CONTROVERSIAL plans to develop a field in Great Sankey will not include a play area after bids for funding failed.

Parsonage Way field, off Liverpool Road, has been the centre of a heated debate between Great Sankey Parish Council and campaigners for more than two years.

Campaigners fear the development will ruin the only open green space in the area and will lead to noise, anti-social behaviour and parking issues.

The parish council took on the lease of the field from Warrington Borough Council in 2016 and has been trying to decide what should happen next since.

Initial plans for a natural play area were discounted after borough council bosses said a metal-framed play area would be more cost effective and easier to maintain.

On Friday, Great Sankey Parish Council announced it had entered into a partnership with Warrington Borough Council to deliver 'improvements' to the field.

Warrington Guardian:

How the play area could have looked

During August and September, the council conducted a public consultation on behalf of the parish council.

The consultation outlined proposed improvements, which at the time included improved drainage, a new boundary wall with entrance, a path, seating, landscaping and a children’s play area.

184 residents took part in the consultation and 74 per cent were in favour of the scheme.

However, residents opposing the changes argue that most respondents either never use the field or use it very rarely.

Warrington Guardian:

Campaigners against the development

Peter Watson, chairman of Great Sankey Parish Council said: “During the past 10 months the parish council has been actively seeking funding opportunities to help to deliver the proposed scheme. This has proven quite a challenge as funding streams that were once available have now ended.

“The parish council are committed to delivering an enhanced community asset, ensuring that our green spaces are welcoming and able to be accessed by all residents.

"With this vision in mind, we are very pleased that Warrington Borough Council have agreed to enter into partnership with us and we hope to start work early next year.”

The improvements will include drainage to the field, a new boundary wall with entrance, a path to create better access, seating and planting.

The funding does not include play equipment at this time and plans for this have been put on hold.

Peter added: “We’re all now looking forward to seeing the transformation of the field into a valued green space where residents will have better access and be able to enjoy the planting."