Bedale Athletic and Sports Association (BASA) is celebrating after receiving £78,000 from Hambleton District Council to improve its facilities.
The money, which has come from developer contributions from recent housing developments in Bedale and Aiskew, has already been used to resurface the car park and last week saw the installation of a brand new Portacabin to provide much needed additional changing room provision.
“I am delighted that the council has been able to allocate this funding to this well used and very deserving sports facility – not only for the people of Bedale but the surrounding area too,” said Ward Member for Bedale, Councillor Mike Barningham.
“This significant investment will mean that BASA can improve their facilities to meet current and future demands.”
And Dave Goodwin, Executive Director for Hambleton District Council explained ”The council negotiates with housing developers to secure contributions towards the recreational needs of the community; having secured the funding it assesses the local needs and then makes a decision on how to allocate it, in this case to improving a multi-sports club serving Bedale, Aiskew and a wide rural hinterland.”
BASA runs a tennis club, two football teams, senior and junior cricket, squash club and a running club and has been in operation since 1975.
Its chairman, Martyn Coombs in receiving the cash said “We have immense pressure on our limited changing facilities on match days especially when the football and cricket teams are at home so these new changing rooms will be of real benefit. With three junior cricket teams playing at the sports club as well, the pressure has never been greater and we are deeply indebted to the district council for these essential funds.”
The new facilities will be fully operational for the 2016/17 football season.