Agenda item

Considered a presentation by Jo Ireland, Assistant Director Culture and Leisure which outlined the key issues concerning the proposed replacement of the Community Football Pitch at Scarborough Sports Village.  Members were reminded that extensive surveys undertaken earlier this year revealed serious ground stability defects believed to be related to a defective drainage system originally installed to the pitch, a void in the rough location of a buried culvert, a blocked combination sewer and ground failure.  Positive discussions were taking place with the primary contractor responsible for the pitch, with a view to the defects being remedied in a timely manner.  The pitch, owned by North Yorkshire Council and managed by Everyone Active, was a popular community facility, used by various groups and teams, was the home ground of Scarborough Athletic Football Club (SAFC) who played in the football league (National league North) and was an integral part of the wider Scarborough Sports Village facility.

The recommended option to replace the pitch was a technical solution (partial excavation and installation of geogrid) with full remediation of drainage defects and then to resurface the pitch at the current location.  This had been costed at circa £3.2m through a programme of 44 weeks duration, although direct contract awards would reduce this timeframe significantly.  Ms Ireland then outlined the impact of the poor condition of the pitch on SAFC who would have to find an alternative venue (Bridlington Town) for the 2025/26 season, on other users, on Everyone Active who would be eligible to be compensated by the council for loss of income, and longer term because the replacement higher quality pitch would mean some 50% less community use.  The Executive would meet on 17 June 2025 to consider recommendations to ensure continuity of community football and which reflected the council’s aim to deliver a timely solution, to minimise the income loss and reduce the impact on all users, including SAFC.  Whilst the dialogue with contractors continued and all appropriate legal remedies would be pursued, the recommendation would be to adopt a backstop position if agreement could not be reached in a timely manner for the council to undertake the work to remedy the defects and resurface up to a potential cost of £3.2m.

In reply to their questions and comments, members were further advised that:

·       The Playing Pitch Strategy was currently being refreshed and would uncover any local deficit in 3G/grass pitches in respect of council’s aim to provide for and promote community use

·       The delay in informing members about the pitch’s failure was regrettable, whilst recognising the priority given to SAFC to brief their fans at the earliest opportunity

·       The council was in constant dialogue with SAFC who it was understood were considering initiatives to assist their fans in travelling to Bridlington for home games

·       The question of whether the council would compensate SAFC for their loss of income would be for members to consider and determine at the appropriate time

·       It was difficult to estimate at this time when works would commence to construct the new pitch, subject to Executive approval and agreement with the contractor, although the aim remained to complete the works before the start of the 2026/27 season

Members commended the swiftness of the council’s response to this issue, the strength and resilience of SAFC and their fans, and placed on record the committee’s thanks to Bridlington Town AFC for reaching a ground share agreement with SAFC.

Resolved that the presentation be received.