A RECREATION ground which was revived by a dedicated group of volunteers will not be donated back to the community - despite a 400-strong petition being lodged.
In 1926, miners bought what was then known as Hall Royd Wood with money allocated by the Coal Miners’ Welfare Fund.
That woodland would eventually become what is known today as the Silkstone Common Miners’ Welfare Recreation Ground.
In 1945, a pavilion was built on the clearing to comply with Football Association rules, allowing the grounds to be used by the football league.
However, in 1996 a fire destroyed the facilities that had served the Silkstone community for over 20 years, taking with it the pavilion that had fostered the heart and community gathering place.
In the years since, the land was bequeathed by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) to Barnsley Council.( For a further 20 years, the recreation ground sat as an empty, unmaintained field until 2022 when the Silkstone Common Sports and Recreation Association revived the club and started bringing back together the community through youth football.
Currently leased year-by-year from the council, the petition - signed by a total of 406 people - called for an asset transfer or a 25-year lease agreement, but the council’s now ruled out the bid.
A statement said: “A response has been sent which explained that the council, as trustee, remains committed to ensuring the grounds serve the community’s interests, and that the council will continue to maintain the recreation ground, play areas and multi-use games area for the benefit of the community.
“This means the football teams can continue their use under a hire agreement.
“No action can be supported by the council at this time until a viable
business plan, in collaboration with the parish council, is received.
“We have received several revised business plans in recent years relating to the potential to lease the site, however none that has demonstrated financial viability.
“Our recommendation is that Silkstone Parish Council and Silkstone Common Sports and Recreation Ground Association work together on a business plan which could demonstrate a viable future for the welfare ground, and this has been communicated to both parties.”
The petition, and the council’s decision, will be discussed by ruling cabinet members on Wednesday.
Hannah Phillips, who started the petition, added: “If Barnsley Council donated the land back to the Silkstone Common Sports and Recreation Association, or leased it back long-term, it would allow for the initiation of plans to bring together not only the community of Silkstone Common but many others, just as the miners had originally intended over 100 years ago.
“Plans would include improving the facilities already at the recreation ground as well as rebuilding the sports pavilion to support both indoor and outdoor sports, with accessible toilets and changing facilities, a social space for activities and meetings as well as a home for the ‘Old Silkstone Band’.”
