Petition to stop residents losing popular kick pitch

Residents have launched a petition to replace a popular kick pitch which is being turned into a car park.

Campaigners say the pitch in Burnside Crescent in Langley, Middleton, has been a community hub, as well as somewhere people can enjoy kicking around a football and enjoying other sports.

The pitch is one of three on the estate. It is next to the Burnside Centre and is being turned into a car park for the centre following planning permission for change of use.

Families say they have been told a replacement will be created further away at Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Council’s planned Football and Community Wellbeing Hub at Bowlee Playing Fields.

Instead, they are calling for a new pitch to be created on land next to the original.

Launching the petition on Change.org, Kelly Burton shared: “For countless children and teenagers in the Burnside Crescent area, the kick pitch behind the old site was more than just a recreational space — it was a community hub where friendships were formed and cherished memories were built.

“Every day, hundreds of young players gathered there, practicing their football skills, learning the value of teamwork, and enjoying the joy of outdoor play.

“Recently, the kick pitch was removed without prior notice to the public. This decision has left a significant void in our community, with children now deprived of a convenient, safe, and free space to play.

“The proposal to replace this facility with a new one at Bowlee Fields is insufficient and impractical for many families.

“The distance to Bowlee Fields poses a barrier, especially for those who relied on the accessibility of Burnside Crescent for spontaneous games and regular practice.

“The Burnside Centre has cited concerns of antisocial behaviour as a reason for the removal, but these claims do not align with the lived experiences of local residents. Our community has not witnessed such disturbances; instead, the pitch fostered positivity and engagement among our youth.

“To rectify this situation, we are advocating for a new kick pitch to be built on the field behind the original site. This new facility will continue to serve as a vital community asset, promoting health, well-being, and social interaction among our younger residents.

“Please sign this petition to help us rebuild our kick pitch and give our kids the chance to thrive in our cherished community environment.”

READ MORE: Sports hub plan must tackle concerns over playing fields

Explaining the decision, Burnside Centre manager Kerry Edwards shared: “We recognise that there have been a number of questions regarding the decommissioning of the kick pitch and the proposed change of use of the site.

“I completely understand that many local residents have fond memories of the pitch and why people are disappointed to see it decommissioned.

“This has not been a recent decision. The future of the pitch has been under discussion for a number of years, with public notices displayed in 2022, wider consultation taking place during 2023, and the proposal ultimately being approved by full cabinet in 2024. The decision followed several years of assessment, consultation and formal review.

“During 2022/23, Burnside Centre also supported Rochdale AFC, with other local partners to encourage residents to take part in consultation around proposed new community sports facilities for the area.

“The intention was not only to discuss the future of the three kick pitches on Langley, but also to help shape future sports and recreational opportunities within Langley. This community consultation invite was published in January, 2023.

“Whilst discussions regarding the decommissioning of the pitch and the future use of the site are linked geographically, they were considered for different reasons. The pitch, which dates back to the late 1990s, had reached the end of its expected lifespan and required significant investment to remain operational.

“Council records identified ongoing maintenance costs, increasing repair requirements and anti-social behaviour concerns associated with the site.

“Over a number of years, parking pressures affected service users, volunteers, user groups, and, on occasions, contributed to incidents that required involvement from community safety partners and other agencies. These issues were considered alongside the assessment of the pitch and formed part of the wider review of the site.

“It is also worth noting that alternative open-access kick pitch provision remains available nearby, approximately 200 metres away by walking route.

“Looking ahead, I would encourage anyone with an interest in local provision to take part in ongoing consultations and discussions about future provision within Langley and Middleton.

“Whilst people may have different views on this decision, I think we all share the same goal of wanting the best possible opportunities for our community.”

To sign the petition, click here.
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