Skelmersdale Junior Football League to return THIS SUNDAY (16 Oct) after partners agree way forward
Junior Football on Blaguegate Grass playing fields in Skelmersdale will resume this Sunday (Oct 16) after the Council, Skelmersdale Junior Football League (SJFL) and JMO agreed a way forward.
To address concerns about dangerous parking on grass verges and double yellow lines around the site, it has been agreed that on each Sunday morning, SJFL will install cones and undertake routine inspections to ensure that any person not complying is reported to the Council.
The Council have agreed to temporarily provide support through the provision of parking marshals on Sunday to monitor compliance.
In addition, Lancashire County Council Traffic Regulation Order team have confirmed that any vehicle parking in contravention of the lines can be subject to enforcement. The implementation of this is order is currently in the process of being sealed. When official, residents will be able to request enforcement by contacting the County Council's Parking Services team online at https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/parking/report-a-parking-problem/m or via email at ParkingEnforcement@lancashire.gov.uk
Councillor Carl Coughlan, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: "The decision to temporarily suspend fixtures was not taken lightly, but all team managers knew this would be the unavoidable consequence if those attending matches failed to follow reasonable requests when parking. It was important the Council took action before the very real risk of a child being hit by a car and seriously injured, or worse, was realised.
"All parties have done everything they can to resolve the issues – I am delighted that we have been able to secure the return of kids football which is the positive outcome of lots of hard work and I'd like to thank everyone involved. The individuals that have refused to park on Sandy Lane Car Park are the ones at fault and I appeal to everyone to join us in moving forward in a positive and responsible way."
All partners are united in this approach and we hope that people will take personal responsibility for their own actions which will allow the games to continue.
ENDS
Background:
The Council have been working hard to maximise the potential of Playing fields for the community. Council officers have been working closely with the local leagues, football clubs and JMO to facilitate an increase in the number of football matches taking place at Blaguegate and to ensure there is accessible alternative parking on Sandy Lane Car Park.
To support grassroots football, all Junior teams have the use of Blaquegate Playing Fields, changing facilities and the option of storing equipment within a container free of charge by West Lancashire Borough Council. Blue Badge holders can park on the JMO car park and emergency services can access the site via a Liverpool Road gate which can be opened in the event of an incident.
JMO car park cannot be used by those attending Blaguegate playing fields as JMO must ensure there is sufficient capacity for the users of the JMO Sports Facility at any time.
Although the playing fields do not benefit from any on-site designated parking, the carpark at Sandy Lane is available and this has sufficient capacity to host users of the Blaguegate Playing Fields.
Early into the season a small number of people failed to comply with parking conditions and instead choose to act unreasonably, parking on double yellow lined roads and grass verges which is not acceptable and, in some cases, presents a real danger.
All parties have worked hard to find a solution that enables all league teams to play each week, a solution that supports residents' concerns and respects JMO's business lease for the car park.
