Petition for Hucknall Sports FC not to be evicted from their home gathers momentum

A petition to prevent Hucknall Sports FC from being 'evicted' has gathered over 1000 digital signatures in less than 24 hours.

The sports organisation has used the playing fields on Papplewick Green for over 40 years but Ashfield District Council now has alternative plans for the space.

In a statement released by Ashfield District Council, Theresa Hodgkinson, Director for Place and Communities, said: "The Council has been exploring opportunities to work with local clubs and organisations to improve the facilities at Papplewick Green open space. This includes the potential for a club or organisation to have a management agreement for the site. This would allow for much needed funding to be accessed from the Football Foundation for grass pitch improvements, funding which the Council does not have access to. This is part of the Council's strategy to work with clubs/ non-profit organisations to improve local facilities.

"The Council is arranging a short-term management agreement with the locally based Community Interest Company, a non-profit organisation - Sports Gateway, which is currently based at the Rolls Royce Leisure site in Hucknall. The submission of an adequate business plan was required for the agreement. To arrange a longer lease on a Council-owned facility a set process has to be followed which includes a period of consultation.

"The playing fields were provided for public access and we recognise that the area is a much valued local green space. Public access to the playing fields area will therefore not be restricted.

"The Council is committed to supporting grass-roots community football and providing facilities across Hucknall with sites at Titchfield Park, Nabbs Lane and the Merlin site on Kenbrook Road.

"Hucknall Sports have been offered alternative pitches on Titchfield Park, as well as exclusive use of the Merlin site which is in close proximity to the main Papplewick site. We are also aware that there are likely to be pitches available at the Rolls Royce site and we understand that Hucknall Sports also has access to pitches at the Goosedale Sports Club in Bestwood."

This news has been met by anger and disbelief from members of the local community and led to local resident Paula Law setting up the online petition on Thursday evening.

On the petition page it reads: "Hucknall Sports FC is at the heart of the development of the youth of Hucknall and finding new premises to play will be near impossible without major costs.

"Failure to overturn the eviction order will not only have a detrimental effect on Hucknall Sports FC but more so the accessibility to the young people at the heart of our community to access much needed recreational and personality building activities. The club has been the heart and soul of the Hucknall community and we urge for the decision to be reconsidered."

If you wish to sign the petition then please click here and follow the instructions on the right hand side of the page.