Playing field now a 'paying field'

Concern is growing at the soaring costs of using Audlem village playing fields for special events.

Audlem Parish Council was told that annual events such as the Party in the Park, Transport Festival and Bonfire Night now face up-front charges of £2,000 to stage village events.

The fees are being demanded by Cheshire East Council as bond payments to cover repair costs for any damage that might be caused to the field

Andrew Smith, for Audlem Special Events Team, has written to the parish asking for help in supporting these causes.

He told the Parish Council: "In future we will have to pay a daily rent for use of the fields which amounts to £2,000 for the six days to hire the field. We cannot afford this. It is a case of double taxation. These should be playing fields not paying fields."

The village football club has already complained at charges imposed by Cheshire East for using the field which is already funded through the Council Tax.

Councillor Mike Hill claimed Cheshire East had simply seen an opportunity to make some more money.

"They have woken up to the fact that they have playing fields being used for commercial purposes and they are cashing in," he told the Parish Council

But Councillor Dave Siddorns called for definitive list of the charges Cheshire East are to impose for using the playing field.

"If we are already paying Cheshire East to provide playing fields we want to know what right they have to ask for this money again," he said

Talks of a parish council takeover of the Audlem playing fields have been going on for some months and a meeting has now been arranged between parish councillors and Cheshire East finance and property officials at the end of July.

• Saturday 6th July will see Audlem's playing fields transformed once more into the setting for one of the most enjoyable nights of the year in the Audlem calendar with the Party on the Park 2013.

This year ASET have lined up top tribute bands The Bee Gees Experience and Fake That. Early bird tickets are on sale at £12.50 for adults, £6 for children (under 5s are free) and family tickets for £32 from the Post Office, on 01270 811211 or online at Audlem Aset

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