Chasing funding to transform Churchill fields

Waterlogged . . . regular floods at Churchill playing fields could soon be a thing of the past.

NEW plans to transform waterlogged Churchill Playing Fields into a sporting destination for the borough could be partly funded by the Football Association (FA).

Up to £300,000 could be spent on the fields in Greenfield, which play host to major summer events as well as the regular fixtures of local sports teams.

The project could see a change in layout to the rugby and football pitches and a complete overhaul of the drainage systems.

A working group of councillors and representatives from local community groups was set up by the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership in February.

The possibility of match funding from external sources such as the FA is now being considered, with early talks already taking place.

Chair of the group, councillor Barbara Beeley, said: “Matches have had to be cancelled because of the problem with the drainage — it’s impossible to play on it when the pitch is waterlogged.

“The ins and outs of the scheme need yet to be decided.

“We hope that it will provide a fantastic sports field for all the local clubs and Saddleworth School.

“It makes doing the work even more vital now that the new school and facilities have fallen through.”

There is currently £93,000 of section 106 funding available for the improvements, with an estimated £7,000 expected to be raised through local sports clubs.

The group will also approach the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership to ask for a £50,000 contribution.

Hopes are that the £150,000 total will then act as incentive for investors to put a combined similar amount forward.

Locals sporting clubs, including the Saddleworth Rangers, have welcomed the move with excitement.

Club Chairman Terry Flanagan said: “This will enable people in the local area to enjoy sport to the highest levels.”

Councillor John McCann is hoping an agreement will be reached before the end of the financial year, so work can start next summer.

Long-term plans to install new changing rooms are being explored on the field that has been plagued by flood problems for years.

Organisers of next year’s Yanks celebrations could have to scale down the vehicle display, with usage of the field curtailed to preserve its use as a sporting venue.