Accrington playing fields drainage works set to start soon

This £595,440 project will also focus on essential pavilion repairs, aiming to bring the pitches back into full use for grassroots sports in September next year ready for the 2026/27 season.  

The green space will be closed for the work to take place from this week.

Cllr Stewart Eaves, Hyndburn Council’s environment boss said: "This is fantastic news for the residents and sports clubs of Hyndburn.

“King George V Playing Fields has long been a cherished space, and the commencement of these much-needed drainage improvements signifies our commitment to providing high-quality grassroots sporting facilities.

“We understand the importance of these fields for local clubs, and I am confident that these upgrades will ensure a robust and sustainable environment for grassroots sports for many years to come." 

Cllr David Heap at the playing fields (Image: David Heap) Baxenden ward Conservative Cllr David Heap has vowed to ensure the drainage works stay on schedule.

The drainage project’s start follows a detailed design phase which concluded in June, with tendering processes successfully completed over the summer.

The scope of works includes the installation of new, advanced drainage systems to address historical waterlogging issues, comprehensive reseeding of the playing surfaces, and critical repairs to the pavilion’s heating and hot water systems, enhancing the overall functionality and comfort of the facility. 

Earlier this summer, the council decided to open the gates to the public, allowing access for informal use and play over the summer prior to the project commencing.

Cllr Kimberley Whitehead (Image: Hyndburn Council) The site will now close to the public on Thursday to allow site preparation to be carried out safely, ready for the main drainage improvement works to begin in early September.  

Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, deputy leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “For a long time, I have lobbied for King George V Playing Fields to be brought back into use.

“I’m delighted that the council is now able to invest significant funds to improve this facility and I look forward to seeing sports clubs from across the borough using the site once again next year.”  

The site will remain closed to the public for the duration of the works.

Cllr Heap said: “On behalf of Baxenden, I've lobbied relentlessly for this at every council meeting and always push for updates to make sure it's not forgotten about like last year.

“Residents are desperate to see mixed sports again on their playing fields, like football and rugby league, and with Cllr Eaves committing at the last council meeting to helping Accrington Wildcats ARLFC finally have a home ground at King George's, sharing with another sports club, I’m sure we can finally deliver for Baxenden."