Rugby pitch hit by flooding to get 'major upgrade'

A rugby pitch is to get a major upgrade in a bid to tackle regular flooding.

Plymouth City Council said a grant of £171,000 will be used to install drainage measures and improve the playing surface of the the King George V rugby pitch in Elburton.

It said the pitch, which is home to Old Plymothians and Mannamedians Rugby Football Club, "frequently gets flooded, making it unavailable for training and competitive matches".

Martin Finlay, technical director at the club said the quality of the pitch had declined and he was "excited" to see the project come to fruition, so it can provide "better facilities for men's, junior and girls' rugby for many years to come".

The grant came from the Premier League, The FA, the Football Foundation and Rugby Football Union.

The council said the funding bid was submitted by the club and the authority and was approved by Sport England.

It said the contract for the upgrade would be supported by £50,256 in Section 106 developer contributions from the council, as well as £6,750 from the rugby club.

Councillor Kate Taylor, cabinet member for sport and leisure, said: "There are few rugby pitches in Plymouth and this is a popular hub for players of all ages and abilities – from junior training to walking rugby – so we know how valued it is."

She said she was "pleased" the much-needed improvements could take place to "help to keep the surface safe, playable and available for training and matches throughout the season".

The council said works were expected to get under way this month and take about eight weeks.

It said during this time the pitch and a section of the car park would be closed, with the pitch to remain closed for a further year while it re-establishes.

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