Langold campaigners hopeful

Smokey’s Field is set to be built on after Bassetlaw Council approved the development of 92 homes off Cemetery Road and Doncaster Road.

Developers Gleeson Homes are awaiting a decision on plans to amend 31 of the plots to improve living space.

But, in an attempt to save the football pitch, Langold Old Boys have submitted an application which would see the field classed as a village green.

A decision is expected in late February after a four day public enquiry was held toward the end of last year.

If granted, the village green status would prevent any development and throw the current application into doubt.

Old Boys are currently playing at Costhorpe but chairman Alan Fisher is hopeful of a return to Smokey’s Field, which has been the club’s home since 1978.

“I’m still hopeful,” he said. “We put our case forward and, as far as I know, they didn’t come up with a fatal blow to our application.”

“It’s still 50-50. We want to protect the open space forever for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Nearby residents even recall having their school sports days on the ground - dating back more than 50 years.

Goldthorpe Close resident James Sankey, 66, said: “I remember as a kid we used to have our sports days on this field. It’s always been a green for the people of the village to enjoy.”

Gleeson Homes has pledged to pay for a new junior football pitch in Langold Country Park and also to improve the senior football pitch and facilities in Costhorpe.

It remains hopeful the village green application will be dismissed by Notts County Council, a spokesman said.