£390k grant is final piece in Hednesford pitch project
A £1.2 million project to transform a derelict plot of land into state-of-the-art sports pitches has moved a step forward thanks to a six-figure cash injection from the National Lottery.
Bosses at Cannock Chase Council say the £390,039 grant from Sport England is the 'last piece of the jigsaw' for the revamp of the plot at Bradbury Lane in Hednesford.
The former mining site has not been used since 2008. The proposal is to the create a full-size floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch with goal recesses, a space for spectators plus a grass pitch, a changing pavilion and car parking.
The council approved planning permission in November. It is now hoped the council will complete the purchase of the land and start development later this year.
Culture and sport boss Councillor Christine Mitchell, said the money will make a 'huge difference'.
She added: "We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from Sport England.
"It's excellent news for the local community and residents of the district and will enable us to provide modern first class community sports facilities at a site that has not been used since 2008.
"The new facilities present an incredible opportunity for everyone from aspiring sportsmen and women, to people making new goals about their health and well-being."
Council officer Mike Edmonds said hopefully the council would be able to complete the purchase of the site in the next couple of months.
"This is really good news that a plot of land which is currently derelict is going to be brought back into community use." he added.
The National Lottery grant is the single biggest contribution to the Hednesford scheme while the rest of the funding has been secured by the council's partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Sport England.
It is one of 12 projects in England to be allocated a share of a £4.3million lottery investment which is mainly aimed at improving artificial pitches to be used for a number of sports including football, rugby and hockey.
Charles Johnston from Sport England, added: "Sports facilities are a vital part of grassroots sport and we know people have a better experience of sport when they can play in good quality facilities. "The investment being made into Cannock Chase Council through our Improvement Fund will make a big difference to community sport in Hednesford and will ensure people and teams have a place to get active and enjoy sport all year round."
