Leigh Recreation Ground Drainage Project
The Problem
A field that is unplayable, usually wet for 8 months of the year, is not ideal for recreation.
Leigh recreation field had been drained in the past: the drainage system has failed in recent years.
The Objective
The committee of management trustees determined to take remedial action. (October 2003)
The work undertaken must improve the drainage of areas used for cricket, football, access to swings and, of course, the new footpath and play equipment (for which funds were raised previously).
The Action
Some minor investigatory works were done which indicated the action that would be required. (2005)
It became clear that a new system of drainage would be the appropriate solution and that this work would be costly and could do long-term damage to the field unless special care and specialised equipment were to be employed for the task.
A cost/risk analysis was made in order to ensure that the basic needs could be met by the funds that might foreseeably be raised. Various schemes were considered and priced.
New monies were raised (an acknowledgement of and thanks to fundraisers is listed below).
Specialist machinery was assembled and very expensive materials were purchased (quickly to disappear below ground).
The first channel was cut and revealed a blocked old drainage system falling towards the road.
One new major drain has been installed to flow towards the Blythe. This drain has many tributaries of pipes and aggregate or chatter to ensure that the flow paths will remain clear for years to come.
A second major drainage system has been installed to serve the areas around the play equipment and path. This has been drained towards an existing roadside outlet.
The spoil has been deposited above the pit hole for future use (infilling etc).
The drainage system has been mapped precisely for our records and future reference. Monitoring the efficiency of drainage can only be done after lengthy heavy rains. Should any further work be necessary, we will have precise guidelines from which to work.
Tasks remaining as at November 2007 include stone-picking, top-levelling and reseeding. (ANY VOLUNTEERS ???)
The Acknowledgements
Those who originally made the field available for Leigh village recreation (in 1946).
Those who have worked within the past 61 years to keep the field available for recreation as the original benefactors envisaged.
All those who have helped to fund this non-profit making facility recently, for example:- Cricket Club, Footballers, Fashion Shows, Parish Council, Leigh May Ball, County and Borough Council grants, JCB/Cricket club sponsorship, Film Shows, Donations etc etc etc.
Anyone and everyone who has; by word, deed, or action contributed to the maintenance and welfare of this independent recreation facility throughout its existence.
TO THEM ALL - OUR SINCERE THANKS
We look forward to making good use of a much improved recreation facility.
