Have your say
11 Jun 2025 03:29
Community space: The RMI ground
HORWICH Town Council has launched a full public consultation on its proposed purchase of the RMI Recreation Ground.
People will receive consultation leaflets through their doors shortly and an online version is also available to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part and make their voice heard.
A number of public meetings will be held in the coming weeks to allow townsfolk to learn more about the proposal, ask questions and have their say directly.
The council is looking to fund the purchase through a loan from Bolton Council. The project would cost £325,000.
Following any deal the ground would remain the home of Horwich Cricket under lease. The town council says it will also look to use the site for other events and fixtures.
The ground has been the home of cricket in Horwich since 1892 as well as a hub for recreational and sporting activities and community events, including the Festival of Horwich.
The council describes it as “a vital green space” and says it believes that bringing it into public ownership will save it from any future development – pointing to the loss of the Grundy Hill football ground in the 1990s when it was sold for housing.
It says the sale would give the cricket club “security” and the ability to apply for grants from the ECB, Sport England, National Lottery and others which it currently cannot do.
And it adds that Horwich RMI Social Club would be able to use the funds from the sale to modernise the venue.
The council says that the loan to buy the ground would be repaid through a temporary annual increase in its council tax precept.
A spokesperson said: “The town council believes that publicly owned and protected green space plays a key role in improving quality of life, supporting health and wellbeing, and fostering strong communities
“This is the single biggest thing Horwich Town Council has done since it replaced Horwich UDC in 1974.”
Councillor David Grant, leader of the Horwich and Blackrod First Independents, said: “This is your chance to shape the future of one of Horwich’s most valued open spaces.
“By exploring the option to bring the RMI Recreation Ground into public ownership, we aim to protect and preserve this green space for generations to come – but it’s essential that this decision reflects the will of our community.”
Details of how to take part in the consultation and attend the public meetings are available on the town council’s website and social media channels.
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