Moray Council approves recommendation to rent Lesser Borough Briggs to Elgin Sports Community Trust
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MORAY Council has approved a request to rent land at Lesser Borough Briggs to Elgin Sports Community Trust (ESCT), paving the way for a new all-weather facility in the town.
An emergency cabinet meeting took place this morning, online, with councillors backing the recommendation to grant a 99-year ground lease to ESCT.
The recommendation passed by five votes to two with the support of independent, Labour and SNP councillors.
ESCT plans on using the area to build an all-weather, multi-sports facility, which will be available for community use.
A motion put forward by councillor Frank Brown (Conservative, Elgin City North) to develop an all-weather pitch at Deanshaugh instead of at Lesser Borough Briggs was defeated.
ESCT chairman Dave Allen was delighted with the news. He told the Northern Scot: "There was a whole range of emotions watching the meeting but it's relief now, it's fantastic news.
"Our facilities are not of a standard that encourages kids to take up sport and to stay here to play. We just want to give kids – and anyone else in the community – the right sporting opportunities.
"This really is the start of something. I want to look back and say 'this was the turning point'."
Mr Allen personally thanked councillor John Cowe (Independent, Heldon and Laich) for all his help, along with trustee Simon Nesbitt, without whom he said this project would not have been possible.
Most of all, though, he wished to thank the community who have "shown what positive community action can achieve".
He added: "We have nearly 800 supporters on Facebook and we have more people turn up to our community meetings than local MPs and MSPs have. We have huge community support.
"Some people struggle to believe this isn't an Elgin City FC initiative – they will benefit in the same way any other club who can hire will benefit. This will be a boost for Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Burghead, Forres, Moray Rugby Club and more."
The next step will see the proposals taken to the Sheriff Court. This may take longer than usual due to current coronavirus restrictions, but Mr Allen is hopeful the demonstration of community support will enable things to move through court quickly.
Engineering company Volkerfitzpatrick has agreed to build the pitch.
Elgin Sports Community Trust is now looking to widen their committee and engage with youngsters who are looking to help with the project. You can get in touch at http://www.esct.co.uk/, via Facebook or via Twitter.
ESCT will soon be fundraising for specialist equipment. You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ESCT.
