A new masterplan has been revealed for Orrell Mount Park – after controversial proposals to create a 3G pitch at the site were ditched.
Sefton Council announced in August it was scrapping plans to build 3G football pitches at the park – with the backing of footballer Jamie Carragher’s JC23 foundation – after a community campaign against the proposals.
A two-month consultation carried out with 1000 people revealed feelings were mixed on the plans for the pitch with the vote split 49% to 49% for and against, while the remaining 2% had no opinion.
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At the time the council said that given the lack of majority support, the plans would not go ahead.
Local opposition to them had been fierce, with a blockade in 2021 carried out by residents to stop contractors getting onto the site to carry out work in an area earmarked for the pitches. Residents had spoken of concerns at the loss of green space in the area.
Today, Sefton Council published its revised masterplan for the park – which involves renovating the pavilion, building new and improved recreation facilities and the creation of a natural trail at the site.
According to a council statement, the proposals would also involve upgrading benches, bins and signage as well as the planting of more trees and shrubs – with all of the work to be carried out subject to funding.
Following a consultation into the master plan carried out in 2022, it emerged the majority of respondents were in favour of bringing the pavilion back into use and improving benches, bins and signage at the park.
In 2022, Sefton Council undertook a two-month consultation on the master plan to find out what local people wanted for the Park’s future.
Speaking about the new masterplan, Sefton Council’s leader and local ward councillor, Cllr Ian Maher, said the new proposals “have taken into account people’s views”
Cllr Maher said: “It will bring considerable improvements to this space for communities and future generations, and I look forward to seeing it progressed, should funding become available.”
He added: “At each stage we have taken every opportunity to engage and liaise with the local community, and this will continue as proposals develop.”
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