3G Pitches
Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2019 3:53 pmI thought this ought be shared because we'd never hear about it or be able to support it otherwise.
As everyone knows, the 3G pitches and associated land were owned by PMG Leisure and were used by Morecambe FC Community Sports and a host of other community users. Since falling into administration, getting information about the situation with the land is frustrating. This is a vital community asset. If anyone was to ask what we wanted for the land, I think the universal response would be, "in charitable or community hands supporting the work of Morecambe FC Community Sports and other community groups, junior football teams and charities".
Given the rumours about other sales to property developers or neighbouring companies it was interesting to read Lancaster City's Local Plan and the supporting documentation. This includes two documents on local pitch facilities for all main sports. Football is clearly dominant and it is staggering to read just how many teams we have locally and the dreadful state of our pitches (including at King George's Playing Field that MFC paid for).
http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/atta ... Report.pdf
http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/atta ... 20Plan.pdf
If you're involved in grassroots football locally you should definitely give these a read.
As regards, the 3G pitches at the rear of the ground, the document states:
"Morecambe FC Community Sports (the charitable trust linked to Morecambe FC), the Premier League and the Football League Trust are in the process of negotiating potential purchase of the land from the bank to bring the 3G pitches and hard courts behind them back into operation. The Trust is currently negotiating a price of purchase supported by the Premier League. Whilst the 3G pitches are rated as standard quality within this audit, LFA reports that some level of repair works will be required to bring the surfaces back to suitable quality for regular use".
As supporters, through the Shrimps Trust, I think its important that we find out whether these negotiations are continuing and whether Community Sports believe it will reach a positive outcome. If not, then what can the Trust, fans and the community do to lobby and campaign for this to go through.
As everyone knows, the 3G pitches and associated land were owned by PMG Leisure and were used by Morecambe FC Community Sports and a host of other community users. Since falling into administration, getting information about the situation with the land is frustrating. This is a vital community asset. If anyone was to ask what we wanted for the land, I think the universal response would be, "in charitable or community hands supporting the work of Morecambe FC Community Sports and other community groups, junior football teams and charities".
Given the rumours about other sales to property developers or neighbouring companies it was interesting to read Lancaster City's Local Plan and the supporting documentation. This includes two documents on local pitch facilities for all main sports. Football is clearly dominant and it is staggering to read just how many teams we have locally and the dreadful state of our pitches (including at King George's Playing Field that MFC paid for).
http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/atta ... Report.pdf
http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/atta ... 20Plan.pdf
If you're involved in grassroots football locally you should definitely give these a read.
As regards, the 3G pitches at the rear of the ground, the document states:
"Morecambe FC Community Sports (the charitable trust linked to Morecambe FC), the Premier League and the Football League Trust are in the process of negotiating potential purchase of the land from the bank to bring the 3G pitches and hard courts behind them back into operation. The Trust is currently negotiating a price of purchase supported by the Premier League. Whilst the 3G pitches are rated as standard quality within this audit, LFA reports that some level of repair works will be required to bring the surfaces back to suitable quality for regular use".
As supporters, through the Shrimps Trust, I think its important that we find out whether these negotiations are continuing and whether Community Sports believe it will reach a positive outcome. If not, then what can the Trust, fans and the community do to lobby and campaign for this to go through.
