Field of dreams poised for action

A NEW era for sport in Saddleworth could soon become reality as a landmark project for Greenfield’s Churchill Playing Fields looks set to get the green light.

After months of deliberation, work could soon start on the drainage overhaul after offers of £230,000 were put forward by sporting organisations.

Members of the Saddleworth & Lees District Partnership gave the project their backing as they heard the Football Foundation had offered £180,000 for the project and the Rugby Football League, £50,000.

But the decision could have major ramifications for the future use of the Greenfield amenity.

The large-scale Saddleworth Show could have to be scaled back as vehicles would be restricted to the new hard-standing area that will be installed as part of the works.

Councillor Graham Sheldon said: “This would not support an event like the Saddleworth Show and there is no other alternative venue. If we can’t look at it how everyone can use the fields together we’re really letting the people of Saddleworth down.”

But it was now or never for the project, according to others.

Councillor John McCann said: “There is nearly half a million pounds here and if we don’t take it now you can forget it, it’ll be a total bog in four years.”

It now needs Oldham Council’s Cabinet to officially accept the grant offers during a meeting on Monday, giving the project the final go-ahead.

If accepted, cash would total £411,000, with work due to start in March, next year.

The news was greeted with jubilation by Saddleworth’s sporting leaders, including Terry Flanagan, chairman of Saddleworth Rangers.

He said: “We’re absolutely delighted. I’m confident when the dust settles we’ll have a great facility for everyone to use for decades to come. It will be such an improvement.”

The fields will be levelled as part of the works to install a new drainage system, create four pitches and a smaller training pitch — plus the addition of a 100m sprint track — all expected to be ready by October, 2012.

It was the final defeat for certain councillors and Saddleworth Runners in particular who had campaigned long and hard for it to be retained.

After consideration by the working group and the council’s legal team it was decided an alternative pitch layout allowing the track to be kept, put forward by Roger Devy from the Churchill Action Group, was unworkable.

Roger added: “It was not unexpected, but we’ll get behind the decision that has been made.”

Mike Reeves, chairman of Uppermill Football Club, said: “It will be a facility to be proud of.”

l More stories from the meeting in Monday’s Evening Chronicle.