Tranmere Rovers fans urge councillors to back housing plans

Oct 24 2012 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

SUPPORTERS of Tranmere Rovers FC say the bid to build 90 houses at Ingleborough Road will create a “lasting legacy”.

A linked scheme would also see Rovers redevelop council-owned Woodchurch Leisure Centre as a training ground with community access.

Both applications were recommended for approval by councillors this week.

Tranmere Rovers Supporters Trust has called on councillors to back the scheme and “leave a lasting legacy for generations of young people”.

They say as well as delivering enormous benefits, including state-of-the-art sports facilities, new housing and a host of jobs, the move would also safeguard the future of Rovers, a focal point of the Wirral community for more than 125 years.

Supporters trust chairman Ben Harrison said: “The choice is between retaining a privately-owned, inaccessible field which is not fit for purpose and serves nobody or giving approval to a transformational scheme which would benefit thousands of people for years to come by creating jobs and providing new housing and top-rate community sports facilities.”

Trust vice-chairman Mark Bartley added: “We appreciate this is an emotive issue but the plans make provision for a landscaped memorial area in the housing development.

“Tranmere Rovers count servicemen and women among their support and arguably does more than any other organisation in Wirral to promote respect for our troops and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”