Churchill drainage scheme gets final go-ahead

THE green light has been given to the drainage scheme that is hoped will breathe new life into the Churchill playing fields in Greenfield.

The final stamp of approval was given when bids totalling £230,000 from both the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the Football Foundation were formally accepted by Oldham Council.

But work will not begin until next March.

The Chronicle reported on Friday how funds are now at over £411,000 to complete the works that will see a full new set of drains installed.

A hard-standing for vehicles and sprint track will also be installed, with a grass track for runners.

Over £105,000 has come from council funds, the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership pledged £50,000, with the remainder donated by local sports teams and the Saddleworth Round Table.

The tender process has now been completed and the work is set to begin next spring, with the fields expected to be in action by September/October, 2012.