Funding from Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) has been used to help Newton Aycliffe Sports Club with the maintenance of their ground.

The funding secured through Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) via the Neighbourhood Budget allocations of all County Councillors allowed the organisation to purchase a new grounds mower. The new mower will be used by volunteers from; Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club, Newton Aycliffe RUFC and Newton Aycliffe FC. The three organisations share grounds and have previously depended on outside contractors to maintain the pitches at considerable expense to the clubs involved.

The purchase of a grounds mower has allowed the cricket, rugby and football clubs to regain control of grounds maintenance, whilst at the same time reducing costs. The money saved on the grounds maintenance arrangements has and will continue to help reduce individual club costs, which in turn, will support the sustainability of the clubs.

Ian Palmer, Chairman of Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club and the lead on the project said, “We would like to thank GAMP and the local County Councillors who have long been great supporters of what our sports clubs are trying to achieve and have once more stepped up in supporting this purchase.

The Sports Club provides a platform for many in the town to both play and watch sport at a high level and it is important that the pitches are kept in top condition to enhance everybody’s enjoyment.

The machine gives all the sporting sections greater flexibility to make sure pitches are cut as and when required, thereby improving the quality of the playing surfaces”.