Concerned residents have welcomed changes to a vital construction project at playing fields in Blackpool.

All change on field plans
Fishers Field off Highfield Road. Picture from google Maps.Fishers Field off Highfield Road. Picture from google Maps.
Fishers Field off Highfield Road. Picture from google Maps.

United Utilities has altered proposals to install a huge new storm water tank under Fisher’s Field in South Shore.

The company has made the changes following talks with people living in nearby homes.

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As a result pipe stores and office space will no longer be built on the site and pipes feeding the tank, which will help improve bathing water quality, have been re-routed.

A United Utilities spokesman said: “We have amended the plans following consultation with local people.

“We held another public exhibition about two weeks ago where we displayed the amended plans and they were well received by those who attended.

“We listened to people’s concerns and looked at where alternatives were possible.

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“As a result we have reduced the size of the main site compound on Fishers Field by moving the office accommodation onto Squires Gate Industrial Estate.

“The scheme involves laying a new sewer pipe to link the new storage tank to the rest of the sewer network at Lennoxgate pumping station.

“We originally intended to lay the pipe down Emerson Avenue but we have now changed the plans to bring the pipe through Lennox Court instead.

“These amendments to the plan should reduce the disruption for local people.

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“The aim of the scheme is to reduce the frequency of sewers overflowing into the sea during times of heavy rainfall – by storing extra water in the new underground tank. It’s about further improving Blackpool’s bathing waters.”

United Utilities is expecting to be given the green light for the scheme next week.

Once completed it will restore the playing fields for the use of Foxhall FC and build a new clubhouse for the team – which has been found alternative pitches for the duration of the work.

Mike Beck, of Emerson Avenue, had previously objected to the proposals.

He said: “I cannot thank United Utilities enough.

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“Their project team have come down and listened to what people have had to say.
“I raised a number of concerns over the project and pretty much every one of them has been addressed by these new proposals.

“I am very pleased they listened to what local people had to say.

“In my objection I suggested they find compound space at Squires Gate and that is precisely what will happen.

“As a result of the changes the work will have much less of an impact and they will be on site for significantly less time.

“There is just one issue which is still of slight concern but I’m confident, having spoken to the project team, a solution will be found.”