A DELAPIDATED sports pavilion which has been targeted by vandals is getting a £100,000 make-over.

Melbourn Sports Pavilion is being upgraded thanks in part to Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

The upgrade work, which should be complete before the end of the year, will include improved security at the pavilion, as well as full disabled access and a state of the art renewable heating and lighting system.

The total cost of the project is £106,000, with the grant covering £50,000 and the Melbourn Parish Council footing the rest of the bill using funds reserved for community projects.

Cllr Peter Simmonett, said “We have worked really hard to create a project that is going to deliver sport for all in our community as well as providing a facility that will be of special value to young people. We are really looking forward to seeing it up and running before the end of the year.”

Current facilities at the pavilion are outdated, while vandalism and a large amount of grafiti have also contributed to the poor state of the building. Earlier this year the parish council had to spend £500 on repairs to the building ahead of the village fete.

As part of the work, new steel screens are being installed to protect the pavilion. The council hopes to greatly increase the number of people of all ages actively engaged in sport in the village. This will include girls football, outdoor table tennis, a new cricket club and walking clubs for all ages and abilities.

Sport England chair, Nick Bitel, said: “A year on from the Olympics, this National Lottery investment is helping us deliver a lasting sporting legacy in Melbourn”.

“With investment now on offer from our Inspired Facilities Fund until 2017, we look forward to supporting many more sports clubs in South Cambridgeshire who play such a vital role in grassroots sport.”