Another pitch hitch

Winter may be some way off yet but sport in the town has already been plunged into an autumn crisis due to a lack of facilities.

Last week’s rain has resulted in the astro pitch at The Flash being closed for up to a fortnight so that engineers can repair the drainage. Clubs have been informed that their bookings will be refunded.

But it has incensed local sports clubs, particularly the kids football which is already struggling to play weekend games due to the shortage of facilities caused by the new school being built on the former Salop Road pitches.

A spokesperson told us of their “growing frustration as we have lost our three main grass football pitches this season, stopping our children from playing matches”.

“Now, even before the bad weather has arrived, Freedom Leisure have cancelled a number of sessions leading to our boys and girls not even being allowed to train. This will get worse as the year goes on.”

Freedom Leisure manages The Flash and told is it could take up to the end of next week to have everything back to working order.

“Unfortunately, the astro turf pitch is currently closed due to a drainage failure that is beyond the pitch boundary and surface,” a spokesperson told us.

“This is as a result of the recent heavy rainfall. “It is planned that remedial works will start early next week and the pitch will reopen later that week.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this closure is causing our customers and thank them for their understanding and patience as we work to reopen the pitch as quickly as possible.”