Wycombe Liberal Democrats

Report by Richard Groom
On 16th November, about twenty-five Sands residents took part in a public meeting to discuss the Sands Green Travel Plan for football and rugby matches. The meeting was one of a series which normally take place at six-monthly intervals.

This one was timed with the intention of discussing Wasps’s plans for expansion of the ground. As it turns out, there have been delays in the planning process but we were given some insight into the proposals on the table.

Wasps said that they are trialling use of the Johnson and Johnson premises in a Park and Ride scheme. The site takes 1000 cars and usage is growing. Wasps are also trialling use of www.liftshare.com to encourage supporters to car share.

At previous meetings it had been suggested that Wasps should support a scheme to buy back tickets from season ticket holders for matches that they could not attend. The scheme they had intended to use has not yet got off the ground, so they have decided to go with www.viagogo.com . Whilst this will not affect match-day traffic in Sands, it could perhaps have an impact on the need to expand the ground.

Plans for the increased stadium seating are being revised to incorporate recommendations from the emergency services. The planning application is likely to be submitted early in the new year and will be subject to public scrutiny. The community will be involved.

Wasps were asked about the rumours that a new access road to the ground is required for the stadium expansion. They confirmed that there is a plan is to build a road connecting the ground to the top of Toweridge Lane (West Wycombe end – not Sands end). The road is for emergency use only. It will not be for public access. The road will be of grasscrete construction. This is a concrete road with holes through which grass can grow. This softens the visual impact. Concerns were raised that the gradient up from the stadium to the end of Toweridge Lane might be too steep for emergency vehicles and that terracing earthworks might be needed which could affect the landscape impact. Wasps confirmed that the nature reserve would not be affected and that an environmental impact assessment is being made as part of the application. A representative from the Chiltern Society requested early involvement in the planning.

The subject of match-day parking was raised. Unfortunately there was no official present from Bucks County Council and there were again no County or District councillors present. Although it was pointed out that councillors might not be able to attend because of possible conflict of interest. Nobody present at the meeting was in a position to provide information. It was suggested to the chair that we need a report from the council on its intentions regarding parking. The chairman expressed irritation that the County had again failed to provide an official representative.

Wasps pointed out that there are things that can be done but need political support. For example, they feel that Hillbottom Rd should be closed during matches. But football and rugby matches are not on the Chief Constable’s ‘radar’. A police representative said that neighbourhood policing will be introduced next year. One way forward would be an action group set up to solve problems by better public engagement.

The next meeting will be on 22nd March 2007 at 19:30hrs at Adams Park. Elected representatives from the County and District may not be there – but we will.