Proposed Community Shelter at Polo Park, Whittle-le-Woods

Overview

Chorley Council, working in partnership with Whittle-le-Woods Parish Council, is seeking feedback on a proposal to install a community shelter within Polo Park, Whittle-le-Woods. The consultation provides residents, park users, local organisations and other interested parties with an opportunity to comment on the proposal before any decision is made.

The Council is committed to ensuring that improvements to public spaces reflect community needs and priorities. Feedback received through this consultation will help inform the Council's decision on whether the project should proceed and whether any changes should be considered.

Background

Polo Park is a well-used community space that provides opportunities for recreation, exercise, social interaction and outdoor activities for residents of all ages. The Council and Parish Council regularly review opportunities to improve local facilities and enhance the park's value to the community.

The Parish Council has identified a need for a covered facility that could be used by a range of park users, including older residents, families, walkers and young people. Informal engagement with local residents has indicated support for additional community facilities within the village.

The proposal has also received support from Lancashire Police, which has previously secured funding towards associated lighting improvements.

The Proposal

The proposal is to install a permanent open-sided community shelter within Polo Park.

The shelter could provide:

• Protection from adverse weather.
• A resting place for walkers and older residents.
• A safe and visible location for young people to meet.
• Seating for parents and carers supervising children using the nearby play area.
• A community asset that supports outdoor recreation and wellbeing.

Community Safety and the Police Perspective

As part of the consultation process, the Council sought the views of Lancashire Police regarding the potential impact of the proposal on community safety and anti-social behaviour.

Police Observations

Police have reported incidents of anti-social behaviour within Whittle-le-Woods in recent years, including nuisance behaviour, noise complaints and littering. Through engagement with local young people, officers found that many felt there were limited places within the village suitable for meeting friends and socialising, particularly facilities aimed at teenagers.

Reasons for Police Support

Lancashire Police has advised that it supports the proposal because:

• It would provide a designated place for people to meet and socialise.
• The proposed location is open and visible, benefiting from natural surveillance.
• Activity at the site would be easier for residents, police and community officers to monitor.
• The facility could support positive engagement between young people and neighbourhood policing teams.
• Providing an appropriate gathering space may help reduce nuisance behaviour in other locations.

Police Assessment

Police do not believe the shelter would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and consider it likely to have a positive impact on the local community. They have also previously secured £2,000 towards the delivery of the project.

Potential Benefits

The Council is seeking views on whether the proposed shelter could:

• Improve facilities for park users.
• Increase accessibility and comfort for older residents and those with mobility difficulties.
• Provide shelter for walkers, dog walkers and families.
• Offer a safe and visible meeting place for young people.
• Encourage greater use of Polo Park.
• Support social interaction and community cohesion.
• Help reduce youth-related nuisance behaviour elsewhere in the village.
• Enhance community wellbeing and inclusion.

Potential Concerns

The Council also wishes to understand any concerns residents may have, including:

• Noise from groups using the shelter.
• Anti-social behaviour.
• Littering or vandalism.
• The visual impact of the structure.
• Lighting arrangements.
• The impact on nearby residents.
• Future maintenance and upkeep.
• Any other unintended consequences arising from the development.