A FUNDRAISING campaign which is aiming to bring an all-weather games area to a Ryedale village has been given a "tremendous" boost.
Leavening Community Sport, whose members want to build the multi-use sports court in the primary school’s playing field, is £14,800 richer – thanks to a grant from Ryedale District Council.
The money will go towards the £73,000 cost of the court w
hich, it is hoped, will be open by August.
Joe Crocker, LCS treasurer, said: “This is tremendous news. The council’s help is a significant and valuable contribution. This, along with several other applications for help lodged with regional and national bodies and own ongoing fundraising activities, should ensure we reach our target.”
In a recent survey, the project received overwhelming support from residents in Leavening and the surrounding villages, who will also be able to make use of the facilities, with tennis and football being the most popular choices of games people would like to play.
Many also revealed they would be interested in forming teams to compete in leagues, avoiding a six-mile trek to Malton to take advantage of similar facilities.
The scheme has also been supported by local councillors and Ryedale’s MP, John Greenway.
He said: “This will be extremely beneficial, not only to the village of Leavening but also to the surrounding villages whose residents have to travel several miles to their nearest sports centre.
“With so much emphasis now being placed on health and fitness there is no doubt such a facility would be very appropriate.”
And Ryedale Cllr Marian Hodgson said: “I give my total support to the scheme. So often today young and old alike never take the necessary exercise for their well being. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and team sport activities mean we, as human beings, communicate with one another, an art which seems to be somewhat lacking in today's world.
“Village life must be preserved and community involvement must surely be the way forward.”
