Playing fields takeover plan

While the costs of a possible takeover of Audlem playing fields is causing some parish councillors concern, the working group was given the OK to open discussions with Cheshire East Council.

Councillors were handed details of the cost implication for running the playing fields, tennis courts, children's play area and the village car park at their meeting in April.

But Councillor Geoff Seddon told an Audlem Parish Council meeting earlier this month that he wanted to know more about the financial arrangements for the scheme.

"This simple set of figures causes me some concern," he said. And he wanted to know what extra costs might fall on Audlem and the implications for council tax hills.

Plans for Audlem to take over responsibility for the village playing fields from Cheshire East have been in the pipeline since February.

Supporters want to protect the playing fields against any future sell-off but there are concerns at the strain on the Parish Council's finances.

Plans to include the village tennis courts, children's playground and even the public car park in takeover plans have complicated the issue.

The parish council working group is to investigate whether Cheshire East is likely to agree to a transfer and examine running costs in more detail and then to report back to the June council meeting.

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