“I looked at the survey with a view to filling it in but felt that the questions were phrased in a biased way in favor of the rugby club so I concluded that this was just another cynical attempt by the rugby club to influence the trustees.I had no idea this was an official survey and think this could have been much more fairly implemented and only to the people who live in Bath .A wasted opportunity .
I have lived in Bath my whole life and have played several different sports on the rec in my lifetime including rugby for Bath under 17 s.I have been however heartily sickened by the cynical tactics by the rugby club and its supporters to take over the rec .”

“Provided the referendum included all the options including moving rugby to the Riverside and an open air winter ice skating rink plus a redeveloped Leisure Centre, then i would accept the verdict. At least it would prevent multiple voting by using several e-mail addresses.”

“I was previously all for a referendum but having read some of the comments below I would imagine a "no" to rugby would be seen as a definite no but a "yes" would give rise to 'yeah but'. I doubt whether any result - even a 100% yes to rugby on the rec - would appease the people who don't want Bath Rugby to stay. Unless the poll is tied to what happens next, then a result in favour of the club would be scorned just like the findings of the signature gathering were a few years ago and the recent consultation exercise is now.”

“My solution would be for a Council referendum of all those on the electoral register.”

“Ultimately, all those opposed had the opportunity to vote against, and if the Fiends actually represented anybody other than themselves, they could have galvanised their votes. Whilst it may have been skewed, it certainly does not suggest any groundswell of support against the proposals.”

“Roger, what solution would you propose?"

For a meaningful referendum? One conducted by an independent and respected organisation such as the Electoral Reform Society among the group of people agreed with the Charity Commission. The rugby club should cover any costs.

Having said that, I don't believe any referendum will have any particular relevance. The Rec doesn't belong to the present generation of Bath residents (or whatever group you accept). They are the temporary beneficiaries of a charitable trust - the land is held in trust for this and future generations. Any changes will have to be in accordance with charity law and able to survive any judicial challenge.

Incidentally, I'm not opposed to the rugby club staying on the Rec. but the idea that the Lambridge swamp can be an acceptable substitute for a city centre recreation ground is as ludicrous as was this referendum.”

“Bath Rugby are a top side in the game. The current ground is a disgrace to the team and to the city. I personally do not like walking along the river being shadowed by a big grey breeze block wall that is covered in weeds and graffiti with corregated iron on the top. The temporary stand on the other side of the pitch looks like scaffolding from the back, not very attractive im sure many will agree. This ground as it is, is not at all in keeping with the feel of Bath. It is dirty, grimey, graffitied, tired, worn and old. Bath Rugby are a top team yet many conference teams in football with little to no budget have grounds that are better than the rec. Lets get rid of this ugly shack and replace it with something the city and the team can be proud of.”

“The Rec is a waste of space at the moment, they actually ask you to pay to play recreational sports on the grounds or even just sit there, try out sydney gardens or henrietta park, both are nicer and free! I am not a bath rugby supporter but i think the redevelopment would be good, a few cafes on the river front and no more ugly shacks that are there at the moment would be very nice.”

“How many people turn up and watch Bath Rugby against how many people felt the need to respond to this "official consultation"? At a conservative view less than a third of those who do attend could not even be bothered with this "official consultation". So lets add the two thirds that could not be bothered to those who were against and we have a rejection. Simple.”

“nicely done chris watt and friends, nicely done. i hope the rugby are compensating you handsomely for your excellent work.”