Port Vale and Stoke-on-Trent City Council are transforming Sproson Park
John Clark is unhappy that warning signs were not put up to warn dogwalkers that Sproson Park had been sprayed(Image: Pete Stonier)
A dog walker is demanding answers after his beloved pooches fell ill. John Clarke, 70, says his two Highland Terriers experienced diarrhoea and lethargy after walking across Sproson Park which had been sprayed with chemicals.
It comes after Port Vale and Stoke-on-Trent City Council secured £2.3 million Government funding to transform the Burslem beauty spot into a ‘dynamic, multi-purpose Vale Park Community Campus’. Planned works include developing two football pitches, a multi-use games area suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities, padel courts, walking trails, and improved CCTV, lighting and signage.
But John, of Burslem, says residents should have been given more warning about the chemical spray. The council says the spray is ‘not classed as hazardous’.
He told StokeonTrentLive: “The spare old football ground at the bottom of Sandra Close was sprayed with some kind of chemical. People have been walking their dogs there for years and children have been playing sports on it. But I didn’t see any notice that they were going to do it or any warning signs around the park. Apparently a tractor was spraying this chemical around for about four hours.
“The chemical started killing the grass after a couple of days. I walked my dogs along there before you could tell it had been sprayed. I don’t let them chew much grass, but they lick their paws after they’ve been on a walk. They got really ill. My dogs got really lethargic, they wouldn’t eat their food and they had lots of diarrhoea. Other dog walkers I’ve bumped into since say their dogs have fallen ill too.
“Turf is being dumped on the field, which looks an eyesore. The stream has been filled, which I think is likely to cause flooding problems. There are rumours that they’re going to put floodlights up so people can play football on there well into the night.”
Port Vale have consulted with the community regarding the developments.
A club spokesperson said: “We appreciate that these works may cause disruption locally and are writing to local residents to update them on the progress of the project and to keep them informed now that work has now begun in the park. We are working with all the relevant authorities to keep any disruption to a minimum while this work is ongoing.
“These improvements followed a consultation period involving local residents carried out by Sports Development Consultancy, STRI, and form an important early phase of the project. This was done in conjunction with work alongside various community groups, and communication from both the council and football club. STRI’s role includes the full planning, design and delivery of the site, working closely with the project’s governance group made up of representatives from the club, Port Vale Foundation, and the city council.
“The work involves re‑levelling the area using soil re-purposed from the Port Vale training pitch refurbishment and prevents the need for a number of lorries and other traffic through the site. It also helps us to ensure the project is more environmentally sustainable.
“Alongside the physical works, we are increasing our engagement with the local community. Port Vale Foundation staff will be visiting nearby secondary schools to talk to young people about the project, involve them in the plans, and help build a sense of ownership in the new facilities. As the project develops, we hope to offer opportunities for young people to visit the site, learn about different careers and help shape future activities. In the coming weeks, we will also be adding information banners to the fencing to explain what is happening on site and to share early visuals of what the campus will look like when completed.
“Once complete, the improvements will help create high‑quality community facilities for use by local people. We appreciate the patience and support of residents as we work together to create a new community facility for the area.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council says the chemical spray used was ‘not classed as hazardous’.
A council spokesperson said: “The work being carried out is part of a project that is developing the area to bring improved facilities for the community. These include redeveloped football pitches, walking trails, padel courts, and a new community hub building.
“It is a partnership between Port Vale, the city council, and the lead contractor, STRI Sport Development Consultancy and we are working with all parties to keep any small disruption to a minimum. The work has involved re-levelling the area. The spray used was Roundup Glyphosate, which is a safe substance approved by regulatory bodies and not classed as hazardous.
“This work also follows a consultation period. This involved local residents and community groups in December with drop-in sessions at Dimensions Leisure Centre and Port Vale. The partnership is planning to increase engagement with the local community as the project continues to develop.”
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE