Residents want soccer pitch plan red-carded

PLANS to redevelop a football pitch will bring intolerable noise pollution and vandalism back to the area, say Limeside residents.

Last month, Oldham Council revealed plans to restore an area of land in Limehurst Village back to a football pitch after 13 years of it being left to nature.

The council is inviting offers from local teams interested in renting the pitch, behind Higher Lime Road, but a number of residents have said that this will cause noise pollution, among other trouble.

Higher Lime Road resident of 16 years Andrea Weaver said the green area has become a peaceful place since it stopped being used for football.

She said: “The area has now been abandoned to nature for the last 13 years and is finally covered in wild grasses, flowers and self-seeded bushes and trees. It has massively improved the natural environment in Limeside and harbours multiple forms of wildlife such as crickets, birds and foxes, wildlife that will be lost for good should the plans go ahead.

“Additionally this area is currently used by a myriad of people. Children play in the long grasses and bushes, dog walkers use it as a meeting place and equestrians take advantage of the open riding and grazing.

Privacy

“Aside from the loss of privacy that will follow the loss of trees, the noise nuisance will not be tolerable. I speak from experience as I was unfortunate enough to live here the last time the field was used in this manner and I find the thought of it returning to this is unacceptable.

“My gardens were used as a shortcut during this period, and my personal property, whether secured or not, was considered easy pickings.”

The plans have arisen following the council’s successful planning application for a residential-led development scheme at the Lancaster Club, Broadway, Failsworth.

The Lancaster Club site currently provides a range of sports pitches and to ensure these facilities are retained within the borough, the council is proposing to upgrade the vacant land in Limehurst.
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