LOCAL politicians have welcomed a £540,000 investment by the UK Government and East Lothian Council for the renovation of Forrester Park in Tranent and Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh.
£100,000 of funding is being provided for the renovations as part of the UK Government’s commitment to improve grassroots football facilities and level-up access to physical activity across the nation.
South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy welcomed the renovations, saying: “I welcome this investment by the UK Government into East Lothian, which will go towards supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable groups with limited access to sports and leisure.
“This investment will also ensure residents are able to continue to enjoy sports and leisure on their doorstep.”
In Tranent, £270,000 has been allocated for the renovation of Forrester Park, a 3G pitch kept unlocked for community for informal use.
The pitch supports local football and rugby clubs for training and matches, including Tranent and District Community Football Club. Partner clubs also run boys’ and girls’ football, women’s recreational football, parafootball and over 35s football.
Tranent Councillor Gordon Mackett said: “Forrester Park has provided the local community with years of joy.
“This investment will ensure critical repair work is carried out to the park which supports some of East Lothian’s most vulnerable groups including paraplegic football players who already have limited access to sports and leisure facilities.
“This investment is also very helpful in tackling incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town as well as providing access to exercise and healthy living for local residents.”
In Musselburgh, £270,000 has been allocated for the renovation of Pinkie Playing Fields, the pitch of Musselburgh Windsor Community Club, where re-surfacing work will ensure that it continues to provide opportunities to local young people and anyone in receipt of a free school meal, clothing grant or who is care experienced.
The club currently provides football coaching and matches for over 500 boys, girls and adults on a weekly basis.
Musselburgh Councillor Katie Mackie said: “Musselburgh Windsor are a superb local club who have provided training to hundreds of people from Musselburgh.
“I am very pleased to see the playing fields are getting the investment needed to future-proof them for the next generation.
“This funding will also ensure today’s young people have the same opportunities to enjoy sports and leisure in Musselburgh as those before them.”
Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “This funding from the UK Government is absolutely fantastic news for the East Lothian.
“These grassroots football facilities are so important for the community and this will be such a boost to them.
“As we recover from the pandemic, physical activity will be crucial in rebuilding our communities in East Lothian and I know this money from the UK Government will be put to great use.
“Many local facilities in the Lothians have been lost due to SNP savage funding cuts in recent years so it is great to see the UK Government step up and give this funding at this time.”
