Football pitch hopes for vandalised Gainsborough park

West Lindsey District Council is seeking government funding to rejuvenate the disused Scout’s Hill.

Its history of anti-social behaviour mean that football facilities would be much more suitable, local leaders say.

The Levelling Up Parks Fund offers up to £85,000 for the creation of parks in disadvantaged areas.

Coun Trevor Young, the Liberal Democrat representative for Gainsborough South West where the park sits, said he had concerns about the site.

“Originally it had play parks, football pitches and changing rooms.

“They all got broken, wrecked and vandalised,” he told a council meeting.

“It is one of the riskiest places in terms of personal safety in the entire district.

"I welcome the aspiration, but they need reality check.

“No young mother is going to take her child up that hill to play facilities in the day.

"They would fear for their own safety. It’s not a pleasant environment.

“We don’t want a situation where the whole investment would be wrecked in three to six months.

“There is a much better argument for bringing back football pitches.

"Gainsborough is desperate for facilities, and a collective group would feel much safer than lone people.”

The Corporate Policies and Resources Committee heard that the funding could be used for a variety of park facilities, including sport.

Coun Matthew Bowles backed the suggestion, saying: “The Lincolnshire FA and Football Foundation are screaming out for more football facilities and changing rooms.

“We have lost so many in Gainsborough over the years.

"Clubs are having to play outside the town.”

There were also concerns about the long, steep path to the park from Sandsfield Lane.

Coun Mandy Snee said: “The biggest challenge will be making it accessible to all.

"How will mobility scooters, pushchairs and wheelchairs got up that hill?”

Coun Jeff Summers suggested that it could be a site for a new CCTV camera to reduce problems.