Several residents and a two local sports teams have criticised the current maintenance methods of the Northwood Recreation Ground, with one saying that it “makes a mockery of the “Green Flag” status awarded by Hillingdon Council.”
The park, which is maintained by the borough council, has struggled with drainage problems, which have often left the popular open space in a muddy, claggy and sometimes unsafe state.
Andy Tooley, who is a Youth Co-ordinator at Northwood FC, said: “The ground has become so saturated that the pitches are unsafe to play on and much of the time there is standing water that does not drain away. This has meant that in some instances children have had to forego their matches and training.
“It is extremely hard for grass roots sport to survive in current times, and clubs such as Northwood need the community to support them through use of the clubhouse and attendance to games.
“Sadly, this fundamental part of the community is being greatly affected by the apparent poor drainage and lack of maintenance across Northwood Park.”
Jack Daly, Northwood Town Cricket Club secretary, echoed the sentiment, stating: “Drainage issues continue to diminish an otherwise lovely green space for local residents. For a number of years these issues seem to have worsened and consistently cause problems for us as a club and our ability to provide cricket for both our adult and junior sections.
“The undulating outfield has significantly worsened in recent years and visiting teams are commenting more and more on the state of our pitches with some deeming it borderline dangerous in places.”
Others have also complained about the problem. Long-standing Northwood Hills resident John Choopani said: “A remedial drainage work needs to be undertaken as soon as possible to allow the rec to be used throughout the year and not just the summer months.
“I am afraid that poor condition of recreational areas in the park makes a mockery of the “Green Flag” status awarded by Hillingdon Council.”
When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Hillingdon Borough Council stated that they are listening to and working proactively with residents, as well as investing cash into the site. They also emphasised they have recently performed work to improve the drainage problems.
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