Officials in Sutton Bridge say they’re still hopeful of getting funding for a new football pavilion.
The current pavilion at the town’s Memorial Park does not meet current Sport England requirements.
Sutton Bridge Parish Council has been granted outline planning permission but its funding has not yet been secured.
South Holland MP Sir John Hayes says he has asked to meet with the sports minister Stephanie Peacock over the proposals.
“I have been working with Sutton Bridge Parish Councillors for some time to secure the necessary funding for a pavilion and suitable facilities at Sutton Bridge Football Club,” he said. “Unfortunately, despite initially positive engagement with the Football Foundation who had agreed to provide the financial support required, it has become a long- drawn-out, frustrating process. It is vital for the football club and the people of Sutton Bridge that this promised support is delivered, and so I am seeking a meeting with the Minister and Football Foundation to find a breakthrough.”
Sutton Bridge Parish Council says it is making applications to the Football Foundation, National Lottery and ‘other local funders’.
Mary Middleton, chairman of Sutton Bridge Parish Council, said: “We have been working on this project for over three years and we know just how much it means to our community.
“We welcome Sir John Hayes’ continued support. Without him the task would’ve been even harder if not impossible, what we need now is action this isn’t just about football.
“It’s about providing vital facilities and opportunities for people in Sutton Bridge and quite simply we’ve waited long enough.
“It’s essential that this now leads to real progress and delivery of the funding that we need.”
The Voice approached The Football Foundation for a comment but had not received a response at the time of going to press.
