RESIDENTS have spoken of their frustrations as a much-needed sports facility is hit by further delays.

The new sports facility at Kings Chase, the Ganger Farm Sports Pavilion, was meant to provide high quality spacious new facilities for the community of Romsey.

It was expected to open around 18 months ago but continued issues with the design of the building has forced yet another delay.

READ MORE: Apologies for delays at sports pavilion on Kings Chase site

Developers, David Wilson Homes, which is owned by Barratt Homes, has previously apologised for delays - which it said are due to a design issue with the external fire escape staircase.

Hampshire Chronicle: Further delays to Ganger Farm Sports Pavilion. Inset Tim Mayer

Picture caption: Tim Mayer and the Ganger Farm Sports Pavilion 

However, residents are upset that they are facing a further wait as the facility is not expected to open until at least spring.

Tim Mayer, a marketing executive who lives at Kings Chase, said: “There is frustration from residents about the delay in completion.

SEE ALSO: Plans for temporary track in Romsey at Ganger Farm are delayed 

"While the council and Barratt play the blame game with local councillors standing by, work appears to have come to a halt both on the sports park and on the wider estate."

He said that Barratt has continued work at the Southern boundary of Kings Chase, even building a ‘road to nowhere’ from Scoreys Crescent.

He said: “By completing the road rather than the pavilion, they are showing they clearly prioritise profit rather than supporting the local community with sports provision.

"Due to the delay, children are denied access to sports fields and the rugby club is left in limbo.”

Eric Bailey, president of the Romsey Rugby Club, said they were disappointed by the delays.

He said: “Romsey Rugby Club is looking forward to moving to the fantastic new facilities and hope to be playing there next season.

"Current facilities at Romsey Sports Centre restrict the club’s growth."

Test Valley Borough Council, which gave permission for the 275-home estate in 2018, said there are continued ‘snagging’ issues and the pavilion is not expected to open until spring - with no confirmed date released.

The pavilion was promised to the council as part of permission for the estate, however the council has said it is not prepared to adopt the building until developers have met all the requirements set out in council policy and regulations.

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor David Drew said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the clubs, local residents and future users for their patience as we look to adopt the new Ganger Farm sports facility.

“The uncertainty about when the site can and will open has been extremely frustrating for everyone involved – we share that frustration and are doing everything we can to move things along as quickly as possible so we can take ownership.

"To ensure the building and wider facilities meet all requirements to provide for current and future generations additional work, snagging, and improvements have been necessary. We have been proactively working with the developer to provide guidance of these outstanding items, but until these have been addressed, we will not be in a position to confirm dates for opening."

A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes said they have no further comments other than the statement released by Test Valley Borough Council.

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