At last – Shaw Street changing rooms approved

PLANS for the long-awaited new changing rooms at Culcheth’s Shaw Street recreation ground have been given the go-ahead – after lengthy delays.
Earlier this year, the scheme was withdrawn from the borough development management committee’s agenda after it was decided a tree survey should be carried out because of the proximity of locally important trees.
Now, however, the scheme has been approved.
The scheme will involve demolition of the existing sub-standard building and construction of a steel modular building to serve as a sports changing complex and canteen. The new building will occupy the  same site as the old, but will be slightly larger, taking in an area of hard-standing surrounding the current building.
A number of trees will have to be removed – and this led to some criticism of the scheme by Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, who believed not all the trees need be felled.
However the borough’s arborist raised no objections, subject to replacement planting taking place.
Despite the increase in size, the majority of the new building will be screened from view from Shaw Street by an existing storage building and from Warrington Road by existing trees and planting.
There will no loss of playing field space.
After the committee’s unanimous decision, Cllr Chris Vobe said he was delighted.
He said: “These high quality changing facilities represent the ‘second phase’ of the overall scheme which began with the car park resurfacing and the drainage replacement. This is the final piece of the puzzle in our refurbishment project and ensures the best possible provision will be made available for local young people and sports teams who use the playing fields.
“Work will commence soon and I join residents in looking forward to seeing the new facilities when they are complete.”