THURROCK Association Sunday Football League (TASFL) and Thurrock Council have been jointly awarded, in principle, a grant of nearly £500k from the Football Foundation which together with further external match funding will lead to the development of a brand new 4 generation synthetic pitch.

Cabinet agreed last night (Wednesday 8 July) to renew TASFL’s lease extending the term and to partner with the association to develop the facilities.

Portfolio Holder for environment, Cllr Gerard Rice said: “The funding is set to develop a new 4 generation synthetic sports pitch providing a much in demand facility available for intensive sessional use.

“I’m pleased that this looks like a plan to ensure the site continues self-sufficiently – the pitch will offer visitors a service and use of facilities at a fair rate.

“It’s great that the Council’s remains committed to supporting the development of sporting facilities in Thurrock.”