New £18,000 sports scheme starts to take shape (From Warrington Guardian)

New £18,000 sports scheme starts to take shape

THE first phase of Orford's exciting £18,000 sports area has been completed.

New shelters have been erected on Radley Common and the next stage of creating a sports pitch is under way.

Once it is finished, the area will be equipped with basketball hoops and poles.

The vision has been created thanks to funding from Living Spaces.

Launched by the office of the Deputy Prime Minister in May 2003, it has been able to offer nearly £8 million in grants to more than 300 groups around the country.

The initiative is about giving people the power to bring about change in their neighbourhood.

By providing support as well as funding, communities can improve the things that matter to them.

Last February, as reported in the Warrington Guardian, Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, suggested that groups apply for the grant and local councillor, Brian Maher, and the residents of Grasmere and Greenwood decided to take her advice.

Following consultations with Dave Stamp, director of landscaping at Warrington Borough Council, they put together the successful bid.

Clr Maher said: "This is an excellent idea and wonderful news for the entire community.

"Following consultations with young people in the area we continued to get the same feedback - that there was nothing for them do and nowhere they could go to.

"This will take the young people out of the estate making it quieter for residents and give them something to do in a safe place. Everyone will benefit."

Mrs Jones said: "I was confident that, when Living Spaces was launched, local groups could and would be successful in obtaining grants which would benefit their local neighbourhoods.

"I am very pleased that this bid has succeeded. The hard work that Carol and the residents have put into this initiative, ably supported by Brian Maher and Dave Stamp, has delivered the goods.

"Everyone who was involved should be congratulated.

"I look forward to seeing the new facility when the work is completed."

Ward councillors Brian Maher, John Kerr Brown and Eric Bromley are currently in the process of applying for environmental funding from Warrington Borough Council to stop unauthorised vehicles accessing Radley Common, adjoining residential areas and footpaths.

sharker@guardiangrp.co.uk