an overgrown, neglected space. The residents of Oscott are calling for action to restore this valuable community asset, hoping that one day it will once again be a place where children can play freely and neighbors can gather.
