Residents of a Church Stretton cul-de-sac are up in arms over the town’s SummerFest plans for June 20 – voicing noise and safety fears.
The town’s Chamber of Trade is behind the SummerFest plans, which will feature events in Rectory Field, the Square and Church Street. But this week the Journal was contacted by Godfrey Callwood, a resident of St Laurence Close, right next to Rectory Field.
“We are all old people and we don’t want it at all, said Mr Callwood, “two of the properties are only a metre from the field. Lots of people here are against it; it’s a heritage site and conservation area.
“Rectory Field is not a recreation ground, he continued, “it’s uneven and small. I’m 67, I’ve seen a lot of life and this field hasn’t got the capacity for pop music.
“Two years ago on Bonfire Night the fire was so hot the people all surged to the fence, which was dangerous.
“But that was an event for locals so numbers were limited. The chamber of trade are sending out hundreds of leaflets about the SummerFest so it will be national.”
Mr Callwood is calling for more information on the SummerFest and any other events planned for the field, as well as for a risk assessment of the field.
He also plans to object to Church Stretton Town Council’s application for an entertainments licence to cover Rectory Field.
Mr Callwood also believes the town council should have kept locals informed about its application.
Jane Van Doesburg, chairman of Church Stretton Chamber, said: “The town council is fully aware of the St Laurence’s Close residents concerns and has already issued a sensitive response. The Chamber of Trade has also been in touch with residents concerned, with the intention of keeping them suitably informed.
She added: “Rectory Field is a community recreation ground in the centre of Church Stretton. The Chamber of Trade is doing all possible to minimise noise and inconvenience to all residents in the town.”
A letter from the chamber has been delivered by hand to residents.
It said: “Rectory Field will be used mainly for children’s entertainment during the day, ending with a family type musical evening.
“We are writing to assure all residents – particularly those living around Rectory Field – that we are fully conscious of the need to ensure as little inconvenience as possible is caused to residents, and we will do our utmost to meet that need.
“Bands will play from 6.30pm until around 10pm, the layout of equipment in Rectory Field will be such as to deflect noise (and any lighting, if used) away from housing and measures will be in place to ensure full security and control.
“We thank you for your co-operation, assistance and support and hope very much that everyone will enjoy the first Chamber of Trade SummerFest.”