Council responds to calls for urgent action over 3G pitch in Crewe
Cheshire East Council has responded after So Cheshire published a letter by the chairman of Crewe FC calling on the council to act urgently to support to youth football in the town.
The club is trying to secure the funding required to install a 3G pitch on the King George V Playing Fields.
Now, the council has said it is in discussions with the club over the issue but adds it is important that due process is followed when signing off the necessary arrangements.
Cllr Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “Cheshire East Council is in discussions with Crewe FC about a proposal for a new 3G pitch at the King George V Playing Fields on Coppenhall Lane in Crewe.
“The council’s Playing Pitch Strategy recognises that playing facilities such as the one sought by Crewe FC are needed.
“Our officers have been meeting regularly with the football club and its stakeholders to discuss this.
“Developing a project of this nature is a complex exercise. The council needs to go through formal process for land disposals. It is critical that all due process is followed.
“We will work as quickly as we can to find a resolution to this matter, taking into account both the legal responsibilities the council has and the resources we have available.”
In his letter, Crewe FC chairman Steve Parker said time was running out to get the funding in place that’s neeed.
He said “We do still have a chance to apply to the Football Foundation Facilities Fund from (funding window) October 2023 onwards.
“However, the project needs to have secured planning approval before an application can be fully submitted and this timeline is becoming increasingly challenging.”
He added: “The project is now at risk of missing significant funding opportunities with the Football Foundation if this is not resolved quickly and as a matter of priority.”
