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Nearly 2,000 islanders have backed a campaign launched by a former Muratti player who wants to transform the unused netball courts at FB Fields into football pitches.
James Scott, the Manager of the Parishes of Jersey Football Club, wants to create two five-a-side football pitches at FB Fields.
The area is currently laid out as two netball courts but it is not being used despite having been re-surfaced by the Government in 2015 and new floodlights put in.
“It was a thriving sports area just over 10 years ago, when it was used by the netball, it was the home of netball,” Mr Scott said.
“But then netball moved to Les Ormes and it hasn’t been used since. I am trying to make it thriving again.”
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Video: James Scott hopes to transform the unused netball courts into two five-a-side football pitches.
Mr Scott has put forward a petition to try and get the Government “to ensure the land can be used by the public for the purpose intended”, reminding the land FB Fields is on was donated by Florence Boots to the public for recreational sports.
The former Muratti player has proposed installing 3G five-a-side football pitches, which would be usable in all weather.
“We have been corresponding with Jersey Property Holdings, who initially gave us the green light to go to the Planning Department with a planning application,” Mr Scott explained. “They then said there was a covenant on the land and that I wouldn’t be able to do what I wanted.
“I’ve taken legal advice and we are not in breach of the covenant, so we are corresponding further. I need the green light to make it happen.”
Mr Scott says that, with floodlights, changing rooms and all the necessary amenities already installed, the location is perfect for his plans. It is also perfectly located for the use of the local community.
“There is a massive cry out for more sports facilities in the east of the island,” he said. “More houses have been built and there is more social housing as well, it’s a fairly built-up area but with limited facilities.”
“It’s definitely needed,” he added. “The fact the petition got over 1,800 signatures in just over 48 hours shows there is definitely a need. There’s been a great initial response, we just need to raise more awareness.”
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