Slow progress on all-weather sports pitch bid

Cllr Ian Smith also told members a meeting had been held with people who could help move the scheme forwards.

Attending was county councillor Paul Sparks together with representatives from Uckfield Town Council, Uckfield Community Technology College, Freedom Leisure and the Grasshoppers Football Club.

Members were told the county council has no objection to a full-sized pitch at the community college on ground already agreed as suitable.

Cllr Smith explained bids for funding could not be submitted until the site for the pitch had at least received outline planning approval.

He felt the Football Foundation could prove a valuable resource, as could Grasshoppers FC after the club's successful application for chartered club status.

Freedom Leisure could also make a financial contribution and it was suggested the college itself could provide some funding.

It was agreed to ask for confirmation land for the pitch is available for use and the town council will then immediately seek outline planning consent.

Leisure operator Freedom Leisure will write to the town council confirming its own plans to provide administration support for the day-to-day running of the pitch and, if possible, give some indication of money for the project that could be available.

Local resident Angela Payne has organised a petition - currently 380 signatures - calling for an all weather pitch in the town.

It has already been circulated at the college and is on the counter at the Final Score sports shop in town.