Skirlaugh Village - An East Riding of Yorkshire Village

Row on Village Sports Pavilion Plans

Plans to build a new pavilion and all-weather football and cricket pitches on Skirlaugh Playing Fields have sparked a row. Skirlaugh Playing Field Committee has asked for planning permission for the development of the playing field, in Benningholme Lane.

The cricket and football clubs in the village, north of Hull, support the plans. But residents in Millhouse Way and Old Forge Way, which border the playing field, are among more than 400 objectors who signed two petitions. Residents are opposing the development plans fearing it could lead to parking problems and an increase in anti-social behaviour. The petitions were sent to Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart. Mr Stewart said residents were concerned about youths causing anti-social behaviour. "Some people are extremely concerned," he said. "There is a concern if the pavilion goes ahead it will attract more people and cause even more disruption nearby. "It is a difficult situation. "On the one hand, a pavilion might take some of the noisier youths away from residents' homes. "On the other hand, it might attract more people to the area," he said. "If the neighbourhood policing model really does start delivering in places like Skirlaugh, there will be better management of the problem. "The troublesome people need to be barred from going on the recreation area and problems need better management because local residents are having their lives ruined by it." The plans would also include a CCTV camera and seating. Some residents have submitted formal objections to East Riding Council. However, a small number of villagers, who believe the CCTV camera will act as a deterrent, have written to the council backing the plans.