RISHTON ASTROTURF PITCH

Several meetings have taken place over the past month to determine a future direction for the astroturf pitch at Norden High School and playing fields in Rishton.  Headmaster of Norden, Mr Bob Flood, is very receptive to any new ideas and is keen to move forward and help the community groups get the facilities they require. The astroturf pitch at Norden is currently in poor condition and is unsafe to play on during wet weather as suitable drainage was not installed when the surface was first laid.  Initial estimates to bring the pitch up to standard and sort out all problems completely have hinted at a cost of around £170,000 which is far more than is currently available. 

A recent election promise of £250,000 to Rishton by the previous Conservative administration in Hyndburn has now been withdrawn as this formed part of a £5.2m package which the council cannot reasonably afford to spend on top of further savings of over £2.7m in 2011 alone. Further savings demands of over £3m are expected to be imposed by central government before 2014 and so all spending pledges in Hyndburn are currently undergoing a review. This means that the money previously allocated to Holt Street recreation ground has been suspended for the foreseeable future as it is currently unaffordable.

Talks between the three Rishton councillors and the committee of Rishton Utd have revealed that the lack of village training facilities is a problem and that getting the astroturf sorted out to enable a local training ground is their preferred priority.  Bringing the playing fields at Spring Street up to a maintainable standard came second as they ideally require two full size pitches to accommodate the 18 teams that play under the Rishton Utd banner each week.

From July, monthly meetings will be held with the Rishton Utd committee, the Rishton councillors, representatives from Norden High School, Rishton County Cllr Miles Parkinson and the new portfolio holder for Sports and Leisure, Cllr Ciaran Wells.  It is hoped that by agreeing a strategy and looking for grants from various funding streams that some positive progress can be made within the next 12 months.