Work begins on derelict driving range (From Surrey Comet)

Work begins on derelict driving range in Cobham

3:32pm Tuesday 25th October 2011 in News By Louise Robertson

Work is under way on a 10-acre derelict driving range in Cobham that is set to be turned into three multi-sport grass pitches.

Cobham Sports Association (CSA) secured £50,000 from Sport England’s Protecting Playing Fields Olympic legacy fund, allowing it to convert the recently-purchased site.

The redevelopment will double the capacity of the CSA, increasing access to rugby, lacrosse and field sports in Cobham.

Andrew Harburn, chairman of the CSA, which has also contributed £70,000, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured the Sport England funding.

“At the end of the redevelopment we will have six pitches and this will mean even more children and adults in the local community will be able to take part in sport.”

The playing fields will be protected for at least 25 years from developers seeking to build on the land.

Dominic Raab, MP for Esher and Walton, said: “This is a terrific local initiative, a great credit to CSA and Sport England.

“We need to be encouraging more youngsters - boys and girls - to get involved in sport, and that means providing more local infrastructure.”