News / Housing
‘An absolute disgrace’: plans to remove ball court slammed
A community activist has launched a blistering attack against plans to remove a ball court.
A housing association wants to build homes in place of the youth facility, which is part of an old swimming pool site.
But Carol Casey calls the proposals “an absolute disgrace” and says the court on Filwood Broadway in Knowle West should be retained and enhanced.
is needed now More than ever
Carol Casey, who was chair of Knowle West Health Association for 25 years, has spoken out against plans to remove a ball court – photo: Charlie Watts
“It needs to be kept because it’s open 24 hours, it’s free, and not all kids want to be indoors,” said Carol, who was born and bred in Knowle West and is the community representative for Avon & Somerset Police.
“We’d see more anti-social behaviour if it went and kids’ mental and physical health would be affected.
“We’ve got enough houses as it is. There’s no social infrastructure being put in, which is a concern.”
The court is part of a site which has been undeveloped since Filwood Swimming Pool closed in 2005 and was then demolished – photo: Charlie Watts
Carol says she would like to see all of the former Filwood Swimming Pool site used for youth facilities such as an outdoor gym, an assault course and a bike track.
She has also criticised local councillor Zoe Goodman for not speaking out against the housing plans for the site, calling her a “total cop out”.
Bristol24/7 was unable to get a response from the Labour councillor for Filwood (Knowle West) despite repeated attempts to contact her.
A housing association wants to build 29 homes on the site, most of which will be for social rent and shared ownership – photo: LiveWest
Around 80 residents have objected to the plans to build 29 homes on the old pool site, which is owned by the council.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “A planning application for the site has been submitted and is currently being considered. All comments received on the application will be taken into account.”
The council also said it is addressing youth provision in Knowle West by proposing the south Bristol “youth zone”.
But the multi-million pound youth centre is proposed at the edge of the estate while the threatened ball court is in the middle of it.
Carol says she would like to see the court retained and enhanced – and an outdoor gym, an assault course and a bike track built around it – photo: StreetSpace
The former pool site was allocated for development by the council in 2014.
Developer LiveWest says the allocation did not include the need for the ball court to remain or be replaced.
“However, we are working with the council for the court to be relocated to a registered playing field in the local area, to provide a significantly improved facility,” said Mark Windale, LiveWest’s new business manager.
“We expect to be asked to make a financial planning contribution towards this relocation, in the event that our planning application is successful and we purchase the site.”
The street the court is on is also at the centre of other campaigns, with residents fighting to stop the demolition of the old cinema and current library building there as well.
Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: Charlie Watts
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