Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council (IFPC) have agreed 25-year lease of Seymour Field, and an Agreement to Lease was signed at an extraordinary Full Council on 21 May 2018. This agreement secures the future of the all the youth and adult football teams which play here, and protects this important community asset for the next generation.
This agreement follows over 18 months of work, and many hours spent by parish councillors and their officers to secure a lease. IFPC fought strongly for this as Seymour Field is the only publicly owned recreation field in the parish. It is used by football teams, dog walkers, youth groups and community events such as the annual Horticultural Show.
As the village grows, IFPC was determined to ensure that public spaces such as Seymour Field were protected. This lease will ensure that it remains a publicly owned recreation area for current residents, and future generations.
IFPC has ambitious plans for further playground facilities and a potential multi-sports area. We will further increase the use of the field by the community and local schools.
The pavilion has unfortunately fallen into disrepair, and does not meet current FA standards. The Agreement to Lease will allow IFPC to apply for funding to entirely renovate the building.
Cllr Paul Jeater, chair of IFPC explains: “The lease has taken 18 months to secure, but the work really begins now. The parish council has already begun applying for grant aid for this project and discussions with the Essex Football Association are at an advanced stage to secure funding for the renovation of the pavilion.”
Because of the time delays which IFPC worked hard to avoid, the adult football teams are relocating for the majority of the 2018/19 season. This will ensure that IFPC can meet funding deadlines, and provide the new facility in time for the 2019/20 season. Junior teams which play on the other side of the field and do not use the pavilion will continue to play as normal. The Horticultural Show on Saturday 21 July will go ahead as planned.
The acquiring of this lease on Seymour Field and pavilion guarantees that it remains a recreational facility, and provides an opportunity to develop a quality asset that can be enjoyed by the people of Ingatestone and Fryerning for years to come.
