A FORMER Barnsley Football Club striker who has reopened an ailing community sports ground has received a £5,000 cheque to fund the purchase of mobile floodlights.
Bruce Dyer, who is behind the project at Grimethorpe’s Miners’ Welfare Ground, secured the funding through South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings, who visited the site on Monday to present the 43-year-old with the cheque which is part of his South Yorkshire-wide community grants scheme.
Dyer, who bagged 57 goals in 181 appearances during a five-year stint at Oakwell, agreed a 25-year lease with the site’s owner, CISWO, and reopened the Cemetery Road ground last summer.
That kick-started a host of improvement works at the site, which was once a thriving sports hub home to football, cricket and rugby teams, before it closed more than three years ago when its previous tenant, Access to Sport, pulled out due to persistent vandalism.
Dr Billings told the Chronicle: “The project Bruce is overseeing relates to our policing priorities of reducing crime and antisocial behaviour, both of which were problems at the very ground that’s now on the up.
“It ticks all the boxes and I’m delighted to be able to present the cheque to such a worthy project as it’s so encouraging to see the good work Bruce and his team have done.
“The scheme runs continuously throughout the year so if you’re a small group doing something good in your community, give us a call and we’ll guide you through the application process.”
Grimethorpe is now home to Bruce’s ‘Love Life UK’ charity, which puts on football training to get kids off the streets, while the village’s football team - who had to play elsewhere when the ground was closed - has returned.
Bruce said: “The money will be used to pay for mobile floodlights which are quite powerful and extendable, so that will enable kids to play more when it’s dark.
“The grant is an absolute godsend and I am so grateful to Dr Billings and it continues the good work that’s being done in Grimethorpe.
“I’ve had a fantastic response from the community but it was so important to get kids involved from the start.
“The feedback has been really positive and they are happy the ground is back for the long-term.
“It has a real history in the village and was once the hub of community activity we want that to be the case again but this time for generations to come.”
***
ALMOST £5,000 is still available in a community cash give-away scheme run by the Barnsley Chronicle in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Dr Alan Billings made the £15,000 Stronger Together Fund available for small grants of up to £1,000 each, which is administered through the Chronicle.
Any group or project which helps combat social isolation, tackle crime, keeps young people off the streets or provides support to vulnerable members of the community is eligible to apply for a grant, for any amount up to a maximum of £1,000. Applications are decided by a panel which includes representatives of South Yorkshire Police, the commissioner, the Chronicle, Barnsley Football Club, Dearne FM, the British Legion and Barnsley Council.
To apply click here or pick up a copy of the form from our reception on Church Street.
