Waterlogged sports pitches could soon be thing of the past as drainage works start

For years, Filey Sports Association Club has suffered with waterlogged pitches at its fields at Clarence Drive whenever there is a heavy downpour. But a drainage project is due to get underway which it is hoped will solve the problem.

The club will, however, have to move grounds throughout the duration of the work.

A drainage system is to be placed under the playing fields, with work due to begin on site today. It is expected to take six weeks to complete.

For safety reasons, while work is taking place, the fields will be temporarily out of use for sporting or recreational activities, with the club agreeing to relocate their fixtures to Filey School during this time.

Mike Cockerill, a member of Scarborough Borough Council, said: “I’m extremely pleased that this work is now underway as it’s something I’ve been working towards for many years.

“The playing fields were opened in the 1950’s and there have been problems with flooding ever since then.”

The work, which is costing £70,000, is being jointly paid for by Yorkshire Water and Scarborough Borough Council, with support from Filey Town Council, Filey Sports Association, The English Cricket Board and Sport England.

Yorkshire Water said last night the improvements are the final stage of a £2.4m investment the company has made into the town’s sewerage and drainage networks over the last three years, with the aim of reducing the risk of flooding in previously high-risk areas such as Muston Road.