September 13, 2018 9.03 am This story is over 66 months old

New Lincoln sports facilities approved

The city council has approved two artificial football pitches in Lincoln as part of a £1.8 million sports improvement project. The plans, put forward by City of Lincoln themselves, look to see the pitches set up at Yarborough Leisure Centre, Riseholme Road, and Birchwood Leisure Centre, Birchwood Avenue. The scheme will provide football training and…
This is what the new 3G pitches would look like under current proposals. Photo: City of Lincoln Council

The city council has approved two artificial football pitches in Lincoln as part of a £1.8 million sports improvement project.

The plans, put forward by City of Lincoln themselves, look to see the pitches set up at Yarborough Leisure Centre, Riseholme Road, and Birchwood Leisure Centre, Birchwood Avenue.

The scheme will provide football training and playing space and the authority hopes the plans will help to increase participation by local schools, junior and youth football clubs, as well as community groups.

Further proposals would see fencing and the installation of floodlights around the perimeter of the pitches.

Another image of what the pitches could look like. Photo: City of Lincoln Council

Speaking in favour of the application, Councillor Bob Bushell said he lived near the Birchwood site.

“I see a massive positive that a lot of people are engaged in physical activity,” he said.

“This is an incredible investment for this city.”

Councillor Edmund Strengiel raised the national issue with obesity and getting people physically active.

He said: “Anything we can do to provide sport in the city can only help to make people healthier.”

Objections had been received by residents near to both planned facilities, and centred around noise, anti-social behaviour, a loss of dog-walking space and balls in back yards.

A 200 signature petition was handed to the council against the Yarborough Leisure Centre Plans.

Sport England had originally objected to the pitches with concerns over nearby facilities affecting the long-term viabilty, and whether the scheme would enable people to play rugby or cricket, however this was later withdrawn.

Surfacing Standards Limited is carrying out the application on behalf of the city council.

The company said that the artificial pitch will be more durable and provide a better playing surface  for winter conditions.

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