Underused village playing field to be transformed in £1 deal
WALTHAM SITE TO BECOME MULTI-USE GAMES AREA WITH NEW PATHWAY
A PARISH council is planning a transformation of an “underutilised” set of tennis courts into a multi-use games area (MUGA). Plans were approved at North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet for Waltham Parish Council to take on the leasehold of Mount Pleasant playing fields and a strip of land leading to Neville Turner Way playing fields at a peppercorn rent. The parish council wants to invest in the facility, creating a MUGA and a new pedestrian pathway.
It is also willing to keep up the management of the site after works are completed.
The parish council made a community asset transfer proposal to North East Lincolnshire Council for the site, seeking a 25 year full, repairing and insuring lease.
This could then develop into outright ownership of the playing fields. An outreach survey of young people in the area was organised by the parish council in 2021 to influence plans for the playing fields. There had been suggestions previously from residents of a BMX track and cycle course, or a skate park. The option preferred has been to make it flexible in use as much as possible.
A MUGA typically comprises an outdoor fenced area with built in goal post units for various types of sports games, such as football, basketball or hockey.
The expression of interest in a community asset transfer was made in autumn 2021.
Waltham Parish Council is set to pay a nominal rent fee, if demanded, of £1 each year.
The report on the plans put before cabinet said that the council was “satisfied that the proposal to approve a ‘less than best’ transaction is based on sufficient social and economic benefit”. “Currently the site is under-utilised and in parts has become unusable and untidy and subject to antisocial behaviour,” stated the council report.
“The site needs refurbishment and the parish have plans to invest, improve and then maintain the site as a valuable resource to the community.”
It also says the parish is of “sound grounding and can provide an enhanced asset to benefit both the residents and the wider community”. “It’s a peppercorn rent providing a social return,” said Cllr Stephen Harness, portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets, at the cabinet meeting.
Cllr Tom Furneaux was likewise impressed by the case for giving the
parish council the leasehold at nominal cost and said: “Having read the report on this one, it seems like a fantastic opportunity.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, council leader and one of the two members for Waltham Ward, said the parish council had a track record of managing such facilities successfully. “I’m sure they will make the best of it for the residents of Waltham,” he added.
After investing in the facility, the parish council has also committed to managing and maintaining it. Currently, Waltham Parish Council has an annual budget courtesy of its council tax precept of £65,000.