Sports pitch provision across West Cheshire

Cheshire West and Chester Council is reviewing the boroughs Playing Pitch Strategy and pitch provision.

The review will consider all outdoor sport facilities, including those for football, rugby, cricket, hockey and artificial pitch provision (3G’s), and will provide up to date information on existing and future needs in terms of quality, quantity and location. 

The review is being carried out by the Council and partners from key national governing bodies for sport including Sport England, Active Cheshire, and Brio Leisure. 

The review aims to capture the views of residents, clubs and any other individuals or organisations using a questionnaire. 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “We would like to hear your views on the draft Strategy over the next 12 weeks. If you have an interest in pitch provision, please complete the questionnaire. This review will ensure all the information we hold is up to date and will be used for future planning and investment in sport and recreation facilities across the borough.” 

The 2021 strategy identifies a total of 368 football pitches across 180 sites in the borough, of these, 287 are available, at some level, for community use. 47 pitches are managed by the Council, 16 by parish/town councils, 131 by schools, colleges, universities and 45 by clubs. The remaining pitches are privately or commercially managed. 

A total of 816 teams were identified as playing within the borough, consisting of 140 men’s teams, nine women’s teams, 292 youth boys’ teams, 74 youth girls’ teams and 301 mini soccer teams (49 of which are girls’ teams).

There are 28 grass cricket squares identified in the borough, of which 26 are available for community use. Plus 11 full size hockey suitable artificial grass pitches in the borough, ten of which are available to the community, as well as 14 smaller size pitches.  There are also pitches that have been used for American Football, Gaelic football, lacrosse and polo. 

Any individual, organisation, sports group or team can complete an online or postal questionnaire on: https://participatenow.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/playing-pitch-strategy-consultation

The formal consultation period runs until 9 March 2023. 

For more information contact the Total Environment Team at:  

TotalEnvironment@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk