I WOULD like to respond to the letter from Mr Charles Smith of Berry Hill (February 17) about the playing field in Berry Hill.

The parish council has always worked closely with Berry Hill residents to provide play facilities in Berry Hill. A proposal for a play park was drawn up with council and local participation in 2009, but unfortunately the subsequent bid for funding was rejected.

The council, including in particular Mr Clive Hooper, the deputy clerk for many years, was instrumental in setting up and supporting the extremely active Berry Hill Recreation Association which is now working on the play facility project. The Association is also supported closely by the two councillors for the Berry Hill ward, who, after two years in which no Berry Hill resident was on the council, are ensuring that the voice of Berry Hill is heard.

The swings were removed because they were severely damaged by vandalism to the extent that they constituted a danger to users, and therefore on health and safety grounds had to be removed. No organisation can allow facilities it provides to be a hazard to potential users, especially children. I am not aware of any broken promises in respect of this action.

The council has quotations for the complete replacement of the fence around the site. The cost of this is in excess of £10,000, which is beyond the resources of the council.

The parish council has initiated a series of steering groups around West Dean parish to consult local communities about their priorities. The timetable for the completion of these consultation surveys is July 31, following which council will look forward to working with the community of Berry Hill to achieve their aspirations.

I am very happy to respond immediately to any query from Mr Smith addressed to the West Dean Parish Council, whose address Mr Smith has.

– Dave Kent, Clerk, West Dean Parish Council.