Pitching for success

A MAJOR 12-week public consultation is to be launched soon on proposals to upgrade Warrington’s sports pitches.
Surveys and conversations with local sports clubs and groups have already taken place and will form the basis of the wider consultation.
Warrington has 314 sports pitches – 123 soccer, 34 Rugby Union, 25 Rugby League, 19 cricket and 13 hockey.
But only 65 per cent of them meet Sport England standards.
Surveys carried out so far show that while distribution across the borough is good, on-site facilities vary greatly, as does pitch quality, which has a big impact on usage levels.
The surveys identify opportunities for improvement, investment and development of local playing pitch facilities based on national guidance issued by Sport England.
Greater community access and partnership working to ensure this is possible is also a key priority going forward.
Cllr Kate Hannon (pictured), the borough council’s executive member for leisure, community and culture, said: “The council currently manages and operates a number of pitches and greens across the borough. We are developing a playing pitch strategy for Warrington with partners and hope to have it ready in the New Year.
“Having this in place means we will be able to bid for funding to make improvements where they can make the most difference which will, we hope, encourage more people than ever to play sports.”
Research has shown that at present, only 23 per cent of the adult population of Warrington take part in any sport or active recreation.
Partners in the project, “Pitching for Success”, include Sport Cheshire, Warrington Borough Council, Warrington Junior Football League and Sport England.