Work is starting this week on improvements to two football pitches in Maryport.
Allerdale Borough Council has commissioned CLS Sports to carry out the work on the pitches at Milltofts near the Lidl supermarket and at Ennerdale Road.
The work includes the regrading of the surface of the pitches to provide better playing conditions which also includes new goal posts. Improvements to the drainage will also be made to both pitches as well as better access for players and ground maintenance to ensure the pitches stay in great condition. A new fence will be erected around both pitches helping keep the playing area clean and free from animal damage as well as dog fouling. The pitch at Ennerdale Road will also be widened so it can accommodate two junior practice sessions at a time.
There will be one new pitch at Milltofts, and the area at Ennerdale Road will be widened so that is can also accommodate two junior pitches.
Work is expected to last six to eight weeks with the new pitches ready for the next football season.
The total cost of the scheme is around £100,000.
Funding is coming from Lidl as part of the planning commitments from their development in the town. The Allerdale Investment Partnership, which is a partnership between the council and private investors to develop the council’s surplus land, was behind the development of the Lidl supermarket.
Michael Heaslip, Executive member with responsibility for Environmental Quality said: “It’s great to see the sports clubs in Maryport benefit from this investment. I’m sure these pitches will probably be the best in the area once the work is completed. Sport is so important in our communities and I’m sure this work will go some way to combat obesity and the health issues in our area.”
Stephen Holland, Programme Director at Allerdale Investment Partnership, said: “We’re so pleased to see work begin on playing surface and drainage improvements for the pitches at Milltoft and Ennerdale Road. It’s great to see the ongoing benefits for locals flowing from the Maryport Lidl development and we look forward to seeing these improved facilities available for the new football season.”
The two areas will be fenced off while work is carried out and local residents are asked to stay away from the sites for their own safety.
