As many of you are aware, the Nailsea Town Council Leisure Committee conducted a site visit at the Grove yesterday evening. The purpose of this was to assess the proposal we have lodged with the Council (under the terms of the lease we have with them) to errect a fence alongside the two open sides of the first team pitch. Our proposal was submitted in mid-June (with written justification and site plan) and the visit follows a presentation I also gave the Council on 21st July when further information was provided and a Q&A session held. Sadly, following the site visit, where Barry and myself answered further questions and gave it our very best to promote our cause, the Town Council Committee were unable to make a decision at their meeting last night (also held at the Grove). A number of the councillors apparently had reservations about the impact the fence would have on the openness of the area (despite the fact that we have stressed it is an area for organised sporting activity). They also wish to gain independent confirmation from the Screwfix League (I have already provided them with contact details) that the height of the fence needs to be 2 metres. Again, we have already explained why this needs to be so. Following further consideration and the completion of their enquiries, they expect to make a decision at the next meeting towards the end of October. This is extremely frustrating, since this will be over four months from submitting our proposals. Please be assured I have stressed to the Council of the need for them not to delay their decision any longer. The window for Screwfix applications is February next year and we will need to be in the right sort of shape by then, hence the need to know. I am sorry I am unable to provide more positive news - the Club has come together so well this season and to be able to move ahead with our facilities would have given us an additional boost. I'll obviously come out to you again when I have any further information.

Spence