Fears Bryn Rec playing field may be lost to developers

Residents are concerned a road could be built through the green space after seeing surveyors on the site making measurements
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Worried residents fear a well loved recreation field on a housing estate could be lost to developers.

Bryn Rec is used to play football and for walkers, and has long been regarded as a valuable green space in the area.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The spot is council land but there is a covenant saying it is for people living in Bryn.

Coun Jones on Bryn Rec after concerns were raised about surveyors spotted on the popular playing fieldCoun Jones on Bryn Rec after concerns were raised about surveyors spotted on the popular playing field
Coun Jones on Bryn Rec after concerns were raised about surveyors spotted on the popular playing field

But now locals are concerned a road could be built through the playing field as part of a homes development.

A scheme of 157 homes, called The Avenue, is being constructed by Bellway Homes, on land off Wigan Road.

For the second phase of the project to begin, neighbours have said a road would need to be built.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The worry is this could be on the playing fields - and it was increased last week, when residents spotted surveyors on the site making measurements.

Wigan Council has said no application has been made for any realigned road, but Bryn Independent councillor Steve Jones has expressed his concern about the sighting.

He said: “The original plan was to build a road through Bryn Rec to the Bellway Homes development, but this got knocked back.

“A few people have contacted me to say they have seen surveyors. They were measuring out a part of the field.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I emailed the council and they came back to me saying they weren’t aware of any surveyors but people have definitely seen them.

“I’ve no idea who it is but it is a worry as the second phase of the development would need a road.”

He added: “We will fight tooth and nail against any development on Bryn Rec.”

David Proctor, service manager for development management and building control at the council, said: “No application has been made for any realigned road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If an application was received it would be publicised in accordance with the council’s code of practice as with any other application, and there would be a full opportunity to make comment.”

Bellway declined to comment. Coun Jones’s seat is being contested in this Thursday’s local elections.

The other candidates standing are Judith Atherton (Conservative), Mary Gwendoline Callaghan (Labour) and Denise Melling (Liberal Democrats).

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ...

Related topics: