In the running Housing plan could open up land for new athletics track

A DOOMED running track in South Bristol could soon be replaced with a new track on nearby school playing fields.

- Alex Seabrook

The Whitchurch Athletics Track is earmarked for a new housing development so councillors have been trying to find an alternative location for a replacement.

A mile up the road in Hengrove are two schools with large playing fields, the John Williams high school and the New Oak primary school. Both academies are run by Oasis Community Learning, which is planning to build 360 homes on its 28 acres of fields near the Wells Road.

The income from the housing development would pay for a replacement primary school with provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as improved sports facilities for the school and local community. This includes sports pitches and an ‘Active Track’

Bristol City Council is coming under increasing pressure to save or find a replacement for the Whitchurch Athletics Track. The playing fields at Oasis John Williams could provide an answer, and were discussed by the strategy and resources policy committee on Monday, September 15.