Plans to move Market Drayton's sports facilities to new site take step forward

Members of Market Drayton Town Council have agreed to write a letter to Shropshire Council to start looking into the possibility of the sports and recreation site at Greenfields be moved to another area.

At a meeting of the town council, Councillor Roger Hughes said: "It sounds abrupt and like we are ready to move the site but that is not the case.

"This is just a move Shropshire Council requires before it can start looking at the conveyance of the land. This is simply so Shropshire Council can start work."

Greenfields, which is currently home to a host of sport teams, could be released for houses if a new recreation area at Longford Turning is built and all revenue from the development is channelled into new facilities.

Previously Market Drayton Town Football Club hit out at the plans to relocate its ground.

Last year club officials said they have been given no assurances over funding for a proposed move from Greenfields to Longford Turning.

Directors said details about the relocation were lacking in the town’s neighbourhood plan.

But councillor Lee Ridgeway said the different sports teams at Greenfields are "on board" about the move.

He said: "We have held meetings with the clubs down there and given them recommendations. In principle they are happy with the move."

Councillor David Minnery, mayor of Market Drayton, said they have been asking for Shropshire Council to look into the move for the last two years.

He said: "We are just asking Shropshire Council to start work so in some point in the future it could be relocated.

"The officer at Shropshire Council wants a letter from the town council in order to start the work. We have been asking for this to take place for two years."

Martyn Davies, Market Drayton Town Football Club team manager, previously said he was very passionate about the club getting its own improved ground.

He said: “The club is growing, we have outgrown the current facility and need something bigger, more modern and state-of-the-art.

“I don’t think locality matters, I am just very passionate that we need a new ground and soon.”

Officials from the football club said £300,000 has been spent at Greenfields developing and maintaining the facilities.

Some of this has been supported by local grants and club funds so they say any move must be justified to any local sponsors.