RELIEF IN STORM AFTERMATH
Emergency Funds available
by TurfPro Editor, Steve Gibbs
We've all seen the news footage of the effects of Storm Desmond over the past few weeks.
In fact those of us that have simply seen it on the TV are the lucky ones - we haven't had to live through it and deal with the aftermath.
And of course as well as the homeowners and businesses effected, there has been the sports pitches and facilities who have been struck. We featured a couple of light-hearted stories on this subject last week here and here - both of which exemplify the admirable nature of this industry. Of just getting on with the job, despite what nature and circumstance throws at you, with good humour and a stoic resolve.
However it's very pleasing to see that Sport England are taking seriously how badly hit some facilities and pitches have been, by making an emergency fund of £200,000 available for assistance.
This dedicated fund is intended to help safeguard community sport and get sports facilities back up and running as quickly as possible. Early indicators suggest that the biggest impact of the bad weather has been on sports such as hockey, rugby and football because of flooded and waterlogged pitches, and water sports where many clubs are on riverbanks or in coastal areas. Clubs and community-based sports organisations needing funding to clean up and get up and running can request up to £5,000 of emergency funding which could be awarded very quickly. This is available for organisations that need minor works, such as skip hire to remove sediment and rubbish, minor electrical works to restore power or cleaning work to get showers and changing rooms back up and running. This new £200,000 is funded by the National Lottery and is in addition to Sport England’s other grant programmes which will continue to operate as normal. Sport England say the fund will remain open until 1 February 2016 to ensure that those who are currently unable to assess the damage will not lose out. They do say they will review this date if so required. Sports minister Tracey Crouch said, "This fund is just a small part of our wider package of support for affected areas. By helping restore sports facilities to their former glory, it will help slowly rebuild the lives and everyday routines of these communities."
So if you've been affected by the storm damage, don't delay in getting your claim in here
And now all that remains is to wish all readers a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
TurfPro will return after a short break on January 4 2016.
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