Work begins on £1.75 million football pitches

7:21am Friday 19th October 2007

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Work has finally got under way on the eagerly awaited £1.75 million Beversbrook Sports Project in Calne.

Members of all the town's sports clubs were invited to watch on Friday as mayor Roy Golding officially made the first cut on the new pitches sitting aboard a JCB.

It is the culmination of a seven year dream of Calne Town Council and sports campaigners.

Mr Golding said: "This has been a long time coming and the footballers and cricketers are desperate for these pitches.

"Sitting atop a JCB to make the first cut makes it seem real for the first time. I'm sure it will now progress quickly, with everything on target for opening in autumn 2008."

Town clerk Ann Kingdon was equally delighted. She said: "Having worked on this project for so long I can hardly wait to see the dream become a reality.

"I know the sports people in the town can hardly wait either, but is only another year before the pitches will be ready to play."

When the project is finished Calne will boast two adult sports pitches, three youth pitches and four mini soccer pitches.

A rugby pitch, cricket pitch and an eight room changing and social facility are also planned.

Calne Cricket Club chairman Martin Butler said: "We are really looking forward to being able to practise on these new state-of-the-art pitches.

"Although we can't actually use the pitches until they are fully renovated we are already getting excited about playing there. It will a fantastic facility for Calne."