BURRY PORT RFC has welcomed its takeover of its home base from Carmarthenshire County Council.
The Rugby Club has signed a 99 year lease for the playing fields and changing rooms at Burry Port Memorial Park as part of the county council’s asset transfer programme.
The club has also been awarded a Maintenance Grant to assist with maintaining the asset and an Improvement Grant to assist with making any improvement works they may wish to undertake.
Around 80 per cent of the county council’s recreation assets have already been transferred, or are nearing completion, to town or community councils, or community groups.
Two years ago the council’s executive board agreed a package to offer community councils or groups the opportunity to take over the running of facilities in their areas.
Councillors believe it gives local people greater control in the future of their area and their community.
Burry Port RFC secretary Jonathan Davies said the club accepted that changes had to be made although it would not have chosen it.
“In hindsight I think it is a positive thing for the club. It has increased the assets of the club and given members a sense of belonging to the park.”
Executive board member for assets Cllr David Jenkins said: “Unfortunately, we can no longer afford to maintain all the recreational assets in our portfolio.
“However, this is not just a cost saving exercise – communities are often best placed to manage facilities in their local environment.
“I’m pleased that Burry Port RFC has taken over and is looking forward to the future.”
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