EALING Conservatives are calling for construction on a new football pavilion to be stopped until the council solves access problems which led a contractor driving a bulldozer through a hedge.
The new changing rooms, toilets and a meeting room for Pitshanger Football Club in Scotch Common is being built by money from Ealing Council and the club.
It will replace the old clubhouse which was demolished several years ago after it fell into a state of disrepair. Pitshanger FC’s 350 members have continued to play at the park without any changing rooms and their new pavilion will also be available for residents when not in use by them.
But Cleveland ward councillors say plans to use Bellevue Road and the car park in Perivale Gardens to access the site are unworkable because the roads are not wide enough. Large lorries cannot negotiate the junction from Bellevue Road into Perivale Gardens and the gate into the car park.
Ward councillors John Popham, Greg Stafford and Isobel Grant say the council needs a proper plan supported by residents and park users.
Councillor Popham said: “We cannot have lorries and bulldozers driving across a park where children and adults are playing. Last week’s incident showed the council have a total disregard for the health and safety of Cleveland residents.”
A council spokeswoman said: “Following feedback from residents on the first morning of works and the difficulties created in accessing the site via Bellevue Road, the contractor and council have agreed to create a temporary entrance from Argyle Road through the hedge.
“This will result in less disruption to residents. The licence granting temporary access to the site is in place and the hedge and footpath will be repaired and replaced once works are finished.”
The work, which includes improving the football pitches is funded by £260,080 from the Football Foundation, £50,000 from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund, £75,000 from the council and £208,600 from the football club including a contribution from John Lyon’s Charity.
It is expected to be completed in spring next year when Pitshanger FC will take up a 25 year lease of the site. Pitch improvements will finish next month.
