Sprint to the finish to save running track

A TEAM of Saddleworth councillors is making a final attempt to retain the running track at Churchill Playing Fields.

Seven parish councillors have launched a joint appeal ahead of tonight’s Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership. They want to see the Greenfield amenity kept in place if the proposed £300,000 drainage overhaul scheme goes ahead.

Independent councillors Ken Hulme, Lesley Brown, Nikki Kirkham and Rob Knotts backed the appeal as well as Conservatives Graham Sheldon, John Hudson and David Atherton.

They said: “Sadly in 2012 the main legacy for Saddleworth from the London Olympics could be the destruction of the only public running track in the area. Surely we should have more vision and ambition. We should be trying to encourage greater participation in sport, especially with our young people, not making it more difficult.

“We welcome plans to tackle the drainage problems on Churchill Fields but it is clear that this does not have to involve the removal of the running track.”

The Chronicle understands the council’s legal team is currently discussing the terms of conditions of funding offers from Football Foundation and the Rugby Football League, but no official decision has yet been announced.

It was hoped the two organisation would pay up to £150,000 to match funding for the scheme, originally due to begin at the start of this summer. Work has not yet begun.

The councillors argue there is no technical hurdle in the way of having a new running track, though such a move has previously been claimed unfeasible.

The Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership meets at Uppermill civic hall from 6.30pm tonight.