RESIDENTS who fear that their neighbourhood park is destined to be destroyed have slammed a college for its "underhand" behaviour,
Stockhill and Ladbrooke Tenants' and Residents' Association fears that New College Nottingham and Nottingham City Council could swap land in Old Basford.
If the plans go ahead, Stockhill Lane Park and the neighbouring bowling pavilion and tennis courts would be built on by the college.
Association chairman Angela Cairns, 52, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said: "There's not many green spaces left and I think if we can preserve it as long as possible then we should, It's always been a community facility and it's a valuable asset for people to enjoy, especially when the weather is nice during the summer.
"Our goal has always been to get the bowling pavilion back to a usable state and put on a lot more activities and we have been waiting for about a year for anything to happen."
Keith Simpson, of Winrow Gardens, said he was going to write to his MP.
He added: "Not only have Basford Hall College caused us a lot of parking problems, they now want to build on our park – it's a disgrace.
"Also a disgrace is the underhand way they have treated the local residents' committee. I will be writing to Graham Allen for his view on the matter."
Under the plans, new facilities would be developed on the college's Basford Hall campus.
A notice on website competitionline, which posts new tenders, states: "Discussions have commenced with Nottingham City Council regarding a possible land swap and relocation of the campus to the adjacent park fronting the junction of the A610 and Stockhill Lane."
But the college insists that the plan was simply one of many possible options.
And, as yet, there is no budget for the redevelopment.
Amarjit Basi, principal and chief executive of New College Nottingham, said: "We have been very open and honest about our aspirations for the redevelopment of Basford Hall.
"We want to provide the community with improved state-of-art facilities.
"We are exploring a number of options for the site but until we can secure significant funding and determine the scope of the development we can deliver it would be unfair to consult at such an early stage as we wouldn't want to raise the hopes of the community unnecessarily.
"We are absolutely committed to working in partnership with the local community to develop this important site of great community asset."
The bowling pavilion is currently used by the tenants' and residents' association for events and is currently needs work so it can be brought back into use.
Event on the park include fun days and activities. It is also used by dog walkers and residents have been campaigning for play equipment.
New College Nottingham has also been involved in refurbishing the bowling pavilion, with design students drawing up plans.
The city council confirmed that discussions about the park had taken place but reiterated that no decision had been made.
A spokesman said: "Nottingham City Council welcomes any discussions that might improve facilities and further education provision in the city.
"However, at the moment, discussions are in the very early stages and nothing has been decided.
"Any land swap or development would need considerable planning and consultation and we are not far enough into discussions to commit to anything at this stage."
