Ystradgynlais community is ready to fight to save local sports ground
Ystradgynlais community is ready to fight to save local sports ground: There are four sports clubs in Ystradgynlais that are potentially under threat.
The playing grounds have witnessed many sports played there. Sports like football, rugby, cricket, bowls, and tennis have been on the ground. The ground hosts the occasional carnival or festival.
However, the ground’s 100-year lease has come to an end. An amount of £100,000 is needed to be raised to help protect the clubs who use the facilities.
A spokesperson belonging to the Ystradgynlais Community Welfare Ground Association stated: “Many of us have never really considered who owns the grounds, assuming that it is all owned and run by Ystradgynlais RFC or Powys Council, but this is not the case.”
“In fact, the land was leased to the community for 100 years and that lease is about to expire.”
“Behind the scenes, volunteers have negotiated a new lease at the incredible rate of just £2,000 per annum, but there is one catch; the lease must be paid 50 years in advance.”
“It will come as no surprise to learn that county or town councils are unable to fund this in the present climate, which leads to a stark conclusion.”
The Ystradgynlais community aims to raise £100,000 as quickly as possible. An amount of more than £10,000 has already been raised.
Ystragynlais RFC, Ystradgynlais AFC, Ystradgynlais Bowls, and the new Pickle Ball Club are at the risk of losing the facility. The members of the community regularly use it for walking, meeting, and other activities.
The association spokesperson spoke: “It is a daunting and ambitious task, but we believe that the people of Ystradgynlais can meet this challenge together.”
“Please donate what you can to save our playing fields. We would warmly welcome fundraising events, sponsorship events, and any and all opportunities that we know our vibrant and creative community can dream up to raise these desperately needed funds.”