Powys rugby club get a town council grant for maintenance work

A Mid Wales rugby club has received a grant to help replace a boundary fence, which has deteriorated and is now a safety risk.

Llandrindod Wells Rugby Club applied for a £250 grant from Llandrindod Wells Town Council to help with the cost of the work.

Club secretary Jonathan Duggan said the pitch side fence has deteriorated in recent years and is now considered to be a personal safety risk.

He said its proximity to the neighbouring junior football club's pitch is of particular concern as there is a risk that children may attempt to climb the structure which could result in failure and possible injury.

Mr Duggan said the club committee has agreed to remove and dispose of the existing timber posts and fence and then to replace it with a more durable solution called Interclamp, which will provide increased strength, safety and longevity.

He said: “This design will prevent spectator encroachment on the playing surface during match days improving better crowd management and pitch protection.

“The works will be carried out by club volunteers meaning that the costs incurred by the project will be from procurement of materials.”

He said the total cost of the project will be £2,985 and the rest of the money will come from club funds which have been raised from sponsorship and a raffle at home games.

The town council was told that the club is committed to providing senior men's rugby and to expand its role as a key community hub in Mid Wales.

In recent years the club has become the home of the Mid Wales Kites Junior Girls Rugby Team offering opportunities for girls aged 10 to 16 with a planned expansion to under 18's provision in the forthcoming season.

Mr Duggan said they have an ongoing commitment to growing inclusive and accessible rugby pathways within the region and beyond rugby the facilities are used by local organisations such as a bingo group, a pool team, the town's 41 club and the junior football club.

He said they also support and host community events such as being joint hosts of the November fireworks display for the past two years and the hosts of the junior baseball competition this month, which is a first for the area.

He said: “We want to ensure the club is inclusive, welcoming and a valuable community asset.”

Llandrindod Wells Mayor Councillor Steve Deeks-D'Silva said: “I think it is a worthwhile thing to give a grant to.”

Members agreed to give a £250 grant to the rugby club to help with the costs of the fence project.