Two community sports clubs in Hessle have been awarded a combined total of £86,432 from East Riding of Yorkshire Council through commuted sums funding to support improvement projects at their facilities.
Hessle Lawn Tennis Club has been awarded £45,000 towards the installation of new LED floodlighting and the redevelopment of an unused court enabling extended winter evening play and junior coaching. A previously derelict court has been resurfaced and converted into three new pickleball courts. The club secured a further £12,548 in match funding, bringing the total project cost to £57,548.
Mike Alsop, member of Hessle Lawn Tennis Club, said “In 2011 the club was close to closure, a fresh committee drew up a long-term project plan to renovate the clubhouse, courts and grounds with the aim of making the club a healthy and safe local community facility. Thanks to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and its £45,000 commuted sums grant the project plan has been completed earlier than anticipated, with the new floodlighting and installation of three Pickleball courts.”
Hull Cycle Speedway Club has been awarded £41,432 to improve clubhouse facilities at its Hessle Raceway site. The project has created a larger kitchen area, improved toilet provision, two new individual changing cubicles and additional storage space. The new changing facilities provide greater privacy and improve accessibility for riders, volunteers and visitors. The club secured a further £4,603.50 in match funding, bringing the total project cost to £46,035.50.
Andy Schofield from Hull Cycle Speedway, said: “The Hull Cycle Speedway Club were delighted and grateful to receive a commuted sums grant of £41,430 from East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The club building needed major improvements including a bigger kitchen, an additional toilet, two new changing cubicles and a storeroom. “We have a thriving membership from five-years-old upwards and race throughout the North and Scotland as well as taking part in National competitions. Since the renovation was completed, we have staged several successful meetings including The Northern round of The Women’s ‘Battle of Britain’. Home and visiting riders and supporters have been full of praise for the new facilities. Training is on Tuesday evenings from 6pm, with new riders always welcome, with racing mainly on Sundays from March to October.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Planning, said: “These projects show how commuted sums funding can make a real difference to local sports clubs and the communities they serve. The improvements at both Hessle Lawn Tennis Club and Hull Cycle Speedway Club will help support participation, enhance facilities and ensure these clubs continue to thrive for years to come.”