New pitch funding for club near petrol storage

Ashford Town FC's ground is near the Esso West London Oil Terminal

A Surrey football club in the shadows of a petrol storage site has been awarded nearly £100,000 for a new 3G pitch.

The grant from Surrey County Council's Your Fund Surrey programme will mark a "significant step forward for grassroots football" in the area, the authority said.

In March, Ashford Town Football Club was given planning permission for the new pitch despite safety concerns.

The club's Robert Parker Stadium, south of Heathrow Airport, is adjacent to the Esso West London Oil Terminal.

Nick Bailey, the club's chairman, said it was a "new and exciting project" for the club.

He said: "Not only will it benefit teams across all sections, it will also provide a much-needed facility for the local community to enjoy and benefit from, which aligns fully with our ethos of being a community-led club."

The £99,999 from the large community projects fund will mean local teams, schools, and community groups will be able to use the pitch.

The club's vice chairman, Paul Gully, said at the time of the planning application that the club was “on its knees” financially.

He said the new 3G pitch would allow more playing time and generate more income.

Denise Turner-Stewart, the county council's cabinet member for customer and communities, said: "This type of facility is much needed.

"It is a fantastic example of how Your Fund Surrey is making a real difference in our communities by supporting projects that have a lasting positive impact."