Field of dreams

DIGGING deep: Councillor Barbara Beeley (front) watched by councillors, representatives from local football clubs and construction company Souters Sports Ltd

SPORTING groups were on hand to witness the start of drainage work to make Churchill playing fields a home pitch to be proud of.

The £410,000 work is under way and expected to run until October to make the site between Greenfield and Uppermill more resilient to harsh weather conditions and more convenient for the community.

Representatives of Uppermill FC, 3D Dynamos and Diggle FC watched as specialist construction company Souters Sports Ltd began the job, which includes excavation and installation of main drains, pitch levelling, installation of lateral drains, amelioration, cultivation and seeding. There will also be the construction of new hard-standing “grasscrete” — helping increase the amount of parking available for events at the site — and space created for a grass running track, a permanent 100-metre sprint track and new long-jump pit.

Further developments to changing facilities and buildings at the site are also planned. The work is funded by Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, the Football Foundation, Rugby Football League and contributions paid to Oldham Council as a result of local developments.

The football clubs, together with Saddleworth Rangers, have contributed £16,000 to the work.