Plans in progress for 'forgotten' estate

Residents campaigning for better facilities on a housing estate have been told plans are being developed by Peterborough City Council.

People living on the Roman Fields estate, also known as Manor Drive, addressed a council meeting on Wednesday, saying they have been "forgotten".

The estate, near Gunthorpe, which was built about 10 years ago, still lacks shops, park benches and playing fields, residents said.

Council leader Shabina Qayyum apologised to the residents at the meeting for the delay and said: "The current lack of facilities on the Roman Fields development is not acceptable."

"We are working to resolve the issue," she added.

The "Forgotten Fields" campaigners said the estate currently has just one playground, one post box and two bus stops.

At the meeting resident Kristy Lyndhurst stated: "Fourteen years after the 2012 S106 promise, the field remains empty, our children are still playing in the roads."

Teachers at the local school have also backed the campaign, saying the lack of outdoor recreation space could affect children's health and wellbeing.

Qayyum described the issue as "complex", stemming from "historical planning issues" dating back to the 1990s.

She said the developer had not yet reached the trigger point of 750 homes required before land south of the school could be handed over for community use.

Another area earmarked for facilities was recently used as a construction compound and now requires work to be carried out before play equipment can be installed.

"We hope to have a plan in place by the end of July for delivering those much-needed facilities," she said.

During the meeting, a resident asked whether £587,000 paid by a developer to the council would be ring-fenced for a community centre and two play areas.

Qayyum said the money remains available, but how it is spent will be decided following discussions with residents and other stakeholders.

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.