FOR the past few years Officers' Field has become an iconic issue for those who live on the island.

Almost inevitably, it has become a ‘political football’, despite the fact that all four candidates in the Underhill election of May, 2008 – Conservative, Labour, myself and the then Independent Tim Munro – were opposed to its being sold off by the South West Regional Development Agency to a developer for eco housing.

We were all committed to saving Underhill’s remaining open space for future generations. However, ultimately it was not to be.

It would seem that Coun Munro is still determined to keep it alive and kicking as a political issue, judging by his recent letter in Your Say.

We’ve all been taken aback by the speed with which Zero C’s houses have gone up and their close proximity to the road.

But in truth the contract for Officers’ Field was signed between the developer, the Borough and the South West Regional Development Agency back in July, 2009.

Contract Law is quite clear that once the ink has dried on the parties’ signatures there is no going back.

Anyway, a Section 106 was an integral part of the deal, providing lots of good things for the local community.

The RDA set aside a sum of £500,000 out of its sale of the Field for investment in community sports facilities, following a public consultation.

That consultation was thorough and every resident had the opportunity to put forward their ideas. The agreed plan was actually based on residents’ ideas, not those of local politicians.

We’re seeing that initiative bear fruit already in the refurbished gates and new children’s play equipment at Victoria Gardens, the energy-saving pool cover at the Osprey Leisure Centre and the new skate park due this summer.

James Watts and his colleagues at SWRDA are already beginning to deliver their promises to the island. Not only that, but part of the field itself will continue to exist for future generations of Portland residents, both as a playing field for the new Portland Academy and as a community recreation area.

Finally, in answer to Coun Munro’s criticism of LOCOG there will be a considerable stock of social housing available to the local community after the 2012 Olympics.

There are grounds for real optimism that provided the island can see off this potentially destructive palm oil plant, we can maintain a good quality of life for future generations and create jobs on Portland in eco-tourism, the leisure industry, diving and marine engineering.

RICHARD DENTON-WHITE, Fortuneswell, Portland