Plans to create a new community football pitch for Crewe have taken a step forward - following positive discussions between Crewe FC, Cheshire East Council and the Cheshire FA.

Over the past five years, Crewe FC among others have been looking at a number of options for a new football pitch in the local area.

The pitch will be funded by The Guinness Partnership, who has had to pay £100,000 in compensation for the loss of the former LMR football pitch on Goddard Street, Crewe.

The land on Goddard Street is set to become a 73-home development, starting later this year. All trees and debris have been cleared from the site.

Cheshire East confirmed to Crewe Nub News last week that it was actively searching for a new football pitch for Crewe.

The King George Playing Fields, West Street, Crewe (Ryan Parker).

A spokesperson said: "Once the council is in receipt of the S106 allocation arising from the proposed Crewe housing development on the LMR site, the process to identify an alternative site will continue."

This week, Vice-chairman for Crewe FC, Andy Aspinall, provided a positive update on the search for a new football pitch.

Mr Aspinall told Nub News: "We have identified the King George V playing fields as a potential development to make part of the land an artificial football pitch.

"We could put an artificial pitch there without losing any George's grass pitches currently in use. It would be an additional pitch - used all year round and of a better quality.

"It would be hidden behind the Simply Gym facility. We are very keen to explore this further and are confident with Cheshire East and the Cheshire FA that there is a real potential for something to be done here.

"Conversations are in the very early stages. It would need to go to public consultation.

Vice-chairman of Crewe FC, Andy Aspinall, was positive about the talks for a new artificial football pitch in Crewe (Neil Southern).

"The pitch would best serve Crewe town and its residents, as well as our football club."

Crewe FC looked at a number of potential facilities, such as Brookhouse playing fields, land at Crewe Hall and even the LMR pitch before the Guinness Partnership purchased the land.

The former Queens Park tennis courts was also looked as a potential location.

An initial pre-planning application for a pitch was put together, however it wasn't deemed practical.

Mr Aspinall said: "There were two reasons why an artificial pitch couldn't be built there.

"The road next to the former tennis courts is too narrow and would have a negative impact on residents - lorries and wagons could be too disruptive.

"There is also a gas pipe that runs underneath the courts, meaning that only a grass pitch could be put there.

"It would be highly-problematic, the pitch would potentially have to be dug up on occasions. This rules out the artificial pitch option in that location."

The new artificial football pitch would be located behind Simply Gym (Ryan Parker).

Mr Aspinall was confident that a grass pitch would be developed at the courts site in the future.

He told Nub News: This pitch is for the town, not Crewe FC. It's very much a community use facility. Yes it would benefit us, but it benefit other clubs, schools and local providers most importantly.

"We are really encouraged with the talks. Crewe FC is grateful to Cheshire East, Crewe Town Council and the Cheshire FA for being so supportive with what we are trying to achieve.

There are currently six adult football pitches and one junior pitch at the King George V playing fields.

The football club Vice-chairman believed there could soon be another on the way: "I would hedge my bets with saying yes it will happen.

"Crewe really needs this. For four months the council been fantastic trying to get this off the ground. There is a genuine want and push to get this pitch up and running.

"We are aware of the loss of the LMR - the support from MP Dr Kieran Mullan and Labour Ward councillors has been supportive and heart-warming - they are both on the same page to get this done for Crewe."

As Sport England retains a "holding objection" on a new football pitch site for Crewe, Cheshire East Council, the Cheshire FA, Crewe FC and Crewe Town Council will have to be consult with the public body for where it can be located.

The new community artificial pitch on the George's would be available for the community. (Ryan Parker)

Crewe resident Grant Coiley, hopeful about the talks, said: "It's much needed in that area of Crewe, lots of teams use the George's and struggle to find training venues during the winter.

"As long as the teams that use the George's get first call on the venue I'd be all for it.

"It would be a great community asset."

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