Brand new pitch ‘will be ready to use in early July’

The pitch, which will replace the 20-year-old surface at the London Road sports facility, will enable Louth Hockey Club to stay in the town and continue its success.

In mid-May, contractors Dura-Sport will move on to the site, removing the old pitch and laying a new surface that can be played on by both hockey and football players.

Louth Hockey Club chairwoman Lesley Ward said the news that the work was finally going ahead was fantastic, and the culmination of a three-year fight to ensure the club and its 150 members still had a home in the town.

Speaking after a meeting at the site with representatives from the Dura-Sport, Aeneas Richardson, executive director. Magna Vitae Trust for leisure and culture, Louth town councillors Jill Makinson-Sanders and George Horton, Mrs Ward said: “It has been a momentous day and a real milestone for the club, as we now finally see the rewards for all our hard work.

“The new pitch will be top notch and enable us to develop the next generation of hockey players, as well as allowing our senior teams continue their league successes.

“Once again I would like to thank Louth Town Council, East Lindsey District Council, Magna Vitae, and the community which has been massively supportive of our efforts over the last three years.”

Work to install the new pitch will start in mid-May with the removal of the old surface, before preparations for the new ‘grass’ to be laid.

It is expected to be completed by the beginning of July.

Louth Hockey Club is making a £10,000 contribution to the pitch project, and is taking out a £40,000 loan from ELDC which will be repaid over 20 years.