Future of playing fields secured

Members of Kirklees Council’s cabinet have approved plans to dedicate both Cliff Recreation Ground playing fields, in Holmfirth, and parts of West Mill playing fields, Battyeford, as Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields.

The move is part of a legacy programme, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge, to commemorate two major occasions in 2012 – the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

The council said yesterday that the move will ensure the sites remain as playing fields, they will not be sold off or used for other purposes and no new buildings will be built on the sites unless in keeping with the continuing use of the playing fields.

It will enter into a deed with the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) and will change the name of the sites to Queen Elizabeth II Field (Cliff Recreation Ground) Holmfirth and Queen Elizabeth II Field (West Mill Playing Fields) Battyeford.

Both sites were put forward through a public vote on the NPFA website.

The council’s cabinet member for investment and regeneration, Coun Cathy Scott, said: “We are delighted to mark the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics in this way.

“It’s excellent news that these sites will continue as popular and well used playing fields for many, many years to come.”

As part of West Mill playing fields constitutes charitable land, a separate report will go to a meeting of the council’s cabinet seeking approval for the authority – in its capacity as charitable trustee – to dedicate this area under the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge.