Not asked for our views of new HQ

Perhaps we could have worked together to find an alternative for their worthwhile cause. We are only too aware of the dilapidated state of their building which does nothing for the aesthetics of the park, but surely it is unreasonable for the Sea Scouts to take their pick of any area of Warwick on which to build a new HQ? A feasibility study for a proposed new HQ was indeed carried out but this was far removed from the present plans, showing height and scale vastly different.

The Friends would be interested to hear Mr Pitchford’s comments on the rumour that this is in fact going to be primarily a commercial enterprise, being run by a development company as a huge conference centre and sharing the accommodation with the Sea Scouts.

Mr Pitchford is quite mistaken when he states that the Friends met with Mr Plaskitt (former Warwick and Leamington MP). This private meeting was called by a resident and possibly misconstrued. Politics should not be introduced by the Sea Scouts nor by Mr Harris (Lib Dem candidate in the recent elections).

The Friends are apolitical and their only concerns are for the preservation of this green space as a park to be enjoyed by future generations, not sacrificed for development, however noble the cause.

It is the Friends’ wish to preserve our parks and green quiet areas and cherish our precious breathing spaces for the greater good of the whole community and it is regrettable that this matter is causing a split in the community. - Management Committee, Friends of St Nicholas Park