A PLAYING field pavilion should be opened up to the public at weekends, to make it a true community facility.

That is the view of Welwyn Hatfield Labour leader Margaret Birleson, who is pushing for action.

The WGC grandmother raised the question at a Welwyn Hatfield Council meeting, but was told by Tory leader John Dean that she was “misinformed”.

Cllr Dean said the park was open daily from 10am to 10pm April to September, but could also be pre-booked during the winter.

But Cllr Birleson told the WHT: “It’s supposed to be a community pavilion, but it’s never open.

“The King George football club has really taken off, they’ve got over 250 kids playing.

“They want to provide refreshments and somewhere warm to go, but Finesse says it cannot staff it.

“But the council pays Finesse to manage the park, why is it not opening it for the community?

“We have parents willing to provide services at the weekend, it could be a great service.”

A Welwyn Hatfield Council spokeswoman said: “The council has had a number of discussions with Finesse Leisure which manages the pavilion, and the KGV football teams to try to facilitate an arrangement that suits all parties for next season.”