£330k boost for stadium

Improvements to Stafford's Rowley Park Sports Stadium worth £330,000 are to be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

It is proposed to provide extra car parking for around 200 vehicles, improve the tennis courts, create better pathways and lighting as well as create a picnic area in woodland near the stadium on Averil Road.

The plans are being put before councillors on Stafford Borough Council's cabinet, asking them to approve the proposals so the work can start.

Councillor Mike Smith, portfolio holder for leisure, said: "Rowley Park is sited next to housing and is extensively used by a wide range of the community throughout the borough, including young people and the elderly, for both active and passive participation.

"A key element of the proposed scheme will include formal and informal improvements to the woodland area at the site.

"In recent times it has been necessary to cancel events and fixtures at the stadium during periods of inclement weather due to the likely impact on parking on the grass areas even when the sporting facilities themselves have been playable.

"An additional concern relating to the arrangements for car parking is that currently cars have to travel directly into the heart of the facility passing close to the children's playground, toilet and changing accommodation.

"The relocation of the car park would remove the necessity for most cars to travel into the park so lessening the potential for any incidents."

The car park expansion would see two parking areas provided by laying gravel and 'grasscrete' in part of the woodland areas near the stadium, one providing 130 spaces and another 70.

It would also eliminate the need for the park ranger to supervise parking at major events.

The funding will come from money given by Tesco to the council for its development off Newport Road.

The cabinet is also being asked to allow Staffordshire County Council's engineering section to manage all the works for the car parking improvements as well as for its own officers to work to improve the facilities within the stadium itself.