Aylesbury Town Council demands urgent transfer of neglected sports facilities

They have called on Buckinghamshire Council to transfer responsibility for key recreational assets, including Fairford Leys, Walton Court, Edinburgh Playing Fields, Bedgrove, Alfred Rose Park and Meadowcroft.

The Town Council believes that local management of these facilities is essential to ensure they are properly maintained, safe to use, and accessible to the community. They say that local sport plays a vital role in the physical and mental wellbeing of residents, helping reduce social isolation, build community cohesion, and foster pride in the town. However, these benefits rely on facilities being safe, high-quality, and fully usable - standards that they say are currently not being met.

The Town Council’s concerns with facilities include:

Edinburgh Playing Fields which they say has been without hot water for many years, leaving teams and residents unable to properly use the pavilion facilities.

Fairford Leys which suffered a roof collapse that took 18 months to repair and is regularly affected by burst pipes. They say boys, girls and adults are reportedly changing together in car parks, presenting serious safeguarding risks.

Bedgrove which began the season with condemned pitches due to poor maintenance, leaving teams unable to train or play. They say that only as the season ends are pitches becoming usable.

Walton Court & Meadowcroft where the pavilions are condemned, leaving no on-site facilities for junior teams or visitors. They say players are forced to walk between sites for basic amenities, often requiring adult supervision that is not always feasible. Meadowcroft's 3G pitch is also well beyond its lifespan and needs replacing.

The Town Council say that residents are being asked to pay more to use deteriorating facilities, placing additional financial strain on teams and individuals. They explain that this means many local clubs are at risk of folding under the combined pressure of declining standards and rising costs. The Town Council say As well as increasing pitch fees, Aylesbury residents already pay special expenses to Buckinghamshire Council (£1.1m for 2025/2026), effectively contributing twice to local services.

They also pointed to wider concerns around unspent developer contributions intended for community spaces. "Open Space" funding, used for recreation grounds, parks, and play areas, is collected from developers to improve facilities for residents. However, analysis from Home Builders Federation HBF 2026 Unspent developer contributions Report, has shown that Buckinghamshire Council holds one of the largest levels of unspent open spaces contributions in the country with around £17.3 million currently unallocated.

The Town Council argues that it is only right for these funds to be managed locally, transparently, and responsibly. By taking on these assets, Aylesbury Town Council say they would be able to revitalise facilities, improve safety, and deliver a better experience for local teams and residents alike.

ClIr. Richard Lloyd, Leader of Aylesbury Town Council, said:

"This Council remains ready and able to assume responsibility for these assets and is best placed to maintain, improve and safeguard them for the benefit of our residents. Coaches tell me they are embarrassed to bring away teams to Aylesbury as the facilities are so poor, this can't go on any longer."

In previous years, Aylesbury Town Council has been able to successfully renovate Bowler's Field and bring it up to safe and high standards and deliver improved services that reflect the needs and priorities of the Town's residents.

The Council stresses that this approach has unanimous support across all political parties at Aylesbury Town Council. Members agreed that urgent action is required to protect community assets and provide council officers with a clear mandate to enter serious discussions with Buckinghamshire Council.

Aylesbury Town Council is fully committed to working collaboratively with Buckinghamshire Council to complete the transfer of these assets. The Town Council say they are ready and able to invest in the facilities.