Fakenham 3G pitch bid to be discussed by councillors

Councillor Christopher Cushing has proposed a motion in the North Norfolk District Council meeting on March 28 for council officers to use earmarked reserves to help fund the development of an all-weather 3G artificial pitch in Fakenham.

Mr Cushing noted the reserves during NNDC's budget meeting and is now looking to get officers to create a bid.

Councillor Christopher Cushing, Leader of the Opposition (Conservative Group Leader) (Image: Archant)

“It is pointless to have such a sizable sum languishing in the earmarked reserves with no expectation it can be spent any time soon,” Mr Cushing said.

“This reallocation will enable officers to progress a Fakenham bid now to see whether we can obtain a Football Association grant in 2024 or 2025.

“I asked that this fund also be designated for use for Fakenham after last year's levelling up bid.

"The town council agreed the pitch could be located on land that they own at Trap Lane near the fitness centre.”

Tim Adams, leader of NNDC (Image: Paul Heinrich)

Tim Adams, leader of NNDC, agreed with Mr Cushing that Fakenham’s sports facilities are in need of development - which was highlighted with the council’s levelling up bid for Fakenham, which was turned down.

He believes it would be better to assign a smaller team to scope out and develop the project.

“We need to allocate a smaller pot of money to do the project, see what funding we can access,” he said.

Christopher Cushing hopes to see a 3G pitch built in Fakenham (Image: SIMON FINLAY)

“A development of this size is dependent on funding from the Football Foundation and trying to have a conversation with them about what sort of funding could be accessed,” he said.

“I also believe it's a little early to allocate the full capital sum, but we are all on the same page with it, regardless of the outcome of the full council meeting.”