Shrews ‘to pull out of pitch deal’

Wednesday 18th October 2006, 12:56PM BST.

The borough council is now asking for public opinion on the deal.

The original planning permission for the ground was given on the agreement that two grassed community pitches, six hard surfaced pitches and changing facilities would be built as part of the New Meadow project.

But Wayne Barraball, head of development control at the borough council said: “The football club has made a formal approach to the council to pull out from the legal obligation to provide community pitches at the new stadium site.

“The club is offering equivalent funding for community facilities elsewhere in the town.”He added: “No decision has been made regarding this matter.

“Shrewsbury and Atcham consultants are currently undertaking a full review of recreational provision within the borough and this will inevitably provide key evidence towards any future planning re-assessment.

“We are also keen to hear the views of the general public.”

He said the club thought there was greater need for facilities elsewhere. The proposal is that £350,000 is given to the borough council to provide those facilities.