Improvements at Churchill

A COMMUNITY chief has praised further investments and improvements being made to Churchill Playing Fields by Oldham Council.

Councillor Barbara Beeley, Chair of the Saddleworth and Lees District Executive, said the work on the facilities and drainage is giving the site in Greenfield “the attention it deserves”.

The ongoing maintenance will continue by the contractor throughout most of this year following the major refit which began in 2012.

Thousands of pounds have already been spent on improving drainage and facilities – including a sprint track, improved perimeter path with distance markers and refurbished changing rooms.

Funding of £60,000 was provided by the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership along with donations from local clubs Uppermill FC, Saddleworth Rangers, 3D Dynamos and Diggle FC.

Contributions were also received from the Football Foundation (£180,000), Rugby Football League (£50,000), Section 106 contribution (£106,000) to work on the improvements.

The site was officially reopened in September 2013 but concerns were raised by local residents and councillors over apparent poor drainage and flooding on the track and pitches.

Councillor Barbara Beeley said: “It’s only right that Saddleworth’s largest sportsfacility is given the attention it deserves.

“That is why we’ve invested in the playing fields – working with the community and a range of partners.

“I know people have raised concerns that it’s not quite right just yet. Of course we will continue to address these concerns, though I’d ask residents to bear with us.

“The pitches aren’t yet ideal, but teething problems with something of this scale are normal.

“I’d also like to point out that the main culprit – the rain – has affected the whole country recently and caused widespread disruption on a much worse scale than we’ve seen locally.

“The important thing to recognise is the significant progress we have made from where we were just a few years ago – these facilities do our district proud. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped achieve this.”