Residents in Bootle and Litherland, who had petitioned to save a field from being turned into football pitches, have been left disappointed after the council gave the plan a green light.
A new full-sized, all-weather 3G pitch, along with flood lighting, a new changing block, and additional parking spaces, will be built on a field on Orrell Mount Park, on Orrell Road.
Locals claim it is one of only a few greenspaces in the area and is used every day by dog walkers and children.
Letters of objection to the scheme were received from 129 addresses in the area.
Despite these concerns, the council approved the plan at a Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 16th February.
One resident who contacted the Champion claimed the development would lead to increased pollution, more traffic and a “loss of recreational grounds for the public, dog walkers, local primary school.”
She added: “There is within only a 10 minute walking distance a very similar facility, Bootle FC, which the public have access to should they wish. It financially helps support Bootle FC, who in turn support the local community. Additionally, there is another sports facility, Litherland Sports Park, which includes football pitches.”
Another resident who did not want to be named told the Champion: “To remove this facility will price a number of children’s football teams out with a huge impact on both physical and mental well-being. Local residents who use the space socially to walk their dogs and meet friends will also feel the impact on their mental well-being in this most testing of times.”