The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
However unintentionally, Andrew Withers’ letter (March 9) regarding Pinchbeck Glebe field and our village football club is somewhat misleading, as their existing arrangement to use the field has not been in jeopardy. Historically, the club’s use (albeit never sole use) of the field has been justified and appropriate, as the only other public open space in our “rural” village is in Rotten Row.
The club informed the parish council of its expansion plans, which would require a single area of up to 16 acres (or more?) within the village boundary, and incorporate other sports and facilities.
Undoubtedly highly commendable, but the parish council pointed out from the outset that (amongst the agricultural holdings that it manages in trust for its parishioners) it does not own an individual field of such size that is not earmarked for potential future housing development. Its other holdings within the village boundary were mentioned, but with immediate and grave doubts as to suitability due to poor access roads/pavements/street lighting etc, hardly justification for a £3,000 feasibility study? In any case, the club’s proposals indicated that their financial base would be supported by already established outside sources, and the club would merely hope to agree lease and rental arrangements regarding any parish council land.
This was largely agreed in principle.
This was largely agreed in principle.
Incidentally, the report originally submitted by the club clearly recognises that there is already insufficient open space within the village boundary, and that the heart of the village would benefit if the club moved away from Glebe Field.
When it appeared that the club’s proposals are delayed, and they will continue at Glebe Field pro tem, they were fully aware of the infants’ play area, as the parish council had already re-sited a floodlight relative to the football pitch.
When it appeared that the club’s proposals are delayed, and they will continue at Glebe Field pro tem, they were fully aware of the infants’ play area, as the parish council had already re-sited a floodlight relative to the football pitch.
At the only full (East ward) parish council meetings when the football club was an agenda item, their requests to consider a general reconfiguration of the existing layout received the response that we would need a full and accurate drawing and description of the layout before we could come to a conclusion.
I was therefore surprised to become aware of the detailed suggestions only when notified that a full planning application had been submitted direct to SHDC, and that the parish council had been bypassed altogether.
I was therefore surprised to become aware of the detailed suggestions only when notified that a full planning application had been submitted direct to SHDC, and that the parish council had been bypassed altogether.
Nonetheless, the parish council (East ward) had an appropriate emergency meeting on February 20. I’m happy to reassure both Mr Withers and the electorate that five members attended the meeting and one sent an email which almost entirely itemised agreement with the final decision. The unanimous decision of members present was taken only after careful consideration of the needs of the whole community, as the plans show that most of the field would be ‘out of bounds’ to most of them. Particularly as recent extensions to our primary school show that its remaining playing field area is inadequate, and they must retain historical access to Glebe Field, particularly in the summer months.
Nonetheless, I totally agree with Mr Withers regarding the lack of facilities in Pinchbeck. Youth and sporting facilities are dreadfully neglected, and are issues that should have been addressed and planned for years ago.
I still don’t know if everyone realises, but at the last election although there were only 1,700 houses in Pinchbeck (East ward), the South Lincs development plan intends to build another 4,000+.
This will greatly increase our need for facilities. However, not a penny of public money has been earmarked for roads, schools, medical facilities or any infrastructure essentials.
Mr Withers may well ask where the necessary land for his plans is to come from. All I can say is that as a genuinely elected parish councillor, I would wish that he and far more of his socially responsible friends and acquaintances would participate in council meetings etc at all levels, so that we can work together on these crucial issues.
I am available at any time.
Coun Leon Tetherton
Pinchbeck Parish Council
Pinchbeck Parish Council
