RESIDENTS have been reassured that the future is bright at Moss Farm leisure facility after reports emerged last week of increasing drug crime in the area. 


The swimming pool at Moss Farm in Winnington was closed in May to make way for the new Memorial Court facility and police confirmed in last week’s Guardian that anti-social behaviour and drug use has become an issue on site since the closure.


However, Winnington and Castle ward member at Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Sam Naylor has reassured the public that exciting changes are imminent and said there is ‘no way’ he will ‘let Moss Farm become run down.’


Cllr Naylor said: “Just because the swimming pool has gone it doesn’t mean Moss Farm is dead and buried, far from it.


“There are concerns about Moss Farm since the swimming pool closed because for the public it feels as though there’s not much happening down there.


“The changing rooms were broken into and we have had problems but we are moving forward and the rugby club is in negotiations with CWAC for a community social club and changing facilities down there.

Work will start next week on a new 3G pitch and it’s looking likely that it will become a centre of excellence for gymnastics.


“It’s in our manifesto that Moss Farm will be protected and it will not be allowed to wither. It will be a centre of excellence for both indoor and outdoor sports. 


“There is no way I’m going to let Moss Farm become run down or let it become a place used by drug users but having said that I know how difficult it is to police drugs because I dealt with drug crime a lot when I was in the police.”


Cllr Naylor also called on the public to help look after Moss Farm along with authorities and land owners. 


He added: “I’ve been in contact with the police about it and they will be upping patrols which will assist but the main thing is users and land owners will need to look after it. It has got a great future but we need to look after it together.”