Building work for sports pavillion causing local problems say Councillors

Councillors are calling for building work in Pitshanger Park to be stopped after concerns over health and safety.

The old clubhouse, which was demolished several years ago is being replaced with a new sports pavillion.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of the council, said: “The new pavilion at Scotch Common will provide much-needed facilities for Pitshanger Football Club, as well as a fantastic new clubhouse. I hope the new facilities will encourage even more youngsters to get involved in local sport and continue the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games.

“We are taking great to care to minimise any inconvenience to local people during the construction phase, and I look forward to seeing another great community sporting facility take shape.”

Work on the site (at Scotch Common Fields) began two weeks ago but local representatives aren't happy.

The original plan had been for contractors to use Bellevue Road and the car park in Perivale Gardens to access the site.

However, Cleveland Conservative councillors believe the roads aren't wide enough and lorries can't negotiate the junction from Bellevue Road into Perivale Gardens and the gate into the car park.

They point to an incident last week when contractors removed a bulldozer from the park by driving it through a hedge and across the pavement from Scotch Common onto the Argyle Road where they loaded it onto a suitable lorry.

Cllr John Popham commented:

''We cannot have lorries and bulldozers driving across a park where children and adults are playing. Last week’s incident showed that the Council have a total disregard for the health and safety of Cleveland residents and I call upon Cllr Bell to suspend all work until such time as they have agreed a construction plan with the local community.''

Work to the pavilion is expected to complete by spring 2014, at which time Pitshanger Football Club will take up a 25 year lease of the site. The pitch improvements are due to finish in October this year.

A council spokesperson said:

“This work on Scotch Common will create an important community facility and a much-needed base for Pitshanger Football Club’s 400 members. Following feedback from residents, on the first morning of works, and the difficulties created in accessing the site via Bellevue Road, the contractor and council have agreed to create a temporary entrance from Argyle Road through the hedge.  This will result in less disruption to residents.   The licence granting temporary access to the site is in place and the hedge and footpath will be repaired and replaced once works are finished.”

2nd September 2013