Cabinet agrees to grant sports ground lease to Wombwell Main

Wombwell Main Football Club has received a boost to its ambitions of improving its facilities after our Cabinet supported the granting of a lease for the recreation ground used by their youth teams.

Subject to approval by full council, a 25-year lease will be agreed with Wombwell Main Community and Sporting Association Community Interest Organisation (CIO) for the Mitchell and Darfield Miners’ Welfare Ground in Wombwell.

This significant move aims to support the long-term sustainability of the sports club and their plans to enhance upgrade the recreation ground and its facilities for the benefit of the wider community.

The lease transfer of the nine-acre site off Roy Kilner Road in Wombwell. was supported by our cabinet on Wednesday (14 May). It will go before full council for final approval next Thursday (22 May).

If the lease is agreed, the football club, which currently hires the Mitchell and Darfield ground for its junior and senior teams, would have greater control over the maintenance and development of the site.

It would allow WMCSA CIO to apply for capital funding from the Football Foundation as part of the Pitch Power programme.

This funding would be used to finance security fencing and improve the playing surfaces. The long-term aspirations of WMCSA CIO for this site include the provision of welfare and changing facilities and car parking, all of which would be subject to securing the necessary funding and consents.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “This lease transfer will be a key step towards a successful future for the Wombwell Main FC and the Mitchell and Darfield Miners’ Welfare Ground.

“The CIO is a valuable asset for the community, and this agreement will empower them to seek funding to make the investments necessary to enhance their facilities.

“It will not only benefit the sports club but also the wider community, providing improved recreational spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

Supporting the maintenance and improvement of sports facilities aligns with the aims of our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme to ensure all our communities across the borough are thriving.

Caption: Cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, Cllr Robin Franklin (left) with Wombwell ward councillors and a Wombwell Town CIO official.