Local MP John McDonnell backs bid for Astro-turf pitch for Botwell Green

Local MP John McDonnell has backed a bid to the Football Foundation for a grant to create an Astro-turf pitch on the Botwell Green site at East Avenue in Hayes Town centre.

This week the Council Sports Development section has appointed consultants to prepare the bid and John McDonnell has written to the Football Foundation urging support for this proposal.

Local MP John McDonnell said “This site is located in the ward within my constituency which has the highest levels of deprivation within the whole borough of Hillingdon. This area has been plagued by high levels of antisocial behaviour, crime and drug dealing amongst young people.

There is a critical need to provide alternative diversionary activities for young people within the area, particularly sporting activities. The current site provides an open field for general kickabout football and other games. However, the site in unusable for many months throughout the winter.

The proposal to locate an Astro-turf pitch would provide the ideal sporting facility to meet the needs of local young people and to divert them into constructive sports activities and away from antisocial behaviour.

I have also asked for assurances from the Council and the Football Foundation that if the current open space is replaced with an Astro-turf pitch then the informal access which is currently available to your people will not be lost and that local people will not be priced out of this facility.”

submitted by John on 08 Nov 2007 at 12:52