A woman who was tired of her town council ‘throwing money into money’ gave a speech at a committee meeting asking for an upgrade at her local park.

Linda Burn, who lives in Bisley Close, Bicester, read in the Bicester Advertiser last year that Bicester Town Council (BTC) were going to be making upgrades to parks in Southwold and Bure Park.

Deciding this was unfair because money was being invested into new housing areas, and parks nearby, whilst her local park was simply getting a “lick of paint”, she reached out to her local councillor, Richard Mould.

Mr Mould invited Mrs Burn to come and speak at an environment committee meeting to put her case to other councillors.

In her speech, Mrs Burn said: “on every little bit of green space there is a housing estate being built.

“And every so often there is a park sitting in between the houses. Developers have to be seen to be doing something for the community.

“But how often do you see these parks packed with kids? Yet they still get first shout when funds are available to upgrade them.

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“Our park on the intersection between Spitfire Close and Bisley Close is in the heart of the community used by all ages.

“The park is a stop off for parents to allow children to let off steam after school.

“It’s a very busy park and with more updated equipment it would be made more inviting.

“Children make the most of it as it is at the moment, but it is a large area which lacks equipment and children get bored.

“Why are the new housing estates’ parks getting refurbishments before us?”

Mrs Burns had two minutes to give her speech, which she delivered in March.

She then waited for around 6 months until the next BTC budget was released to find out if the park would be upgraded – she was successful.

The retired doctor’s receptionist said: “I asked the children in the area to draw pictures of the equipment they would like to see in their new park.

“I then gave the pictures to BTC, who sat down and looked at them.

“The park isn’t open yet, there needs to be a few health and safety check carried out first, but once it’s open there will be a you-and-me swing for a parent and child to sit in, big swings, a hanging basket, two climbing frames and a bench in the shape of a spitfire.”

The park was built by Ava Recreation.

Mrs Burns praised their staff: “They were fantastic. Started ahead of schedule and worked through the heat.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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