Peasedown St John Parish Council have responded to comments in an article regarding their decision to improve the Recreation Ground, costing £90,000.

'Peasedown St John Parish Council has made the improvements at the Recreation Ground either at the request of residents or as a result of activity by users of the Recreation Ground. The extension to the existing pathway enables all residents to walk, run, push a buggy or ride on a mobility scooter around the field on a good surface, at any time of year, making the Recreation Ground accessible and inclusive for all residents.

'Feedback from local residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many of them commenting that the paths would make a huge difference to them and would enable them to get some fresh air and exercise during the winter months.

'It is common practice to allocate a “ball-park figure” when discussing suggested projects, and Councillors were originally considering a much shorter extension to the pathway at the Recreation Ground, which was given an approximate cost of £10,000. When the project was discussed further, Councillors were keen to make additional improvements, and it was these which formed the basis of the invitation to tender.

'The improvement works were then advertised on the Government procurement website, according to the correct procedure for a project of this value. The successful contractor offered significantly better value than their competitors. They completed the works for the sum stated in their original quotation.

'The decision to allocate funds to this project and, following the tendering process, to place a contract to carry out the works were taken at meetings which were open to any member of the public to attend. After a contractor was appointed, a smaller group of Councillors met with them to discuss practicalities such as site access during the works and the exact program of works. This meeting was not open to the public but was attended by Councillor Gavin Heathcote.

'The installation of the paths was impacted by the exceptionally hot weather last summer and the contractor has acknowledged that sections needed to be replaced to bring them up to standard. These works are being completed by the contractor at no additional cost to the Parish Council.

'The 40% increase in the precept in 2019 was largely due to the withdrawal of a grant from B&NES Council (which impacted many of the Parish Councils within the B&NES area) and an increase in the cost of staff salaries (due to a rise in the National Living Wage and the appointment of a new part-time caretaker). The precept has been increased very little in subsequent years.'