A ‘Save Coram’s Fields’ campaign was launched after the cash-strapped charity running the historic park threatened its groundskeepers with redundancy

• WE recognise and understand the concerns raised by some of our users regarding potential changes to our grounds team at Coram’s Fields, (Save our park! Fears keepers at historic park will be axed, February 10).

We also very much share the ambitions of our users and are committed to ensuring our park, facilities and free community services thrive and continue to provide a unique experience for local children and families.

Coram’s Fields has for some years faced considerable financial challenges following a reduction in core local authority funding and the growing cost of running our seven-acre, Grade II-listed, site; challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

Recent years have seen us work hard to diversify our fundraising and increased funding from trusts and foundations, alongside support from the community and local businesses, has been invaluable.

Unfortunately few funders are able to contribute towards the core costs of running the park and facilities, meaning we are reliant on income generated from our football pitches and the winter marquee, with any significant improvement works dependent on our ability to secure further income from external grants.

Despite these challenges we have continued to work hard to deliver improvements for our users. The past four years have seen us invest significantly in capital projects including: the refurbishment of our park toilets, resurfacing of our basketball court, installation of new play equipment, returfing of our west lawn and the redevelopment of our community café.

Recently, we have also completed a project to upgrade our Guide Hall, following the refurbishment of our Band Hall – both spaces are thriving community hubs, providing free space to the local Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Guides and Brownies, as well as an affordable venue for local families for children’s parties.

Over the next six months, major roofing and timber works will deliver essential protection to our listed buildings, thanks to £70k of funding acquired with the support of local councillors. Despite these investments there are many more improvements that we would like to see.

The decision to put forward proposals to restructure our grounds and operations team is not one that has been taken lightly.

The proposals aim to deliver a structure that can meet the current and future needs of our park and facilities, with a view to not just maintaining but enhancing our offer for local families.

We understand that it is a difficult time for those staff affected and we are providing as much support as we can.

The consultation process remains ongoing and no decisions have or will be taken until all affected staff have had the opportunity to feedback on the proposals, including exploring alternative outcomes.

STUART WOODS
CEO, Coram’s Fields