The demolition of Brotherod kick pitch causes uproar

The demolition of Brotherod kick pitch by Rochdale Borough Housing (RBH) has caused uproar, despite only four people attending a meeting to ‘save or lose the pitch’ on 6 April.

The decision to close the pitch was reached following complaints of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, such as drunkards playing football in the early hours of the morning. Using the pitch after hours subjected residents to bright lights shining directly into their houses.

The pitch will be removed and seeded. The RBH grounds maintenance team will maintain the grass once it has grown.

A spokesman for Rochdale Borough Housing said: “RBH held discussions with the Brotherod Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) earlier this year regarding the future of the kick pitch.

“A community drop-in was arranged from 2.30pm until 6.30pm on 6 April at Community House on Daniel Fold, and the TRA arranged delivery of 475 letters advertising the event to all nearby homes.

“After the meeting, RBH made the decision to remove the kick pitch, which has incurred increasing maintenance costs for RBH and has also been the subject of regular complaints about anti-social behaviour.”

The fence had been cut on several occasions and the four feet high wall under the fence had its bricks chipped at.

The site was offered back to Rochdale Borough Council, who declined to repair or upgrade the site.

To comply with current Health and Safety standards, the current damage to the fence alone would have cost approximately £12 000 pounds in repairs. RBH declined to disclose details of the cost of demolition compared to the cost of renovations and who was paying these costs.

The site was part funded by RBH and the National Lottery, which ruled the site to be locked at 9pm each night. Vandals have previously cut the padlocks off and painted over the opening and closing times.

Joan Turner, who volunteered at the pitch for over 30 years, said: “Nobody contacted the person in charge of the project after they were given his details when they complained they didn’t receive a leaflet.

“No one seemed to want the responsibility of maintaining the site.”

The nearby Dell Gardens on Daniel Fold will also be affected. Whilst the swings will be painted and upgraded, the climbing frame and seesaw will be removed.

Brotherod kick pitch has been plagued by complaints since it opened in June 1998. Vandals tore up the safety surface within the first month, requiring the pitch to be covered with tarmac.

The pitch also used to have a small hut on site, used for youth club and football matches. Following theft of a CCTV camera and flooding the hut, it was closed and demolished.