County pitches in to help Bognor rugby players

The fund allows county councillors to help local people achieve Big Society objectives, as set out by the government. Each bid has to be sponsored by the local councillor, be of significance to the community and be sustainable and of lasting benefit.

Working with their county member Francis Oppler, Bognor RFC applied for money to help with improved drainage of their pitches at their Hampshire Avenue ground.

Two very wet winters meant the club could not use their pitches for 14 weeks because of waterlogged conditions. This resulted in the loss of players and revenue which, if allowed to continue, could lead to the demise of a club that provides a key sporting facility for the entire Bognor area.

The council approved the application and fully funded summer work on the pitches which included the levelling of the surfaces, ground breaking and reseeding.

The picture shows Cllr Oppler presenting a commemorative plaque to Bognor RFC chairman John Donoghue, clubhouse and grounds manager Mike Lewin and grants organisers Madeleine Cozens and Rebecca Huggins.