RIVERSIDE Park campaigners – trying to stop part of the land being turned into a car park – were a step closer to victory on Monday. Huntingdonshire District Council agreed to reinstate the second football pitch on the playing field. Members of the Rive

RIVERSIDE Park campaigners - trying to stop part of the land being turned into a car park - were a step closer to victory on Monday.

Huntingdonshire District Council agreed to reinstate the second football pitch on the playing field.

Members of the Riverside Users Group were delighted when it was announced the council would mark out two pitches.

This was also good news for Huntingdon football teams who have had their last two Sunday matches at the Riverside Park cancelled after a referee ruled the one pitch at Riverside was unplayable.

Graeme Bromwich, manager of Barley Mow FC, said: "We were all disappointed that we couldn't play on our home pitch but we are really chuffed that the second pitch is going to be marked out.

"There might still be a problem with rabbit holes on both pitches but at least we will have two pitches to choose from."

Debra Cossey-Mowle, speaking on behalf of the Riverside Users Group, said: "This is fantastic news - another battle won but the war isn't over yet.

"Campaigners won't give up until the threat of concrete has been removed from Riverside altogether.

"This victory just shows that when people come together and act against what they believe to be wrong, it can make a real difference. Our thanks goes to those town, district and county councillors who have helped to bring this about. We are now calling upon the council to withdraw the car park application for good."

The park was once home to two pitches but since the district council put forward plans to extend the car park, which have now been deferred, only one pitch was marked out.

Councillor Mike Simpson, deputy leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "Work started on Monday, September 11, to re-instate two football pitches at Riverside Park, Huntingdon. We have listened to the views that have been put to us and have reconsidered the position."

Riverside is one of 15 locations in and around Huntingdon town centre identified in the Vision for Huntingdon, which is the subject of public consultation later this week and next. Linked to this document is a revised parking strategy which is being drafted.

The Riverside Users Group has organised a community sports day at Riverside Park on Saturday, September 23, from 1pm. Any profits will go to the mayor's charity fund for Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Huntingdon branch of Carers UK.

INFORMATION: To sponsor the sports day, contact the Riverside Users Group by e-mailing debra.cossey-mowle@ntlworld.com or phoning 07816 898282. Details of the Town Centre Vision exhibition are on Page 15 or visit www.huntsdc.gov.uk