Petition for facilities at Roman Fields Peterborough estate

Nearly 350 residents on Roman Fields, a development of 800 houses and home to more than 2,000, have signed a petition calling for action to see some basic infrastructure provided.

Campaigners say families deserve safe spaces, including children's play areas, places to sit and a local shop, something the estate, built by developers Keepmoat 10 years ago, is sadly lacking.

Lead campaigner Radek Juszczynski said: "We have one small playground and two bus stops and one post box.

Roman Fields in Peterborough has been dubbed 'Forgotten Fields' by residents campaigning for better facilities including children's play areas. (Image: Google Mpas/Street View)

"No shops, no benches, no bike paths, no playing fields. Children have nowhere to kick a ball. Seniors have nowhere to sit. We have nowhere to buy milk.

"That's why we call it 'Forgotten Fields'. Because that's how we feel – forgotten by the developer and by Peterborough City Council. We are not asking for luxuries. We are asking for the basic infrastructure that other estates in Peterborough take for granted.

"We ask: 'When will Roman Fields stop being Forgotten Fields?' That is why we decided to create a petition."

Campaigners are planning to take their fight one step further next month when a group of residents will attend a council meeting at Peterborough Town Hall.

On July 1, they will ask councillors face-to-face for the facilities they want, including play areas.

Radek said: "We’re not politicians. We’re just frustrated dads and mums. Hoping the council actually sees us this time."

The petition is calling for the council and developer to meet with residents of Roman Fields PE47 for urgent public consultation on priority investments for our estate.

They ask them to:

• Commit funding in the next budget for basic community infrastructure including: a convenience shop, public benches and green spaces, and a safe recreational area/playing field for children.
• To appoint a council liaison to maintain ongoing dialogue with the Forgotten Fields group. 

It continues: "The developer sold us Roman Fields. We got a bedroom without life.

"Peterborough City Council issued the permit and forgot that people need more than a roof over their heads.

"Where are our children supposed to play? Where are seniors supposed to sit? Where can we buy milk without starting the car?"

Cllr Katy Cole, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We take concerns from residents in the Roman Fields area over a lack of facilities for children and young people there extremely seriously. 

"The council has been proactively seeking to work with other parties, including the developer of Roman Fields, to find solutions to address the needs of residents, including those families who have children attending Manor Drive Primary School."