Playing fields unplayable

PLAYING fields in South Chadderton are still unplayable — despite tens of thousands of pounds spent to overhaul them.

The council is now drawing up alternative proposals for the Granby Street Playing Fields, which have been dogged by flooding and poor drainage, and are also abused by motorcyclists and Adam Mitchell (19) died there last year when his moped hit a lamppost.

Council chiefs received £280,000 from the Highways Agency in 2007 — compensation for pitches lost elsewhere — to improve the playing fields. The work was delayed because of bad weather but had been due to be completed last year.

The council also received £167,750 insurance money to replace changing rooms destroyed in an arson attack in 2004, which it was hoped would be matched by the Football Association.

A council reports states: “The scheme to bring Granby Street Playing Fields into a positive and beneficial use have been ongoing for a substantial number of years.

“The proposal was to create two new playing fields together with associated changing facilities.

“The works undertaken to create the playing fields has not resulted in a facility that can be currently used without further very substantial investment.”

New proposals include turning the pitches — which are not currently in a good enough state to be hired out — into kick-about areas and building a skate park. A wetland nature area could also be created, neighbouring allotments extended and a footpath built to the new Metrolink station at Hollinwood.

The report adds: “Any proposed works must include measures to prevent motorcyclists gaining access to the site.”