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Fallin's Football Pitches |
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Tuesday, 16 September 2003 |
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Overview
PROJECT SUMMARY
Fallin's Future is a local community group of about 18-20 members drawn from other groups in the villages and interested individuals. It meets on the second Monday of every month and is open to all residents. It carried out a survey of residents in May 1998 to find out needs and priorities in relation to how landfill tax grant money should be used. Facilities for young people topped the list. A feasibility study, supported by a grant from the Coalfield's Regeneration Trust, was carried out in 2001 to consider the viability of a new village hall and a 'Planning for Real' type of exercise consulted local people on their wishes. Fallin's Future hold regular meetings with other local agencies to progress agreed projects.
During winter 2001/2 two new football pitches (one full size, the other three-quarter size) were developed on derelict land that was formerly part of the closed Polmaise Colliery. Two existing football pitches had been lost due to the development of a family centre and the threat of new housing. This left several local football teams in the village without adequate facilities. On 4th August 2002 a celebrity football match and fun day was held to officially open the new parks.One of the local league teams now uses the new pitches for training and in return coaches local kids and helps in fund raising events.
KEY PARTNERS
Fallin's Future, Stirling Council, Forward Scotland, Paterson's of Greenoakhill
FUNDERS
Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (via Patersons of Greenoakhill)
Stirling Council
THEMATIC CRITERIA
Stirling, Local Amenities, Open Space
Overview
PROJECT SUMMARY
Fallin's Future is a local community group of about 18-20 members drawn from other groups in the villages and interested individuals. It meets on the second Monday of every month and is open to all residents. It carried out a survey of residents in May 1998 to find out needs and priorities in relation to how landfill tax grant money should be used. Facilities for young people topped the list. A feasibility study, supported by a grant from the Coalfield's Regeneration Trust, was carried out in 2001 to consider the viability of a new village hall and a 'Planning for Real' type of exercise consulted local people on their wishes. Fallin's Future hold regular meetings with other local agencies to progress agreed projects.
During winter 2001/2 two new football pitches (one full size, the other three-quarter size) were developed on derelict land that was formerly part of the closed Polmaise Colliery. Two existing football pitches had been lost due to the development of a family centre and the threat of new housing. This left several local football teams in the village without adequate facilities. On 4th August 2002 a celebrity football match and fun day was held to officially open the new parks.One of the local league teams now uses the new pitches for training and in return coaches local kids and helps in fund raising events.
KEY PARTNERS
Fallin's Future, Stirling Council, Forward Scotland, Paterson's of Greenoakhill
FUNDERS
Landfill Tax Credit Scheme (via Patersons of Greenoakhill)
Stirling Council
THEMATIC CRITERIA
Stirling, Local Amenities, Open Space
Plan
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Replace facilities lost to the village
Provide activities for young people of Fallin
Reduce nuisance of young people
To improve the environment we all live in
OUTPUTS
Two football pitches have been opened, and are now being widely used by the community.
FUTURE STEPS
Fallin's Future intends to carry out further environmental improvements to the rest of the derelict mine area and spoil heap to make a mini country park. Plans include pathways, seating, a viewpoint, an events area, further tree planting, fencing and entrance gates. They have also just distributed compost bins to residents and have won a major environmental award .
The group are now working with the council to develop a community Sports and Healthy Living Centre. Proposals include a Sports hall, changing facilities, Doctors surgery/Health centre, Police office, mining museum and community cafe.
Progress
During winter 2001/2 two new football pitches (one full size, the other three-quarter size) were developed on derelict land that was formerly part of the closed Polmaise Colliery. Two existing football pitches had been lost due to the development of a family centre and the threat of new housing. This left several local football teams in the village without adequate facilities. On 4th August 2002 a celebrity football match and fun day was held to officially open the new parks.One of the local league teams now uses the new pitches for training and in return coaches local kids and helps in fund raising events.
Some young people had been causing a nuisance on the street by the shopping area and the group felt something had to be done to occupy their time. Fallin is an old mining village that has high levels of unemployment.
The group had already carried out work on the old railway line running from Fallin to Milhall (Stirling) to upgrade the cycle/walkway and had provided a multi-sports facility and youth shelters.
CURRENT ISSUES/ EVENTS
Proposals to build a Sports facility and health centre.
Reclamation of a derelict and dangerous woodland area and installation of an outdoor adventure play park.
Thoughts for a community recycling and compost facility owned and run by a community business.
Review
ACHIEVEMENTS
The sports facilities are heavily used. One of the local league teams uses them for training. They coach local children in exchange and support fund raising events. There is now a lot less vandalism in the village. Local people's attitudes have changed significantly - they now know that they can get things done.
In 2002, Fallin's Future received recognition for their efforts from Calor Gas Community of the year Awards. We were awarded first prize in the Environment category, Runner Up in the Community category and were commended in the Youth category.
To date Fallin's Future has raised in excess of ? million pounds for local projects and hopefully this is only the beginning.
PROCESS
(1) Pick your project.
(2) Get costs.
(3) Find supportive officers in local agencies (e.g. Council)
(3) Look at various grants and identify the ones which will support your project.
(4) Go for it!
LESSONS
If your group is committed to what it is doing and you have a goal in sight then go for it. Don't be put off by knock backs and barriers - there is usually a way round them. Just try, try again and you will make it happen.
If we can do it, so can you.
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