Starting date for fields drainage

WORK to overhaul drainage at Churchill playing fields will begin this month.

Main contractor Souters Sports Ltd is due to start on site on Monday, February 27, with the project estimated to last until October, depending on weather.

Drainage installation, pitch levelling and the creation of a hard standing area will go ahead between February and June but the fields will be closed until October to allow the ground to settle and mature. The announcement follows a decision by district partnership members to pledge a further £10,000 to the landmark project.

This was to make up for a withdrawal of cash support from the Saddleworth Round Table, which could no longer help fund the project due to the cancellation of this year’s beer walk.

It is hoped that, should an alternative be staged, the Round Table will contribute to the second phase of the scheme.