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Spalding councillor’s fears over future of Monkshouse Playing Field after it generated no hire income




Fears have been raised over the future of a town playing field - which had generated no income over the last financial year.

Spalding councillor Ingrid Sheard is calling for improvements to be made to the town’s Monkshouse Playing Field after it was revealed that the site has generated no hire fee income over the last year and no customers are anticipated.

She is calling on South Holland District Council to make the site more attractive to sports clubs, along with providing toilets for youngsters using the popular play area, which is off Pennygate.

Fears have been raised about the future of Monkshouse Playing Field in Spalding by Coun Ingrid Sheard
Fears have been raised about the future of Monkshouse Playing Field in Spalding by Coun Ingrid Sheard

The council says there are no plans to sell Monkshouse. It also stated that there are plans to ‘enhance’ the playing field but no improvements are expected to be undertaken at present.

The Spalding Monks House ward councillor said: “I do have fears of the site being sold off as there are other sites being looked at to sell.

“It would be such a shame as the rejuvenation of the site could offer the ward and surrounding area a fantastic opportunity to offer the young people in and around the area a space to come and enjoy, not only the playing fields but also a clubhouse.

“The playground is well used but we offer no toilets nearby which could be considered in a renovation.

Spalding's Monkshouse Playing Field generated no hire income last year PHOTO: GOOGLE MAPS
Spalding's Monkshouse Playing Field generated no hire income last year PHOTO: GOOGLE MAPS

“Alternatively it could be a great opportunity to offer a sports organisation a home and encourage people to get involved and get active.

“Ideas have been put forward but as yet nothing has been advanced. It is yet another area that faces more houses being built but with no improvements to the infrastructure which is stretched to the max or anything for the communities in the area.”

A report on the Spalding Special Expenses Account, which went before the recent Spalding Town Forum meeting, highlighted how the playing field had not attracted any customers.

Fears have been raised for the future of Spalding's Monkhouse Playing Field PHOTO: GOOGLE MAPS
Fears have been raised for the future of Spalding's Monkhouse Playing Field PHOTO: GOOGLE MAPS

Concerns have been raised in the past about improving the facilities at Monkshouse Playing Field, which is off Pennygate and close to Wygate Park, including the pavilion.

Coun Sheard is also hoping action could be taken to ease the parking issues as the field is close to Monkshouse Primary Academy.

She said: “If the land is going to be sold off then my hope is that the issue of school parking is considered and the land gets utilised to alleviate the horrendous parking around Monkshouse school and the inconsiderate parking and behaviour that residents in the area experience on a daily basis.

Coun Ingrid Sheard
Coun Ingrid Sheard

“The school has increased massively in size and numbers and as the specification that you live within a reasonable distance now no longer plays a major part in where a child goes to school, the parking at all our schools in Spalding causes residents around the schools issues. More seriously there is a definite risk of a child getting hurt.

“Perhaps this is an ideal opportunity in the Monkshouse area to alleviate at least some of the issue? Having approached the school and been told the parents show no willingness to address the issue, perhaps if the land is sold this would be the solution.

“I have recently seen in Crowland cameras are being installed to try to highlight the issues of inconsiderate parking to individuals, anything that helps to reduce the risk to a child in my opinion is a good thing.”

A spokesman for the council said there are no plans to sell Monkshouse and that no concerns have been raised about the lack of income.

In response to our questions, the spokesman said: “Coun Sheard is aware of the negotiations and plans to enhance the field in line with ensuring it is well used and open for the residents to use.”

But went onto say that no improvements are planned to be undertaken at present.

A spokesman went onto say: “The site is maintained by the council. It has one of the best playgrounds in the area. The changing rooms are functional but unfortunately suffer from regular vandalism.”

What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments below…



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