Full Breakdown
Demolition of Chapel-en-le-Frith Sports Facility Sparks Community Outrage
10/7/2025, 10:24:26 PM
Background of the Dispute
The multi-use games area (MUGA) in Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park, Derbyshire, was established in 2010 following a community fundraising campaign. However, the facility has been at the center of a contentious legal battle for five years, initiated by three local residents—Dr. Merren Jones, Stephen Covey-Crump, and David Howe—who filed complaints regarding noise disturbances attributed to football games played at the site. The residents claimed that the noise constituted a "statutory nuisance" due to "ball strikes, kicks, and bounces," leading to a High Court ruling that ultimately mandated the parish council to either relocate the MUGA or dismantle it.
The Demolition Decision
In October 2025, the Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council announced the difficult decision to demolish the MUGA after a High Court found the council guilty of breaching an abatement order. The council stated that the removal was necessary to resolve the ongoing legal dispute and to avoid incurring further legal costs, which had already led to an 86% increase in local taxes to cover the "six-figure" legal fees. The council's official statement emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and acknowledged the disappointment felt by many community members.
Community Reactions
The demolition has provoked significant backlash from local parents and residents. Carly Dunningham, a mother of a 10-year-old, expressed her disbelief, stating, "We are dumbfounded by this. A facility for the community has gone." Other parents, like Ritchie Fay, lamented the loss of recreational space for children, noting, "There is nothing else now in Chapel for kids." Many residents criticized the complainants, suggesting that their actions were disproportionate to the noise issues raised. Stuart Barber, a local resident, remarked, "Such a small group of people have managed to change something so petty, it’s a joke."
Criticism of the Council's Actions
Critics have pointed out that the council's decision to demolish the MUGA rather than relocate it was misguided. Some residents suggested that soundproofing measures could have been implemented instead of complete removal. Helen Chadwick, a local grandmother, questioned why the MUGA could not have been moved to a less disruptive location within the park.
Official Statements & Responses
Richard Buxton Solicitors, representing the complainants, stated that the parish council had initially placed the MUGA inappropriately, leading to the prolonged legal proceedings. The council has indicated plans to consult the community about potential new sports facilities, which will be funded through grants and community contributions to mitigate further tax increases.
What's Next
A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at the town hall to discuss future sports provisions in Chapel-en-le-Frith. The parish council hopes to engage the community in finding a suitable replacement for the MUGA, addressing both the recreational needs of local children and the concerns of nearby residents.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are dumbfounded by this. A facility for the community has gone, so I would like to ask them (the people who complained) how they feel?” — Carly Dunningham, Parent
- “We need it; we have to have it. There is nothing else now in Chapel for kids.” — Ritchie Fay, Parent
- “I think it’s a bit childish. It should have been kept, a lot of people used it. Such a small group of people have managed to change something so petty, it’s a joke.” — Stuart Barber, Resident
- “On its website, the council said: "Following a recent court hearing, the parish council has made the difficult decision to remove the MUGA from the War Memorial Park.” — Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council Statement
