Plans are being drawn up for a makeover at King George V playing fields in Haydock which would significantly improve facilities for sports clubs and residents – as well as enhance security in the area.
Funded by the councillor improvement fund (CIF) money; a contribution by developer, Bericote – and supported by Haydock Warriors ARLFC and Haydock FC, who both train and play home fixtures at the site – the development would see:
· The repositioning of sports pitches to allow both rugby and football clubs to achieve their development plans
· Spectator fencing installed around rugby and football pitches to reduce the impact of dog fouling and inappropriate use of playing pitches
· Enhanced pathways which would link to establish an internal circuit for walking, jogging and cycling in a safe, traffic free environment with distance markers and benches
· The provision of an outdoor trim trail and upgraded children’s play area to encourage an active lifestyle
. Introduction of CCTV to keep everyone safe and act as a deterrent against criminal activity or anti-social behaviour, footage from which can be used as evidence to prosecute
Work is also planned to enhance the overall appearance by opening views across King George V playing fields, which the council has already started through tree and shrubs improvement works.
St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, Libraries and Heritage, Councillor Anthony Burns, said:
“We are delighted to be able to present these improvements to the people of Haydock. This will bring a new lease of life to KGV, improving facilities for our community, helping sports clubs to grow and achieve their ambitions and increasing security for nearby residents with the introduction of CCTV.
“I would like to thank all the clubs for their help and support with this project.”
Showing his support to the plans, Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, said: “I welcome these proposals and I encourage local people in Haydock to engage with this consultation to ensure we get the best possible outcome for local sports clubs, members of the public who currently use the park and the wider community.
“I know residents have been plagued by anti-social behaviour in that area and so the creation of well-lit and secure proper public walking routes, sports facilities and community access will be hugely beneficial, especially to our young people.”
John Evans from Haydock Warriors ARLFC, said:
“On behalf of Haydock Warriors ARLFC I would like to firstly express our sincere gratitude to all involved in making good use of the councillor improvement fund.
“To date it has been a long and drawn out process to reach this positive stage.
“Our local ward councillors – together with council officers – have worked continuously through meaningful consultation ensuring our club and community have a direct input to a much needed and welcomed upgrade.
“As a long-established rugby league club we are fully aware of the importance of having facilities that serve a better purpose in both the modern sports environment and furthermore our Haydock community.
“The continuous work on improving King George V playing field obviously provides an excellent environment for the residents and can only lead to our Haydock Warriors growth and development.”
Geoff Bate from Haydock FC said: “On behalf of Haydock Juniors Football Club and open age section we would like to thank everybody involved in this management fund.
“It is positive to see this stage going forward and will benefit so many children in our area. With 14 junior teams and two open age, we have faced many difficulties over the last 24 years as a junior section.
“Improvements of facilities will go a long way to help sports development in our area and hopefully develop teams for our future.”
A planning application is expected to be submitted in the coming months.
Residents are invited to email any comments on the proposal to KGVHaydockWorks@sthelens.gov.uk
