A popular family park is set to temporarily close ahead of controversial work that has seen people protest at the park over the last week.
Orrell Mount Park in Bootle is set for controversial work to begin after a week of protests over the plans to install a 3G pitch in the park, backed by the Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation.
The plans have been met with anger, with more than 1,400 people signing a petition against the plans.
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Sefton Council has now confirmed the plans to move forward with the installation of the pitch after earlier this year announcing it had been successful in a bid for £780,000 funding from the Football Foundation to create what Sefton Council has described as a "much needed" all weather pitch 3G pitch.
The work will see the Council undertake work to replace the existing grass pitch with not just a 3G pitch but also new changing facilities .
Jamie Carragher's 23 Foundation will oversee the running of the facilities in a bid to bring through a new generation of sporting talent.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We are aware of misinformation which has been shared online about the scheme and we have reiterated that key facilities will remain and even be improved, including dog walking facilities and a fully refurbished children’s playground."
Earlier this week the ECHO spoke to one protester at the park who prevented contractors from entering the park to begin work.
On Monday, police and Sefton Council continued their stand off with protesters who had formed a picket line.
One of the protest organisers Carole McEwen told the ECHO at the time: "We're having to make a nuisance of ourselves and stop vehicles trying to gain access. Most of us work so we're trying to do early mornings and late evenings, listening out through the night in case they're trying to get access through the night.
"They tried last Monday and we managed to prevent access by parking on the public pathway. Not blocking or obstructing, just parking on the public pathway so they couldn't get the big lorries in.
"They tried it again this morning. There was a lot of police and contractors and council workers. People arrived who were walking their dogs and stayed to give their support and we managed to prevent them offloading the fence panels.
"They said they were going to fence it off and that would be the end of any public access to the field as it would then be a construction site.
"It's just wrong as far as we're concerned. If nothing else, grant us the public enquiry and hold off on any works until we have the opportunity to have it.
"Green space is so important to people's mental health, particularly after the past 18 months we've had."
Sefton Council say that the work has the full backing from the Liverpool County FA, local grassroots football clubs and members of the community.
Tony Smith, Football Development Manager at the Liverpool County FA, added: “There is a huge shortfall of match play on 3G pitches and having this facility in the heart of the community will not only develop better grassroots players but also develop better social outcomes to combat obesity, improve health and wellbeing, while also tackling anti-social behaviour.”
Rachel Stevenson, Welfare Officer for Bootle’s Northfield Junior’s Football Club, said the team can’t wait to play on the pitch.
She said: “Historically in the winter months we have found real difficulties and challenges to get our kids access to proper training facilities.
“This will be our first opportunity to keep players within the local community and allow them to train closer to their homes.
“We are a registered charity so this scheme will also allow us to keep our costs down and allow us to pass this back on to our members so our football remains completely inclusive to everyone in the local community.”
A Sefton Council spokesperson reiterated these comments, adding: “Any surplus made from operating the facility will be put back in to the community.
“Throughout this process to provide significantly improved health and wellbeing provisions for football players of all abilities and ages, Sefton Council has endeavoured to work closely with members of the local community and has acted on some of the concerns expressed.”
Sefton Council have confirmed that due to the ongoing protests and demonstrations, they have taken the decision to close the park.
A council spokesperson confirmed: “This decision has not been taken lightly, however we need to ensure the ongoing safety of both demonstrators and our contractors.
“This closure will remain in place until works to install a 3G pitch, lighting and community safety provisions have been completed.”
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