Last updated at 20:12, Thursday, 07 February 2013

Fans have been promised that they will see huge improvements at Derwent Park on Sunday as Workington Town prepare for their first home Championship game of the season against Halifax on Sunday (3pm ko).

Members of Allerdale council, Sellafield, Britain’s Energy Coast and Stobbart Construction at Derwent Park

Project manager, and Town board member, Tony Boyd said that work on the upgrade of Derwent Park was “bang on target”, and added: “We are exactly where we wanted to be at this stage. We always said that we wanted to get 80 per cent of the work completed by the beginning of the season and I can’t believe how much has been done.

“The less obtrusive work can be completed during the season and the four or five week period we’ll have at the end of this season.

“I am sure that the fans who come down for Sunday’s game against Halifax will see huge improvements.”

Economic development agency Britain’s Energy Coast has contributed £350,000 and Allerdale council a further £100,000 to upgrade the stadium so it could meet the standards required to be a host venue for the World Cup.

Town appointed Stobbarts to undertake the work, which included new seating in the main grandstand, enhanced flood lights, a new electronic scoreboard, and ongoing improvements to the playing surface.

A small party of dignitaries visited Derwent Park yesterday to see the work that has already been carried.

Gary McKeating, head of stakeholder relations at Nuclear Management Partners, said; “It is fantastic to see the progress that has been made so far.

“It certainly is impressive and shows that things are on target for the two Rugby League World Cup games which will be coming to Workington in October. I look forward to the matches and the associated rugby league community engagement in west Cumbria.”

And Allerdale Council leader Alan Smith said: “Derwent Park is looking great – it’s a credit to all those involved.

“These works needed to be done to secure the Rugby League World Cup matches and, thanks to the determined efforts of Workington Town, BEC, Stobbarts and the council, we are bang on schedule.

“The Rugby League World Cup is a highly prestigious occasion, which will bring profile and trade to the area, and with a range of community events happening over the coming months, I hope the west Cumbrian community will support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The work started at the end of last season.

First published at 11:33, Thursday, 07 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk