A petition has been launched calling for improvements at Jackey Bakers recreational ground in Ramsgate which include overhauling the changing rooms, installing more waste and dog bins, proper maintenance of the pitches used by footballers and surrounding green areas and provision for parking to ease the congestion on Highfield Road when the pitches are in use.
The changing rooms have been without working facilities such as hot water for showers and electricity since before the covid pandemic and the building was targeted by vandals in 2021. Players are currently just changing in the field or going home in muddy kits.
The petition says these issues need fixing and the building needs vandal proofing. An area to store equipment is also needed.
The seven football pitches are also in a poor state with grass “up to your knees” around the goals and lack of maintenance blamed for injuries to players.
The petition is asking for regular grass cutting and rolling, white lines to be refreshed and proper maintenance for the goalposts. Reseeding of pitches is also requested. The petition highlights the £60 per pitch fee for football matches and queries why this cannot be used for the maintenance.
Parking is also an issue with limited space meaning Highfield Road often gets congested. Plans had previously been approved for a hardstanding car park at the Sainsbury’s end of the field but this never came to fruition. When all seven pitches are in use there are some 252 players plus spectators in attendance.
The petition has been organised by June Tyrrell, from Ramsgate, who is involved in league football alongside partner Terry Robbins – who is club manager for FC Enoteca – and resident Chris Collins.
June said: “The main aim is to get improvements to Jackey Bakers with proper changing room facilities like hot water so the showers can be used and working toilets that are accessible to the public.
“We also need parking. There were plans in 2003 for a parking area and a clubhouse and it would be amazing to get that although that might be me being optimistic.
“We need more bins, benches, somewhere to park, and sorting the astro turf which has not been used for a long time because it is now dangerous and has been vandalised.
“We need it to be a better site, not only for the Saturday and Sunday league football teams and youth teams but also for the dog walkers using the space and the children.
“I spoke to Chris about setting up the petition and she was happy for us to do that.”
The petition has been sent to the Kent FA and the Miles & Barr league and the aim is to get 500 signatures by July which will then trigger the process of it being discussed by Thanet council.
The league season is coming to an end but pre-season action kicks off again in August and the field is still used for weekly training.
June and Chris have met new ward councillor Will Scobie and say the outcome was ‘positive.’
Cllr Scobie said: “I met with June and Chris and listened to their concerns and will be flagging it up to the new Labour Cabinet members to look into asap.”
Cllr Scobie says he hopes there are some actions that could be taken up quickly.
June is now contacting schools such as Royal Harbour Academy and Dame Janet primary in the hope that they will get involved and share ideas for how Jackey Bakers could be improved for pupils.
It is also hoped that an overhaul would make it possible to use the site for events, such as those held at Ellington Park and charity activities.
TRP Fire and Security company has pledged to provide fire alarm, intruder alarm and CCTV systems free of charge, if the building works take place.
