The Marlow Society appreciated the diligent and balanced approach of the Inspector during his inquiry when he listened to all the issues that both sides at the inquiry wished to present. His report is a comprehensive and balanced résumé of all the pertinent facts and opinions and his conclusions are logical and clear. We appreciate his speed in producing and issuing his report.

The enquiry brought in to focus the inadequacies of the Wycombe District Sports Facility Strategy 2009-2014. During the discussions on the availability and need for sports pitches and facilities it became clear that the WDC document was more of a wish list than a balanced assessment of true needs. The Society would like to see a full public scrutiny of the WDC Sports Strategy and a better analysis of the way in which publicly funded facilities can be made available to a wider community. For example, young footballers are allowed to practice in Higginson Park but are not allowed to play organised games of football there.

There is a clear need to get the Gossmore Park pitches back in to use under the Marlow Town Council’s direction. It is to be hoped that additional football pitches will become part of the Country Park as the reclaiming of the Little Marlow Gravel Pits continues to create a major recreational asset for our wider community.