29th August 2025

Concerns continue to grow over the missing replacement sporting facilities promised as part of the Harcourt Street Playing Fields development in North Reddish, with campaigners saying councillors may have failed in their duty to act on possible financial irregularities.

The school, built on the former playing fields despite being against the town plan, was only approved on condition that new sporting facilities worth £625,000 were provided for the community. Sport England made this requirement clear before granting permission. Yet, years later, local residents are still asking: Where has the money gone?

Campaigner Sheila Oliver has repeatedly pressed the council for answers, only to be met with silence or dismissed inquiries. She has now called on councillors themselves to take responsibility.

Experts say that if a councillor becomes aware of potential financial irregularities, they have both a legal and ethical duty to act promptly. Guidance is clear:

  • Report it immediately to the council’s Chief Finance Officer (the Section 151 Officer), the Monitoring Officer, or the Head of Internal Audit. If these channels fail, concerns must be raised with external auditors, the Local Government Ombudsman, or even the police.
  • Follow whistleblowing procedures, which protect councillors under the Public Interest Disclosure Act if concerns are raised in good faith.
  • Keep records of what was seen, when, and the steps taken.
  • Maintain confidentiality, avoiding speculation and sticking to evidence.

Failure to act could leave councillors personally liable for negligence, in breach of the Code of Conduct, or facing reputational damage.

Oliver told the Gazette:

“The community was promised sporting facilities in exchange for losing playing fields. That promise was broken. If councillors know there are financial irregularities here, they are duty-bound to act. This is about accountability, honesty, and the integrity of public service.”

So far, Stockport Council has not responded to repeated requests for clarification.

The Romiley Gazette will continue to press for answers on behalf of the community.