onionbagblog

It wasn’t all about telling private property developers where to p-off to around these estuary parts on Saturday. Something slightly more sedate, but equally as worthy, was the public appearance of BRA up at Broadfields.

Blimey.

BRA of course is the good Broadfields Residents Association, who were taking the opportunity of being blessed in the early autumnal sunshine to re-launch the organisation with a lunchtime community BBQ.

Working parallel to this was the push to try and raise awareness (and possible funds) for the much needed youth facilities up towards the top of the town.

The event was staged at the council owned land at the back of Henrietta Close. I had no idea that this valuable public space existed. It’s not exactly the splendour of Castle Park in Colchester, but then I doubt that the grounds budget matches the finances that come the way of the borough’s flagship space.

It has potential - a small football pitch with goals is already in place. The plans are for a multi-play space, a basketball area and some outdoor gym equipment that can be used by young folk and adults alike.

But all of this takes planning and co-operation - which is exactly where the support (geddin!) of BRA comes from.

On Saturday a mixed crowd from the community came together to have a chat, enjoy the BBQ and come up with some plans as to the working way ahead. This is exactly what BRA wanted - local folk leaving their houses or the chores of Saturday morning shopping, and taking time to share their needs and ideas.

Helping all of this along was the tireless work of Wivenhoe Youth Hub, transported from the Philip Road Centre and up towards The Cross, lending support and advice. Failing that then the soft bribe of burgers on the BBQ always seems to win Yoof over.

The Hub folk know what works around the town for young folk, as well as having the knowledge and contacts about what can be realistically achieved. This input will be vital if the plans for Henrietta Close are to come a step closer to happening.

Cllr Cory of the Cross ward was at hand to offer suggestions and help out with the funding options. He told me that he is “confident that funding can be found,” even in these cash strapped days for any local authority.

BRA meanwhile aims to be not overtly formal, but a group where residents can come together with their own beliefs and shared aims to help develop more of a sense of community. LibDem Cllr Cory even whispered to me through gritted teeth the dreaded *shhh* Big Society ideal.

If both BRA and the Hub related youth facilities can be sustained, Broadfields will be all the better for it. You can become part of both plans by contacting Cllr Cory. You can email him over here, or contact him directly on 07988 800301.