A FUNDING boost will be used on a major revamp at Ewyas Harold Recreation Ground in a bid to improve participation in grassroots sport in Herefordshire.

Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council has secured a £96,822 grant from the Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund to refurbish changing rooms and the pavilion, as well as to provide better access for wheelchair users.

The grant, which comes on top of a £49,975 Sport England National Lottery grant in 2013, will be used to provide a new shower block and toilets in the function area, where facilities are over 50 years old.

Peter Jinman, Group Parish Council Chair, said: “It is fantastic news for the community that we are now able to support our ambitious plans to improve facilities and sport at the recreation ground.

“This is the culmination of three years of planning with Ewyas Harold FC and I am now pleased that the cricket club is also coming on board.”

The Parish Council have used the money to appoint building contractors, Collins Design and Build from Pontrilas, and work is now underway to refurbish the outdated facilities with a target completion date of May 2015.

Malcolm Watkins, Director at Ewyas Harold FC, said: “This is crucial for the future of the football club and the community so that we can continue to build the club.

“We know many people said they or their kids were put off from coming down because of the poor conditions, therefore the barrier will be removed.

“I can’t wait and know the community can’t either.”

The grant will be delivered by the Football Foundation, which has awarded more than 13,000 grants worth over £513m towards improving grassroots sports facilities, since it was launched in 2000.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, added: “First-class facilities like this are crucial to creating more opportunities for local people to enjoy regular sport.”

As part of the project, Ewyas Harold will play an important role in delivering the Herefordshire FA’s football development plans, including creating opportunities for women’s football and for players who have recently retired.