Save Barn Elms

We strongly object to the proposed sale of up to 5.5 acres of the Barn Elms land to private sports club developers.  We believe that the Barn Elms Playing fields should be retained for community use and not for a private health club as is proposed by the Richmond Upon Thames Council.  We believe that the cost for the regeneration of the Barn Elms Playing Fields and sporting facilities should be provided from our substantial tax reserves and from funds given for that purpose.  The council's stated policy is to provide access to quality facilities for sports and leisure activities, conserve and protect the environment and open spaces and to ensure the safety of the users.  We believe the council has the resources and funds to provide these services with respect to the Barn Elms playing fields and proposed improvements.   There is no need to sell public land intended for community use to private developers.