The ongoing planning delays at The Oval Bandstand have had a profound impact on our community, far beyond the frustrations of bureaucracy. Currently, we employ three young people on weekends to help run our events. All of these staff members are NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), who have found purpose and opportunity in their roles at The Oval.

However, due to the protracted delays in planning approval, we have been unable to offer them additional hours. This means that as the season draws to a close, these promising individuals will once again face uncertainty, without the long-term employment we had hoped to provide. Our goal was to open The Oval every day, giving these young people steady work and the chance to develop their careers. Sadly, this has not been possible.

The impact of these delays is far-reaching. It's more than just a bureaucratic hurdle—it's a real-world setback that affects the livelihoods and futures of young people in our community. The volunteers and staff at The Oval are the heart of this space, and their contributions are invaluable. The delays have hindered not only the growth of The Oval but also the personal and professional growth of those who depend on it.

As we continue to navigate this challenging situation, we hope for a resolution that will allow us to fully realise the potential of The Oval, both as a community asset and as a source of opportunity for our local youth.

We are currently at just over 800 signatures. Please keep sharing, keep telling your friends, and get everyone in your family to sign.

Your support can make all the difference!