Footballers are in a rut over pitch
RESIDENTS in Cambourne have hit out at developers who have yet to provide them with a sports field.
Youngsters have been playing football on an uneven piece of grass full of holes and there have been minor injuries because the playing surface is unsuitable.
There is even a running joke among residents that the Cambourne Rovers Football Club is so called because its members are always roving around to find somewhere to play.The developers, Cambourne Consortium, said it will be creating a range of facilities for residents but is caught up in planning red tape and cannot proceed.
Mark Wilders, sports co-ordinator for Cambourne's Management Liaison Committee, said: "We have been lobbying for some time now for the developers to provide what the residents feel they should.
"They have a commitment to provide playing fields throughout the development,
"The footballers are looking for somewhere to play.
"We are now three years down the line and there is still no football field.
"It is causing uncertainty and unease among residents and there are a lot of people here trying to make things happen but it is difficult when the facilities aren't there."
David Chare, spokesperson for the Cambourne Consortium, said: "There are many facilities currently available at Cambourne, including a village green cricket pitch, "kick-about" areas, a tennis court, public open space, children's play areas, an eco park and a country park with fishing lake.
"Work has recently commenced on a new four-star hotel at Cambourne and the facilities will be open to hotel guests and the general public.
"They will include a deluxe leisure complex with swimming pool, gym, beauty treatment room, spa, sauna, relaxation area and outdoor tennis court.
"A planning application was submitted in November 2002 for a new sports centre incorporating squash courts, a gym, ice rink and curling lanes and a multi-purpose sports hall.
"External facilities include multi-purpose playing fields, a flood-lit playing area and a bowling green.
"The Cambourne Consortium is awaiting feedback on the application and unfortunately cannot progress until planning is approved."