Give Winchcombe a sporting chance (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Give Winchcombe a sporting chance

WINCHCOMBE people are urged to show their support for a bid to bring more sporting facilities to the town.

A public meeting has been called to address what the town council has identified as a lack of provision in Winchcombe.

Town clerk Wynn Taylor said that most of the area's sports clubs and schools would be attending. "We have invited all the major players and we hope that members of the public will turn up as well," he said. "Hopefully, we will have quite a crowd."

The meeting came about because of a suggestion made by members of the town council when they heard that the town's facilities fell far short of what should be expected.

"Within the Tewkesbury Borough local plan to 2011 a town the size of Winchcombe, with a population of about 5,000 people, should have 30 acres of outdoor playing space of which 15 acres should be playing pitches," said Mr Taylor.

"Winchcombe falls far short of this criteria having only the King George Playing Field - used by the town football club - a cricket field at Corndean Lane, which is privately owned and leased to Winchcombe Cricket Club, plus facilities at the senior school.

"It is known that Winchcombe is in need of football and rugby pitches, an all-weather pitch for hockey, outdoor bowling green, tennis courts, squash courts and an indoor swimming pool together with modern changing facilities for all sports and a club house, " he added.

The meeting to discuss these needs will be held at the Abbey Fields Community Centre, on Back Lane, from 7.30pm next Wednesday, February 23.