More than 350 people respond to Cottam Hall Playing Fields consultation held by Wyre Council

There has been a huge response to a public consultation held over ambitious plans for Cottam Hall playing fields in Poulton.

Wyre Council received £30,000 from a UK Government scheme to create a more active, inclusive, sustainable, and attractive asset for the local community now and in the future.

The funds from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] will help develop the Masterplan for Cottam Hall involving public consultation, assessment of the site and its facilities, and a fully costed improvement plan.

The first of two consultations was launched in September and Wyre says hundreds of residents responded with their view on the project.

A Wyre Council spokesman said: "It is seeking to retain and build upon the current community use and has consulted with residents, the formal users of the playing fields and other stakeholders with the objective of producing a community driven plan for improvements.

“The council has received around 350 responses to the online consultation.

"The next steps are to take the insights from the initial consultation and produce a plan for further consultation, with a final masterplan which will emerge from this process, which can then form the basis for future funding bids and planning applications.”

Cottam Hall field already play a key role in the community, none more so than when the site takes centre stage for the annual Poulton Gala activities in June.

However, the council wants to see use of the 8.65 hectare site increased with improved sports facilities, accessibility, environmental and bio-diversity benefits, and is asking the local community to help establish its priorities.

Located off Blackpool Old Road, Cottam Hall features football pitches, a cricket pitch, a children’s play park and community garden.

The car park and three buildings are owned by the authority and leased to local clubs who will be closely consulted throughout the process.