Finishing touches are being made to a new state-of-the-art indoor football pitch which will give Dorset residents a chance to stay active whatever the weather.
After surpassing the original £30,000 target for their crowd funder campaign, work has begun for the installation of a state-of-the-art indoor football pitch at the Horn Park Industrial Estate in Beaminster.
The group is planning to open the facility on Tuesday, October 1- before the winter weather affects playing fields in the area.
The group’s crowdfunding project has been reopened as the price of materials has been expensive.
The current total stands at £34,000 but an extra £6,000 is needed.
Mr Richardson said: “It’s been hard work - it’s taken a while to clean up the cobwebs and dust around here, and then there was a lot to paint too.
“Thankfully, we’ve had an amazing response from Wayne Parkman who has offered his painting services for free.”
So far, the group has started to build the surrounding for the pitch, put the lighting in place and installed security systems as well as a disabled toilet area.
“As soon as the pitch turns up, it’ll just be a case of tying up loose ends and making it look nice. We’ve had to keep accessibility in mind through every step,” Mr Richardson said.
Mr Richardson said: “The price of materials has been expensive- we knew it was going to be very tight and that £34,000 was our minimum.
“We’re stretching the target to £40,000 to give us breathing space on the project, as the pricing of the lights has been different to what we expected, and the wood has been more expensive but it is good quality.”
The response to the project has been one of excitement from the whole community.
Mr Richardson, said: “I’m really excited as we’ve had Bridport Town Council backing us. It’s going to be a great place to come and we’ve got six parties planned already.”
Other than parties, the group plans to arrange mental health support sessions for all the communities' self-help groups, as well as football holiday camps, Supastrikers football sessions for children up to eight years old, and walking football sessions aimed for people over the age of 50.
To support the fundraiser, visit the website https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/communityindoorpitch
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here