Works have started on the demolition of the bowling green buildings on Front Street. Planning permission was granted last year which allows developers to build 10 houses there.

The proposals were highly controversial as they ruled out a coordinated development which would have secured the future of the Council owned land (former allotments) to the rear of the library car park as well as the open aspect at the back of Chancery Court. A holistic approach was favoured by those residents who completed an opinion survey.

The planning committee inexplicably agreed a Section 106 contribution to the provision of alternative sports/green space facilities but at a site located in the Holgate area.

Now local residents are complaining about the noise and disturbance being caused by the contractors. It has been suggested that the contractors are trespassing on the Council owned land, which itself has a nature conservation role.

Residents have called on local Councillors to take action to ensure that the contractors respect the amenity of neighbouring properties

The future of the former allotments site needs to be clarified quickly by the Council which has owned it for over 10 years.

It was slated to be an extension to the library incorporating a “pocket park” to retain a green aspect for the benefit of the Front Street area.

However no progress has been made on that project.