MICHAEL Race’s detailed report (Oxford Mail, February 3) informing us of the £8m the city council will be spending on Barton, will further infuriate many people in the ward of Barton and Sandhills.

I stood in the ward as an Independent candidate in 2015 because it was not acceptable for a ward with a youth population in excess of 800 people; which does not have adequate community space for parties, Girl Guides, engagement celebrations and so on.

Barton has lost the well-used Royal British Legion, St Mary’s Church and community hall and the sports pavilion; all within a short period of time. These venues were available for hire and are terribly missed.

Barton had a thriving ballet dance troupe which was based in St Mary’s Hall for many years until the hall was closed for refurbishment. The nationally recognised dance troupe, Messy Jam was originally based in Barton, but accommodation difficulties has driven them from Barton. Finally, the sports pavilion, which was the base for Barton’s football team, has been destroyed to make away for an access road for the new estate.

Why are our councillors not demanding that some of the £8m be used to restore the community facilities of Barton? Some of that £8m should be used to refurbish the site of the former Royal British Legion and transform it into a comprehensive community-managed facility, preferably with a professional dancefloor and adequate size hall for celebrations. Over £300,000 is being spent on Barton’s Neighbourhood Centre, when it is still new and in good condition.

This £8m being spend on Barton is a profligate waste of public money.

CHAKA ARTWELL
Barton, Oxford