1 April 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

EAST Grinstead Town Council has published a comprehensive sports development plan for the town in conjunction with local sports clubs and secondary schools to focus attention on specific needs and attract external grant aid. 

The report found:

• A marginal deficiency of adult football pitches, even after schools sites were taken into account
• Unmet demand for junior football clubs and a shortfall of pitches
• Under-provision for cricket
• Good provision for rugby although additional need to cater for public demand
• Fewer bowling greens than required
• A broadly appropriate number of artificial pitches

A Leisure and Cultural Strategy for Mid Sussex until 2020 has also identified the need for a bigger swimming pool in the town.

As a result of the survey, the Town Council has now, with the cooperation of local sports groups, identified key areas which need to be addressed.

This include the provision of more grass pitches, significant improvements to the East Grinstead Town Football Club facilities at East Court, better facilities for water-based sport including a new 25 metre by eight lane pool, and further development of the East Grinstead Sports Club as a multi-sports hub.

The Council is to create an East Grinstead Sports Council which will meet twice yearly and act as the official forum in which issues relating to sport and leisure can be addressed.

* The full report into the provision for sport locally is available on this site under Strategic Documents.