West Lancs MP calls on council to agree long-term lease with Burscough JFC to improve playing conditions of pitches

Oct 11 2012 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

WEST Lancs MP Rosie Cooper has called on the council to agree a long-term lease of playing fields to Burscough JFC.

Last month the Advertiser revealed how hundreds of young footballers were having to travel outside the borough for games, while others had gone weeks without a game due to the state of the fields.

Ms Cooper has now met managers and players and been shown the waterlogged pitches at Abbey Lane, along with Burscough councillors Roger Bell and John Davies.

And she said: “The condition of the pitches at Abbey Lane and Victoria Park has meant many teams haven’t kicked a ball since the season began. I am told the council claim to have completed a series of maintenance works, including drainage at Abbey Lane. “However, on inspection, this seems highly unlikely. I will be writing to the council to determine what work has been done and when. It is unacceptable that council are not maintaining their facilities which people are paying for. “They should agree a long-term lease to Burscough JFC who will be prepared to look after the playing fields and allow youngsters to enjoy sport again.”

A council spokesman said that drainage maintenance was started at Abbey Lane in August but conditions prevented work being completed and it will be done when practical, while work on Victoria Park is carried out on a rolling programme dictated by conditions.

The spokesman added the council had received no approach from the club for a lease, but would have to take into account other users of the site should one be made.