VIDEO: A newly refurbished ball park has been opened in Hemswell Cliff

The council were given £75,000 by WREN, a not for profit business which awards grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from funds donated by FCC Environment and the Landfill Communities Fund and West Lindsey District Council has also put £11,000 towards the project.

West Lindsey District Council purchased the ball park from the Ministry of Defence and ownership was then transferred to Hemswell Cliff Parish Council.

The Ball Park was closed when the MoD de-commissioned the site and is went into a very bad state of repair.

The newly reopened park includes new perimeter fencing and gates, football and basketball goals, Dugout shelters, tennis nets and posts, a climbing wall, a youth shelter and safety surfacing.

Coun Graham Prestwood, Chairman of Hemswell Cliff Ball Park Committee, said: “It is fantastic that WREN and West Lindsey District Council can make funds like this available to communities and we are very pleased our project was selected.”

“We are looking forward to delivering a fantastic project for the whole community.”

West Lindsey District Coun Paul Howitt-Cowan has been working on the project for a number of years.

He said: “This will make a huge difference to the local community, who were left with very little once the old ball park closed down.”

“A lot of hard work has gone into making the project happen and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support in securing the funding.”

And West Lindsey’s chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, Coun Owen Bierley, said: “This facility is great for the people of Hemswell Cliff, the ball park has been transformed into a safe space people can use for a whole variety of reasons.”

“This not only improves the look of the village, but offers something that everyone can make use of. It also means we are encouraging people to get active and fitter, which is a message we want to spread throughout West Lindsey.”

Anne Cater, Community Development Officer from Community Lincs has worked alongside the committee for two years, to give support and advice on funding applications and management of the project.

Anne said: “This new multi-use games area will deliver a much needed facility which will benefit both the local community, the primary school and the Children’s Centre, and neighbouring villages.”

“It will also encourage a healthier, active lifestyle and provide opportunities for outdoor physical activity and exercise for residents of all ages.”

Community Lincs is the rural community council for Lincolnshire and operates as a charity supporting rural community development and delivers a wide range of services. These include direct support, the provision of extensive advisory services and routes into funding. The organisation also exercises strategic influence at all levels of government as a voice for the community.

Peter Cox, managing director of WREN said: “WREN is committed to funding projects that make a real difference to local communities, children and families. Hemswell Cliff Ball Park will provide a fantastic space for local people to get outdoors and have some fun. We’re delighted to support Hemswell Cliff Parish Council and look forward to seeing the new facility take shape over the coming months.”