Improvements at Haverhill Rugby Club have received a funding boost from a councillor

Haverhill & District & Rugby Club has received vital support from one of the town’s councillors to help it complete a fencing project as part of its plans to level up its pitch.

Over the years the Castle Fields-based club has been keen to upgrade the pitch, with previous work completed involving levelling and improving drainage.

The club also had ongoing problems with dog fouling.

With approval from West Suffolk Council and a £3,000 locality grant provided by Suffolk County Councillor Joe Mason (Haverhill Cangle), the freshly installed high-quality fence now protects the first team pitch as well as the health and wellbeing of all the players that use it.

Cllr Mason, who also sits on Haverhill town and West Suffolk district councils, said: “I am delighted that I have been able to assist the club to level up their facilities.

“This is a great community sports club that not only encourages boys and girls to take up rugby, and aims to achieve great things with its teams, it also does a great job of fund-raising for good causes.

“This club has real heart and it has been a real pleasure to work with them on this project.”

Club chairman Paul Martin said: “Having the pitch fenced off makes it more professional looking, and hopefully will attract more players.

“It also helps to protect players from the ongoing problem of dog fouling.

“We as a club would like to thank Joe Mason for his support in this project and look forward to working with him in the future.”

The rugby club is now looking forward to preparing for next season as well as holding its annual community “Rugfest” event, with live music, entertainment and food on August 27/28, from midday to 11pm each day. Entrance will be £3 with free entry for under 18’s.

Anyone interested in joining one of the club’s teams should contact it by emailing haverhillrufc@gmail.com or by phoning 01440 702871.