'Serious' concerns over plans for 3G football pitch

A new 3G artificial football pitch "could create serious ongoing environmental issues", the government's sporting body has warned.

Cinderford Town AFC has applied to Forest of Dean District Council to convert its grass pitch to an all-weather synthetic one after heavy rain left the site unusable through part of the winter.

Sport England has raised environmental concerns about the possibility the artificial pitch's materials could leak into nearby waterways.

But club officials said they will use non-toxic materials and create a containment system designed to prevent leaks into surrounding environments.

Cinderford Town has been forced to amend a string of games because the current pitch is frequently waterlogged.

One objection came from Forest High School in Cinderford, which has an artificial pitch that is currently closed awaiting resurfacing.

The school's acting chief executive officer Moira Foster-Fitzgerald told the BBC the school was working to arrange funds for repair of their pitch.

"We feel this is more economical than investment being made in an alternative facility locally and spreading limited funds across two pitches," she added.

But the club's plans have been backed by dozens of residents who have written to the council in support of the proposals.

One supporter, Kimberley Haggar, said: "This facility is much needed, near enough every week young children are not being able to plays games due to the poor state of the grass pitches and the constant rain."

Sport England officials said in their objection there was a "need to ensure" the infill material used on the pitch "does not leach into the natural environment".

Rubber crumbs from artificial pitches can often end up in landfill after being thrown out with household waste, or in the waterways after being flushed down drains.

The body said 3G pitches require more maintenance than grass pitches and raised concerns about whether the club had a plan for a dedicated sinking fund to finance its upkeep.

However, a club spokesperson said their proposals include details on how they would pay for the pitch's upkeep and funding a replacement in ten years time.

"The new pitch will offer a valuable facility for local schools, sports clubs, and community groups, encouraging inclusivity and wellbeing," a club spokesperson said.

"It allows year-round sports participation for all ages and abilities."

The deadline for a council decision is 9 April.

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