Rugby club applies to Council for control

A Plymouth rugby club is the first community group to apply to Plymouth City Council under the Community Asset Transfer scheme.

The Council has set up the scheme so local people and community groups can have greater control of their lives and their own neighbourhoods.

Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Football Club has applied to take control of the pavilion and playing fields under a long lease agreement so it can attract funding and develop existing facilities.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operative and Community said: "We're really encouraged by the response to the new community asset transfer scheme, the application we've received looks promising and we will be working on the community asset transfer process.

"We really want to encourage other community amateur sports clubs and groups to consider this option so we can spread our co-operative values throughout the community and put control of buildings and land into the hands of locals. For the rugby club it would mean being able to attract more sports funding so they are in charge of their own future and can expand the facility."

Cabinet member for Environment Councillor Brian Vincent said: "Sports pitches and clubs are a really important part of a local community and I'm pleased we're able to support this rugby club so it is able to expand and secure its own future."

Securing a longer lease for the pavilion and pitches and winning more funding from sports bodies would enable the rugby club to make improvements including updating their changing rooms, creating social and events areas and installing pitch drainage and flood lighting.

Chairman of the Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club Nigel Higginson said: "The club has driven sport in the community for many years and we have outgrown our present facilities. In order to continue to offer a high standard of sport to all ages the club desperately needs to make improvements to the building. Funding and applying for grants is an extremely difficult process and is prohibited by the conditions put upon such financial supports by the application processes. Often the length of tenure is at the foremost of the tender procedure and the opportunity to be granted a Community Asset Transfer cannot be understated.

"When granted, all future applications will be much stronger by having this 'ownership' in place as it shows a commitment by the club and a vote of confidence by Plymouth City Council. A successful Community Asset will secure the future for Plymstock Albion Oaks and allow it to grow and become even more of a focal point for sport and recreation in the area."