Springfield battle hits extra time as the parish stages late comeback

Thursday 26 June 2014

You can’t put a three-metre cage around something and then call it a community facility – that’s the view of the St Helier Constable, who has vowed to fight plans for redevelopment at Springfield.

On Tuesday the Environment Minister signed off plans for a new artificial pitch at Springfield, along with changes to the parking layout.

The Jersey Football Association say that the 3G pitch will allow them to play more games, and that the 3.2 metre fence is a requirement for the national FA, who are stumping up half of the estimated £600,000 bill.

But Simon Crowcroft says that he wants to call a meeting with residents and will support a third party appeal against the decision if necessary.

“Springfield is one of the few places in town where kids can go and play in the open air – it hardly seems like progress to spend all of this money to put a cage around the pitch to keep them off the grass,” said the Constable.

“The parish has strongly opposed the plans to move Springfield still further away from the public park which was its original purpose when converted from the home of the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

“I have requested details from Planning about what exactly is being approved and what isn't. I have invited the three Deputies for St Helier No 2 to meet the local residents with me before the States on Tuesday 1st July at Springfield. If necessary residents will lodge a 3rd Party Appeal against the Minister's approval.”