Calderdale community group takes control of ground to boost sport and leisure activities

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet has green lighted the transfer of Goldfields Recreation Ground and changing rooms at Greetland over to GOLDS on a leasehold basis.

GOLDS is being set up as an organisation and it is ultimately envisaged it will be a Community Interest Company (CIC), acting as the over-arching development organisation for existing sports clubs Greetland Football Club and Elland Rugby League Club, which will be members.

Cabinet members have been told it is the group’s aim to work with the council, the community and all relevant stakeholders to achieve the common goal of improving the ground and ultimately increase the numbers taking part in sport across all age groups which also brings health benefits.

Greetland Primary School will also be able to continue using the playing fields, while, amid a four-phase plan by the group, they would aim to expand its offer, including creating a cycle path, increasing women, children and veterans’ participation in sport, increase charity events for the wider community and potentially host a running club.

Councillors heard GOLDS had taken a measured approach with the group’s business plan and had used professional consultants to advise on areas where they did not have expertise.

The council’s Deputy Leader, Coun Jane Scullion (Lab, Luddenden Foot) said transferring the site to them would help the group to grow and offer more to the community.

“This is a strong group with a very strong business plan, and this asset transfer will help them,” she told Cabinet colleagues.

GOLDS has estimated £140,000 will be needed for repairs and upgrading but it will be well placed to obtain grant funding to carry this out.

The site costs the council a net £22,500 a year to run, councillors were told.