PLANNING bosses at Warrington have given the go ahead for a children’s play area and sports pitches on a former landfill site – despite fears over contamination and flood risks.
Members of the borough council’s planning committee has approved the scheme on land off Longshaw Street, Dallam – part of the former Bewsey Tip site.
The decision – which effectively moves existing playing fields from one side of Longshaw Street to the other – has 
triggered criticism from local residents.
Community campaigner John Mulhall (pictured) has raised the issue of why the move is being planned at a time when the council is facing severe financial constraints.
He wonders what the council has in mind for the existing playing fields – and can only think they have earmarked it for housing.
Mr Mulhall says the site adjoins Tavlin Avenue where, some years ago, the council had to remove all the soil from gardens because of underground contamination.
The plan involves a children’s playground, with play equipment, a soccer pitch, a rugby pitch, car parking for 40 vehicles and an area of rough meadow.
The sports pitches are to provide improved facilities for teams using Dallam Recreation Ground and will eventually be relocated to the Dallam Park Project site.
Underground coal working dating from 1976 affects the site and the Environment Agency has pointed out the eastern end of the site is considered to be at medium to high risk of flooding.
The agency says it is concerned at significantly elevated concentrations of ammonia and says there is clearly a source of pollution on the site.
