A TREASURED green space in Scouthead could be secured for generations to come as Saddleworth Parish Council considers taking over ownership.
Councillors agreed unanimously at their last meeting to support in principle the transfer of ownership of Dawson’s Field, Scouthead, from Oldham Council to the Parish Council.
This would see the field, which is currently identified as green belt, become property of the Parish Council as a community asset and open space in perpetuity.
It would ease concerns that the site could be sold off at a future date, leaving the community without any publically owned land for local functions.
Currently the field hosts Scouthead Whit Friday band contests and a ‘Fun Day’ organised by the District Partnership each year.
The proposal at the council meeting by Cllr Rob Knotts envisages other potential community uses including music festivals, village fetes, sports days, gardening sales or car boot sales.
Other Parish Councillors voiced their support for his plans and gave the green light for further discussions over maintenance costs before a final decision is made.
Cllr Brian Lord said: “We have got an opportunity to acquire something for the people of Saddleworth. I think we should do everything in our power to get this.
“Look at the positives we can get from it and how we can use it as a real asset.”
Cllr Graham Sheldon added: “I think the Parish Council should take over the area and secure it for the future for Saddleworth.”
And Cllr Neil Allsopp recalled: “When we heard the village green in Diggle was being lost to build houses on it, we resolved to do whatever possible in the future to secure land for Saddleworth.”
Cllr Robert Knotts concluded: “It is not just for Scouthead but for the whole of Saddleworth.”
David Needham, secretary of Scouthead and Austerlands Whit Friday Brass Band Contest welcomed the initiative.
He said: “A successful transfer should lead to greater use of the field by the public and allow further community organised events to take place.
“It will also safeguard the field not only for the band contests, but for the Saddleworth community because one of our concerns has been Oldham Council may dispose of the site, if for any reason the contests cease or are suspended.
“We are very pleased and grateful the Parish Council has agreed in principal to pursue the idea.”
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