Funding approved for pitch improvements at Burrows playing fields

These improvements form part of a project the council is working on with Leckhampton Rovers Football Club (LRFC) who has made the Burrows their home ground.

The funding was secured by Tewkesbury Borough Council through Section 106 (funding gained from new developments to ensure communities have access to new facilities or that existing facilities can be updated and maintained) as part of planning approval for a development at Farm Lane, situated on the border between Tewkesbury Borough and Cheltenham District.

Cllr Flo Clucas cabinet member for healthy lifestyles at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to have this funding approved. The pitch improvements, which have now also been given planning permission, will make a huge difference to everyone who uses this much valued green space.”

Mark Beaney, trustee at LRFC, continues: "The club is really excited about the project and the funding will enable the whole community to enjoy fantastic outdoor facilities for formal and recreational activities at the Burrows."

Cllr Richard Stanley, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Tewkesbury Borough Council, added “We’re delighted to see investment in these facilities – it will have such a positive impact on the community and encourage participation in healthy, active lifestyles across all age groups. As our population increases, so too does demand on our community clubs. This funding will enable the club to plan for the long-term future and ensure our residents have access to quality sports facilities for many years to come.”

The second phase of the new footpath around the fields is also hoped to start soon to improve accessibility for residents using the green space. The path will be made of binding gravel and will connect the pavilion with the pedestrian access along Merlin Way and Peregrine Road. A third and final phase will be added as part of the pitch improvement works, this will make a full perimeter path around the fields. £10k funding for this work has been identified from Gloucestershire County Council’s ‘Growing our communities’ pot.

Cllr Iain Dobie, borough and county councillor, continues: “I’m really pleased that the county council are funding the extension of the path round the field and I’m proud to be working with LRFC and Cheltenham Borough Council to make improvements to Burrows for the benefit of our residents.”

To find out more about the project, please visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/burrows-improvements.

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Notes:

The council’s planning committee recognised the benefits of the proposals to improve and level the playing surfaces at Burrows Field, however also appreciated the concerns expressed over potential for flooding in the area. The application was agreed on the basis that further investigation would be carried out into this risk, and authority be delegated to the head of planning in consultation with the chair and vice chair of planning committee, together with a ward councillor.

Residents are assured that any works to the playing fields are for the benefit of the whole community. The look and feel of the fields will remain the same, but with much improved playing surfaces for the pitches.

Everyone who currently uses the Burrows, will still be able to access the fields whilst any work is being carried out. To allow for this, the work will be carried out over two phases during 2021 and 2022.The aim is to start the proposed improvements at the end of the 2020/21 football season and complete the works by the start of the 2022/23 season.