Football clubs sign lease for fields

TWO football clubs have taken on the responsibility for Rest Bay Playing Fields in Porthcawl as part of the county borough-wide community asset transfer (CAT) programme.

Rest Bay Sports which represents FC Porthcawl and Porthcawl United have taken over the self-management of the playing fields and pavilion under a renewable five-year lease.

Bridgend County Borough Council has allocated the company just over £45,000 towards the cost of redeveloping the pavilion and a further £10,000 for pitch maintenance equipment from the council’s £1m CAT

Fund.

The clubs intend to transform the pavilion by extending and refurbishing the first floor level, providing an elevated balcony overlooking the playing field. The works being planned are estimated to cost around £80,000 and are due to commence shortly.

Brad Hockridge, the chairman of Rest Bay Sports, said: “Speaking on behalf of everyone at Rest Bay Sports, FC Porthcawl and Porthcawl United, we are delighted to see this community asset transfer completed.

“Bridgend County Borough Council and Rest Bay Sports have worked together to make sure Rest Bay pitches and pavilion can be used by local sports enthusiasts for the foreseeable future and the help of funding from BCBC to improve the pavilion and pitches shows the commitment it is making to improve facilities for Porthcawl and its residents.”

In November, ten bowls clubs in the county borough agreed short-term tenancies for 11 bowls greens while long-term leases are being completed.

A number of transfers to sports clubs, and town and community councils are due to be finalised in the coming months.

Grants of up to

£10,000 are being made available from the local authority for clubs to help purchase maintenance equipment.