Historic Hockey Club Accuses Council of False Promises Over Park Pitch Plans
A 123-year-old sports club has strongly objected to proposed plans for transforming a Bloxwich park, claiming that Walsall Council made false promises regarding a dedicated sports pitch. Bloxwich Hockey Club, founded in 1903, alleges it was misled over the development of King George V Playing Fields, with plans set to be reviewed by the council's planning committee.
Background of the Dispute
Originally based at the Stafford Road park, Bloxwich Hockey Club relocated its league games after England Hockey mandated the use of Astroturf surfaces. An arrangement was established with Walsall Council for the club to utilize the Astroturf pitch at Sneyd School on Vernon Way, where players trained three times weekly.
However, in 2021, the Sneyd pitch was assessed as requiring resurfacing works. Club chair Katie Yeoman stated that the club was informed the Sneyd pitch would not be resurfaced. Instead, a new multi-use pitch would be created at King George V Playing Fields under levelling up initiatives.
Specific Concerns Raised
Yeoman contends that the proposed pitch will only accommodate football, rather than a Gen 2 surface suitable for multiple sports including hockey. She emphasized the critical difference, noting that a Gen 2 surface supports hockey, tennis, rugby, football, and netball, whereas a football-only pitch lacks the necessary top layers.
"It appears that the plans for an artificial surface on King George's Playing Fields is for football only," Yeoman said. "There are already many facilities in the borough that can be used for football. The difference between a football-only pitch and a multi-sport artificial surface is the top two layers."
Community Impact and Growth
The club has significantly expanded its community outreach, visiting local schools to introduce children to hockey, resulting in a junior section of 150 participants. Yeoman highlighted the area's high obesity rates, underscoring the importance of accessible sports facilities.
"This is an area that is struggling with one of the highest obesity rates in the country," she added. The club now fields five men's teams, five ladies' teams, two mixed hockey teams, and age-group teams from under-18s to under-eights.
Planning Committee Decision
Plans for the transformation of King George V Playing Fields will be presented to Walsall Council's planning committee. Despite 29 objections, primarily from Bloxwich Hockey Club members and the public, the plans have been recommended for approval.
Yeoman expressed frustration over the five-year delay caused by the pitch issue, stating she has worked tirelessly with MP support to address it. "We were led down a path that the Sneyd pitch wasn't going to be resurfaced, but a new pitch would be provided at King Georges Playing Fields under the levelling up scheme," she said.
Walsall Council has been approached for comment regarding the allegations and the ongoing planning process.
