Assurances offered over long-standing drainage problems at a Newport football field

The problems have persisted for several years, but one local councillor said the issue is worsening as periods of heavy rainfall and extreme weather become more common. 

Just last weekend, Nova United Football Club, which relies on the site, took to social media to ask residents to avoid walking or riding over the marked-out pitches.

The appeal followed the cancellation of several games after snowfall, which left the already waterlogged ground in particularly poor condition. Photographs shared by the club showed a waterlogged pitch churned up by tyre marks. 

Local councillor Thomas Janke said the issues at the site have persisted for years, remaining a source of frustration for football players and the wider community. 

After raising the issue at a full council meeting last week, Councillor Janke said that the local authority had confirmed that all recreational pitches across the borough have recently been audited, so proper plans can be put together to identify where investment is most needed.

He added: "I’ll be working closely with Nova United FC, my council colleagues and local residents to make sure Newport gets its fair share when those plans come forward. 

"There’s also progress on improving playing opportunities locally. Work has now started at Burton Borough School (BBS) on the new 3G pitch, which Nova United will also be able to access once completed, helping to provide much-needed all-weather facilities."

Last year, a grant of almost £765,000 was awarded by the Football Foundation for a 3G artificial pitch at BBS, with funding to also cover the cost of installing floodlighting and improving the changing rooms. 

It's expected that Newport Town, Nova United and Newport Girls will all use the site, with AFC Telford United also having plans to use the site for youth clubs, walking football for men and women, disability football and sessions for army veterans.