Grant to tackle flooded sports facilities at Blackpool park

Blackpool Stanley Rugby League Club has received a £9,414 grant from SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust) for ground improvements to Kingscote Park.

The cash means the club can install drainage and buy a tractor which will be used to mow both the rugby pitch and other areas of the park.

It means the pitch will be playable all year round and other parts of the park, used by spectators, children and dog-walkers, will also be maintained.

A second sports pitch could also be installed.

Layton councillors, who helped secure the funding, have welcomed the investment.

Coun Martin Mitchell said: “It’s great for the rugby club to have improved drainage and the tractor, which we’ve helped to purchase, will benefit everybody who uses the park.”

Blackpool Council Parks Service helped pave the way for the release of the funding with a donation of £1,000.

Stanley Rugby Club chairman Simon Hornby said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the funding. Not only will it help our own goals and help increasing participation at our club, but it will also help the local community to utilise the park.”

Coun Kathryn Benson added: “ This is a victory for the community approach. We’re very happy to be partners with the rugby club and most grateful to the SUEZ Trust.”

Marek Gordon, chairman of SUEZ Communities Trust, said funding is handed out to organisations via the Landfill Communities Fund.

He said: “This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4bn.

“We were delighted to be able to offer funding to Blackpool Stanley Rugby League Club.”

The additional drainage measures will be installed at the Nethway Avenue side of the park.