Start on PNE training ground delayed
Work on Preston North End FC’s new training ground, which won planning permission earlier this month, has been pushed back to late September or October due to great crested newts.
Although the club said on receiving consent that it would start work as soon as possible, the removal of the newts will take six weeks. A main contractor has not yet been appointed on the project, although an announcement is expected soon.
The scheme will see the 172-acre Ingol Golf & Squash Club site redeveloped, with a public park taking up more than 100 acres, along with 450 houses, 135 of which will be affordable, along with a Premier League-worthy training facility.
An earlier version of the scheme was rejected in May, leading to a reduction in the number of houses.
The professional team on the project includes PWA Planning and architect Frank Whittle Partnership.
The intention had been for the club to be able to start using the training ground ahead of the 2018-2019 season, but Peter Ridsdale, advisor to club owner Trevor Hemmings, has conceded that some point in the first half of next season is now a more realistic target.
The bloody newts! Just another reason to leave the stupid EU and their silly rules!
By Stuart wood
Except – like most laws from the EU – it’s a law the UK fully supports, so is going to keep.
By Iain Roberts
Explain how leaving the EU will stop the newt problem?
By Newton
The newts would run the country better than the swivel eyed loons of the far right that are steering the government at present.
By Gene Walker