A row has broken out over Gateshead Council's latest move to cut costs as austerity measures continue. The Council is considering scrapping its maintenance of bowling greens and football pitches in the borough. It believes the move could save £246,000. Members of Ryton Bowling Club have reacted with anger and disappointment to the proposals. Hugh Armstrong, Chairman of Ryton Bowling Club, said: "It makes me and everyone else feel very sad and sorry about it because we are going to lose the facility that we have had for years and years." If the Council's proposals are approved then clubs would be required to look after their own bowling greens and football pitches. However, that would be a considerable challenge for some. Mr Armstrong added: "There's a matter of buying mowing machines, we'd need two different types and they are expensive to prepare the surface." The Council said there is simply no money left for it to attend to maintaining these sports facilities. Speaking … [Read more...] about Gateshead Council in funding row over bowling green and football pitch maintenance
Football pitch
Walsham boss Trevor Newman shows his class on and off the football pitch – as Willows march on
Last season's Walsham le Willows management duo Trevor Newman (left) and Paul Smith. Newman is now boss after Smith and Walsham parted company in the summer. Photo: STAN BASTON Archant Walsham-le-Willows boss Trevor Newman has admitted it was ‘a bit daunting’ taking over from Paul Smith in the summer. Smith had been a long-time success at Summer Road, guiding the club up through the pyramid during his near 20-year reign.And when Newman, who had been assistant last season, was promoted to the top job, it was a big set of boots to fit into.But fit into them he has – and in some style.Walsham currently sit fourth in the Thurlow Nunn Premier, two points behind leaders Godmanchester and just a point behind Histon and Stowmarket.On Saturday afternoon they travel to lowly Hadleigh.“I must admit taking over from Paul was indeed a bit daunting,” Newman said.“I knew all the players of course and the set-up, so that wasn’t a problem, but Smithy did so … [Read more...] about Walsham boss Trevor Newman shows his class on and off the football pitch – as Willows march on
£26k investment to improve quality of Northampton football pitches
A pilot scheme is set to see £26,000 invested in improving the grass pitches at three of Northampton’s footballing hotspots. Weekend regulars plying their trade at the Racecourse, Lings playing fields and Far Cotton rec will hopefully notice fewer bobbles than they are used to when attempting to pass to teammates as a result of the works, which are set to take place throughout the year.The pilot was announced by Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Mike Hallam, in his monthly report to full council.Although the budget won’t stretch far enough for the pitches to be relaid, various improvement works such as spiking, fertilising and seeding will take place.‘Goal mouth renovations’ will be undertaken, signalling excellent news for the town’s goalkeepers, who can expect their weekly wash to be less churned with mud and grime.The money is being invested as a pilot scheme by the Football Association in a bid to … [Read more...] about £26k investment to improve quality of Northampton football pitches
Council plans big increases in fees for using football pitches
Sharp rises are planned in fees for using council-run sports pitches across North East Lincolnshire. Plans announced by North East Lincolnshire Council would see charges almost double for adults, with prices for juniors and seniors to go up even more. The council is looking to implement new fees for grounds maintenance staff to attend football and cricket pitches in the borough as part of a shake-up of its grounds maintenance charges, which if approved would start at the beginning of April. The current fee for adults using a standard football pitch is £34, while the fee for juniors and seniors is £16. However under the council's proposals both of these fees would be raised to £63.87, which is nearly £30 more for adults and £48 more for juniors and seniors. The current fee for adults using a cricket pitch is £29, while it costs juniors and seniors £14.05. But under the council's proposals these fees would increase to £42.58. The council has said … [Read more...] about Council plans big increases in fees for using football pitches
A furniture store the size of two football pitches is having a huge January sale
Looking for great furniture but don’t want to pay high prices? Then check out You’re Furnished, one of the region’s best furniture retailers. You’re Furnished, near Stansted Airport, is a furniture buyer’s dream. As well as their vast collection of contemporary and classic furniture ranges they also have a vast selection of eclectic pieces for those wanting something a little bit different. Having doubled its retail space to the size of two football pitches earlier in the year, the store stocks ranges of furniture and accessories for every room in the house. Now You’re Furnished is holding a massive January sale, starting on Saturday, December 29, when every single item will be discounted - some as much as 70 per cent. You’re Furnished has been open for more than 20 years yet is still unknown to some people in the area. Owner of You’re Furnished, Cy Fogel explained: “We have a very loyal customer base, with people coming from far … [Read more...] about A furniture store the size of two football pitches is having a huge January sale