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Footballers' celebration
From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Mar 2006.
HUNDREDS of footballers who faced having their season ruined by arsonists are to get new changing rooms.
The Harvey Street pavilion, at the Foxhill Bank pitches, Oswaldtwistle, was destroyed in a suspected arson attack in January.
It was used by dozens of teams across four separate leagues who were all forced to find alternative pitches to keep their season going.
But, following a visit to the site to review the situation, Hyndburn councillors announced that new purpose-built changing rooms will be built.
Temporary facilities will be in place by the start of the new season in August so teams can continue using the site for matches.
Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who is also ward councillor for the area, said: "Foxhill Bank is right at the heart of the Oswaldtwistle community and the loss of the changing facilities has been a blow to some local junior football teams.
"We are keen to get the changing rooms up and running again and are investigating the costs of refurbishment at the moment with a view to getting the work started in the spring.
He added: "In many ways the fire may have been a blessing in disguise.
"I have campaigned for many years for the new facilities and finally, thank goodness, now we will get them."
Fellow St Andrew's ward councillor Brian Walm-sley, who is also the portfolio holder for leisure, said the council was currently in talks with its insurers, but once that was sorted out the scheme would be put out to tender.
He said: "We are in discussion with the insurers. We will then be getting in touch with firms for quotes and we'll be looking to get the works started as soon as possible."
Alan Greenwood, secretary of the Training 2000 Accrington and District Junior Football League, which had to move its matches to Witton Park, Blackburn, after the fire, was delighted at the announcement.
He said: "It is great news. We would certainly take full advantage of any new facilities at Foxhill Bank and we would welcome an early start to the work."
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