The contractors made really good progress installing the new fence until unfortunately things came to a stop on Tuesday and work was halted fully on Wednesday.

From what we can gather a few local residents have complained that the fence will prevent access to the pitch/playing area. Some complaints have also come from the dog walking community, whether these are one of the same thing I do not know. Apparently there was a lot to be said about the fence on the Heatons Dog Walking Community facebook page. Looking at the facebook group listing there are a number of Rugby Club members associated with this group, thanks to those of you that have posted to set the record straight

The school have now taken up the matter with the council and we have been asked to put the work on hold whilst things are sorted. I have raised the matter with our local councilors and have spoken with John Taylor today and will be writing to our MP this weekend to make sure our case is put forward. It has also been interesting to find out that Stockport, particularly in areas in closest proximity to Manchester has a problem in respect of dogs fouling on playing fields. Manchester city council enforce the laws relating to dogs a lot more vigorously than Stockport meaning that we get out of area dog walking services using our playing fields in preference to Manchester. Priestnall is used by several professional dog walking services which makes the problem for us even more acute.

It seems that the biggest problem is that there is a lot of misunderstanding about the fence and its purpose, so if each of us can help by spreading the word and letting people know what it is about it will be good.

1. The fence is being erected so that the kids & adults can play on the pitch without getting covered in dog crap or the fear of dog attack – this is a real health and safety concern

2. We want to be able to play on the pitch without having to scoop up dog crap before each match – I understand 26 turds is the record.

3. The fence is furnished with access gates on each side, so that people wanting to use the pitch can get on it. The gates will not be locked. The pitch will be available for people to use.

4. The fence has been made deliberately low so that kids can get on it should they wish

5. We want people to use it as a pitch /play area – this is top of our priority list

6. A huge effort has gone into this by the whole club to provide a safe/clean environment for sport. (we have raised the money from sponsored events to pay for the materials and the contractors have done the work free of charge)

HOW CAN YOU HELP: We need your help now to spread the word as to what the real purpose of the fence is and to allay any fears amongst friends, associates and neighbours etc, that access to the playing area is not being cut off.

Could you help to spread the word and see if we can dampen any opposition to the project.

We will keep you posted as things progress