Sports Development - Press Release

Work Underway at Ross Sports Ground

North East Lincolnshire Council has started work on a scheme to return sport to the Ross Sports Ground, Grimsby, following a period of 11 years when the site has not been used.

In 1993, after some 45 years of sporting activity, the site was acquired by Hanson Properties Limited (Hanson) and closed as a private facility for sporting use.

The proposals for the change of use of the site were met with considerable local resistance and led to a public inquiry held on the 1 February 1996.

Following the outcome of the public inquiry a Planning Agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act was made. It was agreed that the northern part of the site be allocated for residential development, with the southern area being donated to North East Lincolnshire Council for sporting use along with a commuted sum towards the cost of redeveloping the football pitch and cricket wicket into a playable condition.

The proposals to reinstate formal sport on this site have been progressing over a number of years in partnership with the local sporting community. Through this consultation, the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League have taken the lead.

The discussions and development proposals have now been finalised and work has begun on site. The actual playing area will be levelled and re-seeded, car parking will be provided and a fence will be installed to secure the site. An artificial wicket will be installed to enable cricket to be played next summer.

The council is entering into a lease agreement with the John Pettit Grimsby and District cricket league to manage and maintain the site for a period of 25 years. This approach reflects the authorities commitment to develop and empower local groups and organisations to manage local community facilities ensuring long-term sustainability.

The long term aim is to provide a clubhouse on site. The council, through the support of the sports development unit, will work with the league to investigate sources of external funding to complete this phase of the project.

Councillor Geoff Lowis, portfolio holder for regeneration and community learning said: "This project, together with the recently completed developments at the Bradley Road recreation ground, demonstrates the council's commitment to the provision of outdoor sport and recreation pitches."

Colin Kennedy, chairman of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League, said: "The league are delighted that the partnership approach in developing this project has succeeded with work starting to reinstate the sports ground to its former glory."

30 July 2004

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