Investment programme to see improved sports facilities in East Lindsey

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East Lindsey District Council have agreed to support an investment programme aiming to improve sports facilities within the district.

The decision will see £130,000 invested in a new Astroturf surface at Louth’s London Road Pavilion to replace the existing pitch which is now 20 years old and reaching the end of its life.

Louth Hockey Club, one of the principal users of the facility, have also committed to contributing towards the project, providing a total of £50,000, through an initial £10,000 lump-sum and a further £40,000 interest free loan from the District Council.

Works are set to commence on the replacement facility before the end of the current financial year.

The District Council also agreed to provide £170,000 towards a new 3G all-weather football pitch, subject to feasibility work and securing additional external funding.

The Lincolnshire Football Association have identified a need for new 3G pitches in East Lindsey.

A new pitch of this type would provide a state of the art playing surface for football, facilitating both training and competitive matches.

It is estimated that a new facility will cost in the region of £825,000 and the Council will now work with their leisure and culture partners, Magna Vitae, the FA, local Football Clubs, and schools to progress the proposals.

Councillor Graham Marsh, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Partnerships, said: “As a Council we have made a commitment within our Corporate Strategy to do all we can to support our residents to live healthy and active lives, by committing to investments like this we can do just that.

“Having worked with our partners at Magna Vitae, and through them the clubs that are based at London Road, we’ve been able to bring about these proposals that will ensure the site has a strong future and is equipped to serve the local community who value it so much for many more years to come.”

Aeneas Richardson, Executive Director, from Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture added:

“We’re incredibly pleased to see this level of commitment from East Lindsey District Council.”

“London Road Pavilion plays a huge part in the leisure and sporting offer in Louth and this significant funding will help ensure that the site remains one of the district’s leading venues for outdoor sports and recreation well into the future.”