RESIDENTS have criticised plans to build new football facilities at Churchfields Academy, saying serving alcohol is inappropriate at a school.

On June 9, Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans to build an allweather five-a-side football centre at the Salcombe Grove school with a number of conditions concerning traffic and parking.

The plans, which were submitted by the academy and Playfootball Ltd, will see six five-a-side pitches and two seven-a-side pitches built on a 1.95-hectare patch of land next to Queen’s Drive, along with a sports pavilion comprising changing facilities and a bar and lounge area and a car park with 119 spaces, accessed from Upham Road.

While the application received 37 representations of support, it also received 12 objections, including a 72-signature petition.

“We object to the alcohol licence because we don’t think it’s appropriate that there should be alcohol served on school premises,”

said Adrian Crafer, who attended a meeting of Upham Road residents and local councillors on Saturday morning.

“They [Playfootball Ltd] have a number of sponsors including Heineken and an online betting company, so they will be advertising and promoting them for commercial reasons.”

Sue York, who also lives in Upham Road, said providing the bar could also lead to the pavilion becoming a sports bar which could be accessed by pupils.

“These are impressionable and vulnerable young people,” she said. “We’re trying to cut down on alcohol consumption in young people and this sends the wrong message to them.”

Coun Steve Allsopp (Lab, Walcot & Park North), who also attended the meeting, supported residents protests.

“This is a quiet residential area and we don’t want it to attract nightlife,” he said.

“The alcohol licence is from 11am but they shouldn’t be able to serve alcohol within school hours.”

Churchfields headteacher Sharon Kirwan said: “Alcohol will not be visible nor accessible during school hours. All alcohol will be locked away appropriately.

“Play Football operate a very responsible and robust alcohol policy both in terms of the selling of alcohol and promoting responsible drinking.

“They operate a challenge 25 system and will not sell alcohol at any time that there is a school or children-based community group using the facilities even outside of school hours.

“Play Football have a very thorough policy on protecting children from harm.

“The Play Football facility will provide a much needed all-weather surface for Churchfields students to take part in sport all year round.

“The promotion of an active lifestyle is an important lesson for young people to learn. It will provide a superb addition to the community in terms of facilities and access to sport.

“Churchfields Academy teaches about the dangers of drinking alcohol as part of a balanced curriculum.”

Despite the objections a report published prior to the council’s decision indicated the bar would be too small to amass the numbers akin to a pub and, since it would close at 10.30pm it would not attract the night life residents fear.

To view the plans visit www.swindon.gov.uk/planning and search for S/14/2109.