Shildon AFC has submitted plans for a new 3G artificial pitch to replace its current grass pitch at Dean Street writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The proposed redevelopment of a football club’s pitch will prevent games from being cancelled due to flooding, says the club.
If approved, the new pitch will improve the sporting and recreational facilities for the club and the wider community. New perimeter and high ball fencing is also planned to stop balls leaving the site.
A statement from Shildon AFC, submitted as part of the plans, read: “The proposed Artificial Grass Pitch will replace an existing grassed football pitch with better quality provision, thereby providing access to greater quantity of provision in a suitable location.
“The proposal would give rise to a considerable benefit to the wider community through the provision of an enhanced playing facility and the opportunity for usage throughout the year.”
Several games are called off every season due to waterlogged pitches and poor drainage at the site.
The Railwaymen currently play in the Northern League Division One.
Praising the proposal, Shildon and Dene Valley county councillor, Shirley Quinn welcomed the news. She said: “With the changing environmental factors, many games are currently cancelled and reorganised.
“This results in revenue loss for the club and reduced numbers watching the match as a consequence of time changes.
“I hope that work is being done in the wider community to allow the schools and amateur teams to use the pitch when not needed for first team matches.
“This in turn raises the profile of the club and benefits the health and wellbeing of users.”
Durham County Council will consider the planning application in due course.
Meanwhile, on the artificial surface at Phoenx Park in Middlebrough, Shildon demonstrated their ability to win comfortably on a 3G pitch when they claimed they scalp of their high flying hosts, Boro Rangers.
Two penalties, in the 21st and 70th minutes, were both dispatched by Adam Lennox, the second a nonchalant Panenka-style chip into the side netting, Four minutes later, any potential for a comeback was severely dented when the hosts were reduced to ten men after full-back Steven Keenan received his second yellow.
And just another four minutes after that, victory was assured when Ciaran Banks burst through the home defence, racing from the halfway line before scoring from the tightest of angles after the keeper had saved his initial effort.
The win sees Shildon climb to fifth in the table and they are now within five points of Blyth Town in the second promotion spot.
Next up, Shildon host lower mid-table Northallerton Town this Saturday and will then have a week to prepare for a trip to Redcar to take on the league leaders, currently eight points better off than the Railwaymen.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
