Rugby club plea for home comfort

NOT a level playing field . . . say Fitton Hill Bulldogs

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A FED-UP amateur rugby club has issued a fresh plea for answers after a 15-year campaign to secure a playing fields deal continued to show no signs of getting over the line.

Fitton Hill Bulldogs ARLFC hope to rubber stamp a long-term lease for the site adjacent to Rosary Road in a bid to improve facilities and drainage.

When they quizzed Oldham Council over the agreement for the land on the former Fitton Hill Senior School, the issue was again kicked into the long grass.

Council leader Jean Stretton said at a full council meeting earlier this month: "We do recognise the wider benefits which would come from these proposals.

"Work at the site is now concluded and we will be in touch with the club shortly with a view to discussing a way forward."

The Bulldogs, who play in the North-West Men's League, claim their plans have been hindered since 2001 when they suggested forming a community-led association to support sports groups using the fields.

Chairman John Hughes said: "We have nothing to show for over 15 years of effort.

"We waited patiently for this issue to be raised during a council meeting for nearly two years.

"We will continue to pursue our case to have the playing fields on Rosary Road passed to us on a long lease to allow us to obtain outside funding for pitch drainage and facilities."

The fields have been used by several clubs in the past but the changing rooms were demolished when the old Fitton Hill secondary school was knocked down.

A long lease would enable the club, which was established in 2000, to apply for grants to improve the site, including their plans to fund pitch drainage.

Mr Hughes added: "We are pleased Oldham Council has recognised our long-contested claim to the playing fields at the recent meeting, and once we have been given the lease on the ground we can move forward as a club.

"This will create opportunities for youths and adults on Fitton Hill, Bardsley, Hathershaw and Holts to be involved in a vibrant young club.

"Last June we had been advised that a decision would be made ­- this was then put back numerous times leading to our recent activity to raise awareness among all councillors of our continuing patience.

"We await notification of our promised meeting with Oldham Council."