THE sum of £150,000 has been earmarked towards a project to create an all-weather sports pitch in Royston. The scheme, which will cost a total of £400,000, is the brainchild of the Johnson Matthey Sports and Social Club. Committee member and project organ

THE sum of £150,000 has been earmarked towards a project to create an all-weather sports pitch in Royston.

The scheme, which will cost a total of £400,000, is the brainchild of the Johnson Matthey Sports and Social Club.

Committee member and project organiser Mike Thrower said: "We hope this will benefit Royston and get the community together in achieving the same goal.

"Over recent years sport in Royston has been affected by various factors, with clubs having to move out of the area.

"But we have the potential to improve sport in Royston, and get clubs working together."

The move comes after the club lost some sporting facilities through company expansion.

Mr Thrower, who has lived in Royston for 36 years, said: "The club has always been committed to sport, but because of a number of reasons over the years, its clubs have had to move elsewhere.

"At the end of this football season there will be no clubs left."

Expansion on the Johnson Matthey grounds has affected four senior and two junior football teams.

The scheme is being supported by a number of schools, including Greneway and Meridian.

Mr Thrower is keen to work with schools, as the project would offer them sports facilities throughout the year, and enhance youth sport in the community.

One likely destination for the facilities could be on Therfield Heath.

"The heath is a real possibility. It is somewhere that is really accessible to the community, and we hope to hold discussions on the location soon," said Mr Thrower.

"I think the majority of people will welcome the idea."

The project hopes to raise another £150,000 from Lottery funding, which would leave £100,000 needed from other sources.

"We now need to get all the clubs together to present our proposal," said Mr Thrower.

"It has to be community driven."

If support is good, Mr Thrower and the rest of the committee intend to set up a working party.

- Anyone with views on the proposal, or ideas on fund-raising should e-mail Mr Thrower on mike.thrower@ntlworld.com or contact The Crow, 01763 245241.