BRIGG REC: COUNCIL ACHIEVES ANOTHER GOAL IN THE REFURBISHMENT SCHEME

The go-ahead has now been granted to add an important safety feature at Brigg Recreation Ground, where expensive and extensive refurbishment is well advanced.
North Lincolnshire Council has approved a planning application to install new ball stop fencing (4m in height) on the southern boundary, bordering the A18 along Wrawby Road.
North Lincolnshire highways raised no objections, while Brigg Town Council supported the proposal.
One letter of objection was received by council planners prior to considering the application.
The objector suggested the fencing was not required and that problems with sports balls leaving the site and entering Wrawby Road had not been significant in the past. 
An assessment report prepared by North Lincolnshire Council said: "It is acknowledged that the proposed fencing is of considerable height (4m) and that it would be located in close proximity to the highway. 
"However, these facts are a consequence of the purpose of the structure. The fencing is meshed to reduce visual impact and the structure would be painted green to blend in with existing trees/vegetation. 
"It is considered that the proposal would not therefore have an unacceptable visual impact."
The council assessment concluded: "It is considered that sufficient justification for the scheme has been provided for the proposal."
Junior football is played on the grass area of the Rec nearest to the ground's entrance off Wrawby Road. This was once the main hockey pitch.
In reply to the objector's letter, the applicant (an officer within the council) said: "We need to have the option to reconfigure natural turf sports pitches to meet customer needs. This means that there could be football pitches closer to the road. 
"In this case there is a reasonable possibility that balls can carry over the hedge onto the highway and cause a road traffic incident. We have a duty of care and a responsibility to manage risk.
"We need to take action to restrict the chances of this risk occurring and believe that the 
proposed ball stop fence is a workable solution to achieve this in the way that the ball stop fencing alongside football pitches at Central Park, which adjoin the Kingsway has been successful.”  (These are both in Scunthorpe).

N.F. ADDS: The opening date for the refurbished Rec has yet to be announced by North Lincolnshire Council. However, the work must be very close to completion. A new all-weather, floodlit pitch has been installed, together with all-weather tennis courts and a new changing room block. Provision to play football and cricket on grass has been retained.