Wales school supports sports club - by paving over playing fields

Kiveton Park FC relocated to Wales High a year ago after the club outgrew its old home on nearby Hard Lane.

New temporary changing rooms have been provided and the club’s volunteer groundstaff have improved the playing surface on the school’s fields.

But the partnership has proved such a success that high numbers attending have led to parking congestion on Storth Lane and other streets.

Now plans have been submitted for a 2,000sq metre temporary car park on part of the greenbelt field to help improve relations with residents.

Architect Tim Justice said: “The area identified for this, although within the sports fields, is never used for sporting activity, simply utilised for storage.

“Regularly hundreds of children and parents can be seen at the site in evenings and weekends watching or participating in what can only be described as a hive of positive activity

“Hand in hand with this, as is to be expected this day and age, this has seen car numbers to the site increase. 

“It is of no surprise that the school would be ecstatic if additional parking provision could be

supplied this way. It would really improve relations with its immediate neighbours within the community.”

An overspill area currently used — the old cinder 100m track — is sinking under the weight of the vehicles, added Mr Justice, of AAD Architects.

He said: “Even with this in place the parking provision was somewhat short and has created pressure on the wider community as school visitors and users resort to parking on adjacent streets. This has proven detrimental to community relations.”

The partnership is also aiming to bring new changing facilities and teaching spaces to the fields within three years.

Mr Justice said: “Participation is growing beyond expectation and the long-term future is extremely positive.”