Oswaldtwistle sport centre gets cash to go ahead (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Oswaldtwistle sport centre gets cash to go ahead

12:21pm Monday 20th December 2010 in News By Sam Chadderton, Reporter

THE final part of funding for a £1.2million state-of-the-art sports facility is in place.

The community sports centre at Heys Playing Field, Oswaldtwistle will feature five football pitches and changing rooms.

The project, which will significantly increase coaching opportunities and community participation, is today celebrating the award of a £570,000 Football Foundation grant.

The rest of the money was raised by Rhyddings Enterprise and Business school, Hipping Methodist school and Oswaldtwistle St Mary’s FC, plus a Lancashire County Council contribution of £400,000.

Clive Yates, vice chairman of Oswaldtwistle St Mary’s FC, said: “This fantastic award brings to a conclusion over three years of effort to secure the necessary funding for the Heys Playing Fields.

"The opportunity for St Mary’s FC to have regular access to such a fantastic facility in Oswaldtwistle is something the club has sought for many years and this is now secured under a 25-year Dual Use Agreement.”

Club Secretary Kevin Gibson, said: “We are in the process of developing the club to reach FA Charter Standard Community Club, the highest award available.

"We are absolutely thrilled that everything is now in place and can’t wait to start playing on the pitches.”

The joint venture was put forward to replace the current all weather pitch and address problems with draining, dog fouling and motorbike scrambling on the Heron Way land.

The plans, backed by Hyndburn Borough Council leader Peter Britcliffe, also include a 33-space carpark, footpaths and security fence.

John Coulter, of Rhyddings Enterprise and Business School, paid tribute to the work done by Lancashire County Council Senior Building Surveyor, Diane McKinley and Justin Rawcliffe, Lancashire County Council Capital Project Officer.

The grant from sports charity the Football Foundation is cash from the Premier League, the FA and Sport England.