NEARLY 500 children and adults from sports clubs across Bradford on Avon flocked to Beehive Field on Saturday to show their fervent support for their proposed community sports hub.
More than 300 youngsters from Bradford Town Youth Football Club (BTYFC) and netball clubs gathered in a ‘Hubbub’ to endorse their plans to create a purpose-built Beehive Field sports ground to allow some clubs to move from dilapidated facilities.
After successfully lobbying to be included in the town’s Neighbourhood Plan from a petition, campaigners are now turning their attentions to getting the sports hub to the front of the queue when Wiltshire Council reviews the town’s neighbourhood plan proposals.
“It was amazing to see the monumental amount of support. There was chanting, singing, everyone was buzzing – we certainly mean business,” said campaigner Simon Staddon, one of the many parents whose kids play at Bradford Town Youth Football Club.
“This is an absolute priority for the long-term future of Bradford Town Youth Football Club – a once in a generation opportunity to create a lasting Sports Hub for the town and a chance to an stop a never-ending fixture list of cancellations due to drainage and flooding issues.”
The youth team, which has played on as many as 15 pitches around the town, predominantly relies on pitches at the rugby club on Winsley Road and at local schools, which costs around £11,000 a year.
Plans for the hub – which could include Spencer Moulton Bowls Club, Bradford Town FC and the town’s archery, table tennis and cricket clubs – include all-weather pitches, grass pitches and a club house with changing, toilet and café facilities.
“We have had fantastic support from the town council and we are aiming to have 1,000 positive votes and comments on our scheme for the examiner to see,” said Mr Staddon.
“Now we have to get it approved in a referendum later this year, then we can put together a proposal but there are still hurdles to cross before then.
“It was amazing to see the monumental amount of support. There was chanting, singing, everyone was buzzing – we certainly mean business,” said campaigner Simon Staddon, one of the many parents whose kids play at Bradford Town Youth Football Club.
“This is an absolute priority for the long-term future of Bradford Town Youth Football Club – a once in a generation opportunity to create a lasting Sports Hub for the town and a chance to an stop a never-ending fixture list of cancellations due to drainage and flooding issues.”
The youth team, which has played on as many as 15 pitches around the town, predominantly relies on pitches at the rugby club on Winsley Road and at local schools, which costs around £11,000 a year.
Plans for the hub – which could include Spencer Moulton Bowls Club, Bradford Town FC and the town’s archery, table tennis and cricket clubs – include all-weather pitches, grass pitches and a club house with changing, toilet and café facilities.
“We have had fantastic support from the town council and we are aiming to have 1,000 positive votes and comments on our scheme for the examiner to see,” said Mr Staddon.
“Now we have to get it approved in a referendum later this year, then we can put together a proposal but there are still hurdles to cross before then.
“The whole project will be completely self sustaining, it will not cost the tax payer anything. There will be a legacy fund which means we can pay for maintenance for years to come and this is why it is so exciting.”
Kingston Archery treasurer David Lelliott said: “We are very keen to see this happen. If we had our own field it would be much better. Sometimes we have to rearrange events as we share the field so we are definitely behind this.”
Mayor Alison Craddock said: “I am very glad there was a really good turnout. We think it would be a really good idea and in essence we support it as it would be very beneficial but we will have to see what they actually have in store.”
