Witham table tennis consultation: have your say by 16 Oct
Two outdoor table tennis tables could be added to Sauls Bridge Sports Ground in Witham, Essex, and local people have until 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026 to comment on the proposals. Braintree District Council is inviting residents, park users and local stakeholders to help shape the plans, including where the tables should go.
The free public consultation runs from 28 September to 16 October 2026. It concerns facilities proposed for Sauls Bridge Sports Ground; people can respond through a short survey on the council’s website or request a paper copy by telephone.
For people who already use the sports ground, the immediate opportunity is to give feedback before the plans are finalised. The consultation is about a proposed addition to the site, rather than an invitation to use tables that have already been installed.
Two tables and equipment lockers are proposed
Alongside the two outdoor table tennis tables, the council proposes smart lockers to store bats and balls. The stated aim is to make the equipment convenient to access and the facility easy to use.
The council is specifically seeking views on whether its suggested location within the sports ground is the most suitable place for the installation. That gives existing park users a concrete part of the proposal to consider when completing the survey.
There are therefore two linked elements for respondents to assess: the proposed table tennis facility itself and where it would sit within the sports ground. Residents’ familiarity with the site can inform their response to the council’s question about the suggested position.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning, said outdoor table tennis could bring people together and encourage physical activity in green spaces. She also emphasised that local people should help shape the final plans.
The £54,000 funding has a specified purpose
According to the council’s announcement, published on 22 September, £54,000 has been secured through a Section 106 contribution linked to development on land south of Rickstones Road in Rivenhall.
The agreement requires that money to be spent on sports improvements at Sauls Bridge Sports Ground and specifically references table tennis facilities. The funding therefore has a defined purpose, while the consultation seeks feedback on the proposed facility and its position within the site.
Submit a survey before the October deadline
Braintree District Council says it will review the feedback and share the results after the engagement period closes. Its announcement does not give an installation date or details of future locker access.
To participate, complete the short survey on the council’s website. Paper copies are available by calling the council’s Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525. Responses must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026.
Source: Braintree District Council News
Context & actions About this article
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The consultation dates, proposed facilities, funding conditions and response methods were checked against the supplied council announcement.
- The consultation runs from 28 September until 5pm on 16 October 2026.
- The proposal covers two outdoor table tennis tables and smart equipment lockers at Sauls B...
- The £54,000 contribution is designated for sports improvements at the ground and specifica...
- Residents can complete an online survey or request paper copies on 01376 552525.
- Source
- Braintree District Council News
- Scope
- Witham, Essex
- Updated
- 2026-10-06 14:12
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