The future of one of the county's premier sports ground is looking brighter than ever thanks to a £125,000 deal made by Brentwood's County Ground Club which has been more than 60 years in the making.
The club has acquired the freehold of the site in Shenfield Road and its 1,000 members who hail from all areas countywide are delighted with the news claiming it is a great day for sport both in the town and Essex
The lease cost £125,000 but Honorary Secretary of the Club, which was founded in 1995, Mike Kaye said it would be money well spent as it means its future is secure and plans to develop the site can start moving forward.
Mr Kaye said: "With a short term lease it was very difficult for us to get funding to boost the site or to get money for the clubs which use it.
"Now we have the freehold we are confident it will be easier for us to obtain grants which will be used for the benefit of everyone involved.
"This coupled with the recent news of the excellent prospects for Chapel High becoming the Face of Brentwood, is a great boost for everyone in the town."
Mr Kaye added that should the club cease to operate then the freehold would go back to Essex County Council which bought the ground from Mrs Horne-Payne and Merrymeade House following the Second World War.
The Honorary Secretary joked: "We have been trying to get it ever since. It took us a while but we have finally done it."
The club has a vision to improve the facilities at the site and build a "community club offering sport to all". No plans are set yet but they are looking to start applying for grants as soon as possible.
Other aims include creating a base where members will have top rate facilities, offering first class coaching and forming a club where people of all abilities will be able to improve their sporting skills.
Mr Kaye added: "We are now in control of our own destiny and we intend on working towards making it a bright one for everyone involved."
A key focal point of its plans is to make the ground a place where young people can gain experience of the three sports it offers, cricket, hockey and tennis.
The club already has a thriving youth base with more than 350 young people among it 1,000 members.
Published Friday, May 2, 2003
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 hereComments are closed on this article