SPORTS clubs have joined together to launch a fundraising campaign for a £750,000 community 3G pitch in Otley.

For the last six years clubs in the Otley area and Prince Henry’s Grammar School have been working together to build a community Astro Turf pitch at the school.

At a meeting of Leeds City Council's South and West Plans Panel in November it was resolved that approval of planning permission be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer subject to a number of conditions.

Now local clubs are joining together to raise money to help make the scheme a reality. Otley Town AFC, Weston Lane AFC and Pool AFC, alongside the umbrella groups of clubs in Sport Chevin, launched the fund this week.

The Project Team is hopeful of securing the vast majority of funding for the project from The Football Foundation, which has been involved in the project from the beginning, and Sport England. They are approaching Otley Town Council for funding, as well as launching the community appeal.

Organisers say the pitch, which includes a rugby shock pad, will provide significant benefits for the partner community clubs, primary schools and local people.

Kai Arter, Otley Town AFC Chairman said: “This pitch is vital to ensuring that we can compete on level terms with other clubs throughout the year – our players have to travel far and wide to train and it will mean a lot to the players and their families in Otley, both now and for many years into the future. This is an important opportunity to give Otley sport clubs the facilities that we deserve and will contribute significantly to the health and well-being of Otley’s residents. Across the clubs and the school, we are pledging significant sums of money to the project and we are asking locals who would like to support us, to pledge whatever they can afford through our Crowd Funding campaign. We know it’s been a tough time, so anything anyone can give will be doubly appreciated.”

Supporters of the scheme say as well as the more obvious benefits for physical activity, the additional environmental benefits of the wildlife buffer zone, including swift boxes, bat corridors, a wildlife pond and apple orchard, will significantly enhance the school site and contribute to its sustainability plan.

The planning application drew an angry response from some residents when it was first put forward. They were concerned about noise and light pollution as well as the impact of the scheme on parking, traffic, and air quality.

To contribute to the Clubs’ Crowd Funding, donate on: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/3g-pitch-otley