Bratton residents have their say on future village improvements

Residents in Bratton have called for a paddock to be turned into a green and tranquil community space, alongside more seating and new sports facilities, following a parish council questionnaire.  

Bratton Parish Council consulted the community on how best to spend the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds received from the White Horse Development earlier this year.  

Questionnaires were offered to everyone in the parish, with Cllr Jess Scott and Cllr Cathy Elliott distributing surveys at bus stops when children were going to school to ensure representation of younger residents. 

Overall, 205 questionnaires were returned to be considered by the council. 

A total of 84 per cent of residents said they would like to see a change of use for Gales Ground, which is currently a paddock in which a single horse grazes. Many indicated they would like to see it become a green and tranquil space for everyone. Residents also proposed ideas for an enclosed dog run and facilities for light youth activities.  

Seating and shelters were the top requests from residents across all demographics across the village. 

There was also strong support for sports facilities, such as a pump track, basketball hoops, and padel or tennis courts at the recreation grounds. 

“I was very pleased by the number of people who completed our questionnaire,” said council chair Cllr Keith Rayward. “We had an outstanding response from our young people thanks to the efforts of Cllr Jess Scott and Cllr Cathy Elliott.” 

The council has now created working groups to consider the consultation report and develop the proposals at Bratton’s main amenities, including the Bratton Village Green, Reeves Orchard, Gales Ground and Recreation Ground. 

The full survey report is available on Bratton Parish Council’s website.