PLANS to build a new sports facility that will cost more than £100,000 have taken a step backwards.

A new multi-use games area (MUGA) at the Old Marshalling Yard, Silloth, was approved in December, but work has ground to halt after funding fell through.

Colin Baty, secretary of Silloth on Solway Sport Association found out at a council meeting earlier this month that the town council cannot be the accountable body to pay the VAT and then reclaim it back on the cost of the MUGA.

At first the association was told the town council would be acceptable to use as the body to reclaim the funds, but after seeking advice Mr Baty has since discovered that Sport England will not use it.

This now leaves a deficit of approximately £10,000.

“I’ve been diligently looking at other options and other organisations for grants.

“I’ve applied for a couple of grants and I’m waiting to hear about them”, said Mr Baty.

Last year a fundraising page was set up by the sports association with a target of £3,000.

A total of £11,118 was raised with donations from businesses such as Silloth Rotary Club, Carrs Mill, Silloth Music and Beer Festival, and from Silloth Bowling Club.

The association have funding from Sports England's Community Asset Fund which matches the £11,118 raised by the fundriasing page.

The application to build the new MUGA were submitted to Allerdale Council planners in August 2018. Consultation on the proposals started in the November and plans were finally given the green light in December.

The new facility will be floodlit with a 4m-high fence and will consist of a 3G AstroTurf-type surface, allowing for sports such as hockey and football to be played all year round.

The new MUGA will be situated on land adjacent to Silloth Rugby Club.

Now the council cannot be the accountable body for the fund, the sports association cannot afford the new area but it is hoped this will not stop it all together.

Mr Baty, said: “At first I thought it was a big glitch but I’ve used it just to crack on and ask other departments for help.

“It’s only a minor set back.”

Since a post was put out on Facebook by the association asking for donations they have had a lot of positive feedback which has left Mr Baty feeling very optimistic.

As well as hockey and football, the £110,000 40m x 30m facility can host sports such as basketball and target golf.

A number of local groups and sports clubs have already expressed an interest in using the facility, including Silloth Golf Club, Silloth Rugby Club, and schools in the area.

There is no facility like it in a 13-mile radius - the closest being at Maryport or the other side of Wigton.

“The best possible outcome is that it could be finished by March,” added Mr Baty. “I am just waiting to hear from some grants that I applied for.

“We’re almost there. This is one minor hurdle to get over”.

Silloth on Solway Sports Association has yet to receive any donations but would welcome any funding people can give.