Saddleworth Parish Council presents plan to secure Scouthead community space

A CAMPAIGNING councillor is putting forward a colourful business plan to try to secure a treasured green space in Scouthead for community use.

Cllr Robert Knotts has put together the 22-page document outlining a vision for Dawson’s Field on Huddersfield Road.

Currently, the field is owned by Oldham Council and leased out just twice a year for the Scouthead Whit Friday Band Contest and community summer Fun Day.

But Cllr Knotts’s ideas will see the field become a hive of activity including a children’s play area, picnic tables, football posts and open space for local events that will benefit the whole of Saddleworth.

With the backing of Saddleworth Parish Council, his business plan is to be submitted to Oldham Council, with a view to applying for an operator’s license at a future date with no financial or legal implications at this stage.

Cllr Knotts explained: “We have to present a business case, monitor footfall and the operate site for 12 months to show it is worthwhile applying for a community asset transfer.

“The Parish Council manages other assets, such as the Civic Hall and cemetery, so this could be another one, perhaps with the help of the community group.

“Scouthead and Austerlands is the only area in Saddleworth that doesn’t have its own space for events or a place for children to play safely so it will certainly enhance community spirit.”

Cllr Knotts admitted that some work will have to be done to repair the field’s stone wall, remove barbed wire, and address a waterlogged entrance.

But he added: “We are not going to be throwing money at it but just need to make it safe so that it contributes value to the community of Saddleworth as a whole.”

Some councillors aired concerns over future repairs and running costs for the site; the Parish Council fully agreed that more discussions should be held before signing a license.

But Cllr Graham Sheldon highlighted the importance of taking control of the field to ensure it can be maintained as a community green space in the future.

“We are trying to secure this land for Scouthead and Austerlands, and the whole of Saddleworth,” he said. “The last thing we want to see on the land instead is 30 houses.”