One of Cornwall’s biggest public playing fields has been safeguarded for the community following a new lease agreement signed between Redruth United Football Club and Cornwall Council.
The club is taking on management of Clijah Croft Playing Fields in Redruth with an initial £50,000 council investment over the next five years to support maintenance and business plans being drawn up.
The 6.5-hectare facility at the south-eastern edge of the town includes four grassed pitches for senior football, a junior pitch, a two-storey changing room and public access for recreation.
Redruth United Football Club are holding a celebratory and fundraising event at Clijah Croft on Sunday, August 20. Everyone is invited to the event.
Cornwall’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods Cllr Carol Mould said: “The transfer of responsibility for managing the space is exactly what we as a council are committed to deliver.
“We are pleased to be facilitating the town’s football club the opportunity to improve this important space, and to grow as a sporting organisation.”
Andrew Bishop, Chair of Redruth Football Club CIC, said: “We are over the moon after announcing that we have secured a new lease allowing the club to continue to play at Clijah Croft. We are delighted we’ve got this across the line and would like to thank all the people who’ve worked so hard on our behalf to get to this point.
“We have a constructive relationship with Cornwall Council, and we look forward to working with them going forward – our aim is to improve the site, with better playing surfaces as well as a new modern community hub. We’re putting together a business plan to take Redruth United Football Club to the next level of football, and I’m excited about the club’s future which is underpinned by the new lease.”
Cornwall’s portfolio holder for children and families and Redruth south member Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek said: “We are thrilled in Redruth to see this community asset being taken on by the football club.
“It is a much-loved site, not just for organised sports but also for locals to take their exercise. Residents of the town are hoping that this event marks the start of it going from strength to strength.”
Story posted August 17, 2023