End of line for running track

ALL hopes of saving the running track at the Churchill playing fields have been dashed after the official unveiling of plans for the site.

The plans, which follow a controversial consultation over the drainage overhaul due to start at the end of June, include the removal of the current cinder track.

Jill Davies, chairman of Saddleworth Runners which fought fiercely to retain the track at the fields in Greenfield, said: “I’m still not satisfied this is necessary but this is the final nail in the coffin.

“The council has not moved from their original argument that the track is redundant, despite a majority voting they wanted it to stay at a packed public meeting.”

The plan is now to carry out the drainage works, create hard-standing areas for event vehicles and relocate the long jump.

A running track will be marked on the grass in the summer months, there will be four adult sports pitches instead of three and a new sprint track for the runners will be installed.

Phase two plans include an upgrade of the tennis courts and installation of a trim trail.

Mrs Davies added: “This is the minimal outcome we could have hoped for. So many people who raised their voice in favour of the track, outside of the running club, seemed to have gone unrecognised.”

However, the future of the project is still not completely secure.

Match funding still has to be found to double the £150,000 already forked up by Oldham Council and the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership.

Councillor John McCann said: “We have to act now before the fields are totally unusable and while the match funding is still available.

“We have listened to what people have said and made changes. I am sure that, if this bid succeeds, then we shall have a multi-sports facility of which to be proud.”

Councillor Barbara Beeley added: “This process has been a real team effort and, while improving the playing fields for sporting activities and events, it will still be a public open space for all to enjoy.”