Therfield Recreation Sports Pavilion is set to benefit from a new sustainable water collection system thanks to funding from North Herts Council.

A £1,500 grant for the project was secured following recommendations by North Herts Council's Royston & District Area Forum.

The grant was awarded to Therfield, Royston and Kelshall Sports Association (TRAKSA) on September 20.

The system works by harvesting rainwater, which will be used to water the recreation ground, including the cricket pitch. This will predominately take place in the summer months to help manage water use without turning to the mains water supply.

Cllr Ruth Brown, chair of the Royston and District Area Forum, said: "We’re delighted to award this grant which will benefit users of the sports pavilion and the environment too!"

Executive member for community and partnerships Cllr Alistair Willoughby, who approved the funding under delegated decision, added: "At North Herts Council we’re passionate about the environment and taking care of one of life’s essentials.

"By harvesting rainwater in this way, we’re helping the sports association do their bit to take care of water as well."

Therfield's pavilion underwent a full rebuild and extension last winter in an eight-month project, and reopened in July.

North Herts Council awarded a grant of £50,000 towards the refurbishment.

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Nigel Reader, deputy chairman at TRAKSA, said: "We are very grateful to North Herts Council for this grant, which will lead the way to completing the total refurbishment and upgrading of the facilities at Therfield Recreation Ground.

"This final stage of the project will see us install the rainwater harvesting system, add extra gravel to the car-park area and re-roof our storage sheds.

"Other grants are currently being sought for the remainder of this work."

The sports pavilion is home to cricket and football clubs, along with other outdoor activity classes, and has around 1,200 total users.

Following the rebuild, the updated facility includes two refurbished changing rooms with separate toilets and showers, and a moveable partition wall to create a function space.

The extension has a food preparation area, toilets, additional changing rooms and a disabled toilet facility with baby changing.