Anna 
Crewe FC is facing the potential loss of a £1.3 million investment due to delays in paperwork processing by Cheshire East Council, according to the club’s chairman.
The grassroots football club, which boasts over 600 players across 36 teams, including boys, girls, and disability football, was granted planning permission in January for a new 3G pitch, changing rooms, and other facilities. However, the required licence to proceed with construction is still pending approval.
Chairman Steve Parker expressed frustration, stating that the project was crucial for Crewe, as the area has not seen a significant investment in sports infrastructure for nearly a decade. While the council had indicated in September that it was preparing the necessary documents to grant the licence, the club submitted all required details in November, expecting the process to move forward.
Despite receiving planning approval in January, Parker explained that the club’s construction work must be completed before the pitch can be started. A critical deadline of April is approaching for the pitch’s construction due to strict terms in the funding agreements.
In a troubling development, the council informed the club in January that the approval process could face a further three-month delay. Parker warned that if the licence is not granted soon, the club’s contractor may re-quote, potentially increasing costs due to market conditions.
“The club is run entirely by volunteers, yet we’ve managed to keep everything on track. The council, whose responsibility it is to support their own playing pitch strategy, is the one causing these delays,” Parker stated. Despite securing all funding and receiving promises of support from the local authority, the delays are now jeopardizing the entire project.
Parker further criticized the council for poor communication, calling them “not good teammates” in a partnership that is essential for the community’s sports development.
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