Kick-off for playing fields study

CONSULTANTS are to study how Clayton Playing Fields can be improved.

They will speak to the groups which use the fields — which are protected from development by Town Green status — and other interest groups, as well as the area committees covering Chadderton, Shaw and Royton, residents’ organisations and schools.

Oldham’s Local Strategic Partnership — a combination of council, voluntary, business and public sector partners — has agreed to recruit the experts, who will report to the Clayton Playing Fields trustees, all 60 members of Oldham Council.

Clayton has already been identified for improvement by the Football Association, which is investing millions of pounds in grassroots football.

Oldham has been chosen as one of six areas for a pilot study into the sport and how to improve its status.

A local area plan was published last week which aims to support grassroots football by increasing participation, raising standards, supporting volunteers and improving facilities.

It has the backing of the Oldham Partnership as well as Manchester County Football Association, Oldham Athletic Community Trust and Oldham Community Leisure.

Peter Kay, national investment manager at the Football Association, said: “The FA is delighted that Oldham has responded so quickly to a key proposal in our plan and we look forward to working with the partnership and its consultants.”

Cabinet Member for Community Services and Housing, Councillor John McCann, said: “I know many people, especially residents of Chadderton and Royton, and local football teams, will look forward to what the consultants have to say with keen interest.

“The use and maintenance of Clayton Playing Fields as an amenity for the community has long been a bone of contention and so we as a council are delighted that the Oldham Partnership has had the vision and initiative to recognise its potential and work with the trustees and Football Association to improve it.”