More than 400 residents sign petition opposing demolition of Burtonwood Pavilion

LOCAL residents are campaigning to save the old Burtonwood Pavilion, which has been closed for several years, with more than 400 people signing a petition opposing any plans to demolish it and build a new facility.

The issue is set to be discussed at a meeting of Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council this coming Wednesday, July 19.

A petition has been set up to be presented to Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council to allow the residents of Burtonwood to re-open and renovate the Recreation Building on Gorsey Lane, while opposing the demolition of the Recreation Ground facilities. So far more than 420 people have signed the petition which can be viewed here www.change.org/p/save-the-recreation-ground-facilities
They are calling on the parish council to allow the residents to form a committee of users and manage the facility for the benefit of all.

The existing Burtonwood Pavilion

While local football team FC Burtonwood and the local community association are campaigning to save the existing building, the parish council is considering demolition and replacing it with a new facility, open to the playground and football pitches, to complement the proposed changing facilities and the possible inclusion of a cafe.
Stuart Rotherham, Chairman of FC Burtonwood, says the council has refused access to the changing facilities ‘The Pavillion’ claiming the previous football team vandalised and damaged fixtures and fittings.
He says access had since been gained and says there is only cosmetic damage to a ceiling in the hall.
He said: “We have had a local resident offer building labour and materials to renovate parts of the pavilion but the council has been totally obstructive to our request.
“Our open-age team and visiting teams have been changing in the function room of the local social club, whilst perfectly good facilities lie dormant.
“If we don’t get changing facilities secured the open-age team will fold possibly causing our junior teams to fold soon after.
“Burtonwood & Westbrook council seemingly have no interest in local men/boys/children participating in local community activities, reducing drug use/ crime & boosting mental health etc.
“I got zero response when I suggested the children’s football could fold if the adult club were to fold. There are other groups hoping to use the Pavillion.”
Jan White, Chair of the Burtonwood and Collins Green Residents Association, who have drawn up a business case to reopen the facility, is also backing the campaign to save the Pavillion and bring it back into use for the benefit of the local community.
The business case represents “no cost to the council.”
It states that the Recreation Ground facilities were previously enjoyed and used by several groups within the village – not only the Football Teams but also used as a School Holiday hub; Mums and Toddlers Group; Baby Weighing Clinic and a Meeting Place for the AMADS and the Women’s Institute amongst others. The facility was closed several years ago due to damage and issues with the utilities. Concerns were also raised regarding the utility provision (including costs associated with leaving lights and heating on) and lack of key control.
Although several of the groups have relocated to The Club or The Community Centre, there are no changing, toilet, or shower facilities within easy reach of the Football pitches. Opening this facility would support the expansion of the Burtonwood FC Teams – as there are now enough members to create a second adult team to enter the League next season.
As there are currently no facilities, an interim exemption has been received from the Football Association, this is unlikely to be extended into next season resulting in the closure of the Burtonwood teams. The knock-on effect would also trickle down to the Under 18’s; Under 15’s and Under 8’s teams affiliated to the league team. Previously, the pavilion was closed off to the football teams, they relocated to Earlestown – but the team folded after a short time due to the travelling and lack of away facilities for visiting teams.

The item will be discussed at the next meeting of the parish council this coming Wednesday, July 19 at Gulliver’s World Theme Park, Shackleton Close, Old Hall.
In response to concerns Burtonwood Parish Council Cllr. Cathy Mitchell, says the item will be discussed in public and there had been no pre-determination of a way forward.
She added: “There are lots of councillors on the parish council. Whatever is the majority view will prevail.”
The Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council website states that the council “are working with Active Cheshire in an effort to secure funding for improved sports and activity facilities for the village at the site.
“The current pavilion building is not fit for purpose and steps are now being taken to demolish it.
“We are working hard in the background for the community to improve facilities for sport and activity for residents.”