North Yorkshire Council

Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee

6 June 2025

Receipt of petition urging North Yorkshire Council to repair the community 3G football pitch at Scarborough Sports Village

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services)

1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 To advise of a petition containing more than 500 signatures.

1.2 To ask the Area Committee to consider a response.

2.0 THE PETITION

2.1 An electronic petition has been received by North Yorkshire Council. The total number of signatories on the petition is 3247. Although a small proportion of these are invalid since they do not live, work or study in North Yorkshire and surrounding areas, the number of valid signatories exceeds 500. This means that in accordance with the petitions scheme, the petition is referred to the next meeting of the relevant area committee for consideration.

2.2 The petition reads as follows:

Scarborough Athletic Football Club, a cornerstone of our community, faces an impending challenge. Their ability to host and play games next season is at risk due to the deteriorating condition of the 3G pitch at Scarborough Sports Village. Immediate action is required to restore this vital community asset.

The 3G pitch has been central to sports and physical activities for the residents of Scarborough, promoting healthy lifestyles and team spirit. Unfortunately, the current state of disrepair has rendered the pitch unsafe and unfit for use by Scarborough Athletic as well as local sports enthusiasts. It is paramount that North Yorkshire Council addresses these concerns and prioritizes the refurbishment of this facility.

Restoring the 3G pitch is not just about sports; it's about investing in community well-being, youth development, and the economic benefits that come from attracting spectators and hosting games. A well-maintained pitch will ensure that Scarborough Athletic can continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of players and fans.

North Yorkshire Council, with its duty of care to the community, must commit resources to this project without delay. The repair of the 3G pitch will also uphold the reputation of Scarborough as a vibrant and attractive place for sporting events.

We need your support to send a strong message to the council that the community values its sports infrastructure and requires action now. Let's keep the heart of our local sports scene beating strong by ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Sign this petition to urge North Yorkshire Council to take immediate action and restore the 3G pitch at Scarborough Sports Village for the future of Scarborough Athletic Football Club and our community's sporting pride.

2.3 Link to petition

3.0 THE COUNCIL’S ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECEIVING AND RESPONDING TO PETITIONS

3.1 The key features of the council’s arrangements for receiving and debating petitions, as published on the council’s website, are as follows:

· Receipt of the petition is published on the council’s website (which has been done in the case of this petition).

· If a petition contains 500 or more signatures (but less than 30,130 signatories), it will be scheduled for debate at the next meeting of the appropriate area committee.

· The petition organiser is offered the opportunity to speak for five minutes at the area committee meeting to present his/her petition. Subsequently, at the meeting, the petition will be discussed by councillors for a maximum of 15 minutes and a decision will be made on how to respond to the petition.

· Possible responses by the council to petitions, as shown on the website, are:

(a) to take the action requested by the petition;

(b) not to take the action requested for reasons put forward in the debate;

(d) where the issue is one on which the council Executive is required to make the final decision, the council will decide whether to make recommendations to inform that decision.

· The petition organiser will receive written confirmation of this decision. This confirmation will also be published on the website.

3.2 The petition organiser has confirmed that he is unavailable to attend this meeting to present his petition.

4.0 CULTURE AND LEISURE SERVICES OFFICERS’ COMMENTS REGARDING THE PETITION

4.1 The Scarborough Sports Village Pitch was completed in 2017, however, there are ongoing issues with the quality of the pitch, which has failed prematurely. The pitch will not pass another certification (required annually to maintain its FIFA status) and a project was being progressed to resurface the pitch at the end of the 24/25 football season. However, a series of ground investigation surveys have revealed more significant ground stability defects believed to be related to the drainage system when the pitch was first installed. This significantly increased both the cost and the complexity of the project.

4.2 Officers and the Executive Member have worked closely with SAFC and other users of the pitch during this period and have given a clear public pledge to deal with the issues that have been uncovered. Significant work has taken place by Officers to develop a scheme to remedy the defects, so we are aware of the works required. We are in positive discussions with the original contractors, who in initial conversations are also supportive of resolving the issues as quickly as possible. Given the scale of the issues this process will take time but every effort is being made to reduce the period that SAFC and other users will be affected.

4.3 The Council has given a public commitment to resolving the issues and the Council’s Executive will consider recommendations to ensure the continuity of community football at Scarborough Sports Village on 17 June.

5.0

RECOMMENDATION

i) That the Committee notes the petition and considers a response.

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS:

North Yorkshire Council’s petitions information

Barry Khan

Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services)

County Hall

Northallerton

Report Author – St John Harris, Principal Democratic Services Officer

Note: Members are invited to contact the author in advance of the meeting with any detailed queries or questions.