29/6/2005 - Whitehaven F.C. to buy County Ground

Sport in Whitehaven received a massive boost today when Cumbria County Council agreed to sell the town’s County Ground to Whitehaven Football Club.

The move will ensure that the football club and their partners in the Pow Valley Sports Development Initiative can take forward their plans to revitalise sports facilities in the area. As it will benefit the local community the sale will go ahead under the County Council’s "well-being" policy ensuring that the Football Club can buy the ground at a discount of 25% off market value.

Whitehaven AFC currently has over 150 members making up 3 senior and 6 junior sides. They also provide facilities and support to local schools, Connexions Cumbria, the University of Central Lancashire, BNFL and Whitehaven Rugby League Club.

The discounted sale puts the club in an excellent position to progress its development plans for the site. The club are particularly seeking to provide facilities for tennis and netball as neither sport currently has any local provision.

Cumbria County Council has consistently supported Whitehaven AFC over recent years. The Council’s Local Committee for Copeland have made an annual award of £4,750 to assist the club with their lease and in November 2004 approved a £9,500 grant to assist the club with the costs of purchasing the ground.

County Councillor, Liz Mallinson, Cabinet spokesperson for Access to Services says:

"Cumbria County Council is very proud to support sportsmen and women across the county. This sale is a major contribution towards the future of Whitehaven Football Club and to sport across the Pow Valley. This was the right decision for the people of Whitehaven and we are very pleased to have been in a position to back such a positive initiative."

Bill Robson, Chairman of Whitehaven AFC says:

"We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received from Cumbria County Council through this sale, and prior to it when they were our landlords. It is very pleasing to see the council recognise that the club is working towards a development that will not only benefit the football club but the whole community. I would also like to thank West Lakes Renaissance for their help with funding,"