ILMINSTER NEWS: Soil on the move at Britten’s Field

IMPROVEMENTS to some areas of Britten’s Field in Ilminster have been carried out in order to solve a problem on what to do with a large pile of soil.

The soil was left over from digging the foundations of the Archie Gooch Pavilion and a large amount has already been re-used on the project site in Britten’s Field off Canal Way.

The Mayor, Cllr Val Keitch, said: “Soil was piled adjacent to the new pavilion during the construction work and has been removed as part of the final stages of the project and before it causes any damage to trees on the western edge of the field.

“Some of the excess soil has been used to help level areas within Britten’s Field which were uneven and so make it safer for users, while another amount has been spread on the Britten’s Field side of The Incline.”

Before the soil was moved checked were undertaken with the conservation officer at South Somerset District Council to make sure that there was no likelihood of damage to any possible area of archaeological interest relating to the canal.

Most of the areas of soil will be seeded with grass and there is the possibility also of using wild flower seed on the bank near The Incline which is still very steep and dangerous to cut with motorised equipment.

The Mayor added: “This is necessary work following the construction of the pavilion and it makes sense to use this soil where it can enhance our current recreation area.

“While it might in places look untidy for a short period, once the grass has grown it willno doubt make it much better for users.”

The council, in conjunction with Ilminster Town Football Club, issued a statement about the soil work at Britten's Field to avoid speculation getting out of control about "what might be happening." One person, for example, asked the Ilminster Press on Saturday as to whether it was the start of building for a housing development!

PHOTO - TOP: Work was going on at Britten's Field on Saturday (October 8, 2016) during Ilminster Town's football match with visiting Highbridge.

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