Todwick: Council will use £50k grant to transform worn out sports pavilion

The grant, from Sports England, will be used to extend and completely refurbish the ground’s sports pavilion, which has been in a state of disrepair for some years and is used by local football and cricket teams.

Updates to the sports pavilion will include improved heating, showers and a new community room which the council hope could eventually house a youth club.

David Gregory, vice chairman of the Parish Council, said: “There has always been a strong sporting tradition in Todwick, and the refurbishment will not only create better facilities for existing sports clubs, but will provide the addition of a community room which will allow other sports to develop too.”

“We have been saving for a number of years towards this project and the news will now enable us to make a start.”

“The refurbishment will make everyone’s visit to the Pavilion a much more enjoyable experience and allow the active development of future sports participation in our area,” he added.

The council are also aiming to install improved lighting and a CCTV system on the recreational ground after the sports pavilion was broken into by vandals in June 2013.

Sir Kevin Baron, MP for Rother Valley, said: “I am delighted about this. It is great news for local sports clubs who will benefit from the Parish Council’s excellent project.”

“The improved facilities at the recreational ground will be a real boost for the village and the surrounding area.”

The upgrade will mark another phase of the council’s ongoing plan to enhance the village- the latest improvement being the installation of a new village war memorial.

The black marble obelisk, which was erected thanks to support from construction company Eurovia, was unveiled to hundreds outside the village hall on Saturday 29th March.