A SPORTS ground in Carlisle has completed more than £30,000 worth of upgrades to its facilities.

Members at Carlisle Rugby Club, by Warwick Road, have replaced perimeter fencing which runs around the first team pitch.

The works have been completed ahead of a friendly match at home against Scottish Borders team Peebles on August 17.

The match will be followed by the team’s first-ever national league rugby game in its history.

David Morton, secretary of Carlisle RFC, said: “The necessary pitch perimeter fencing around the first team pitch had reached the end of its useful life, and there were health and safety issues that may have compromised spectators and players alike.

“The new fencing looks bare at the moment but that will change over the coming weeks when new advertising boards are installed.

“Hopefully there will be sufficient interest in the local business community who will see it as an opportunity to promote their products and services with advertising boards around the ground.

“A decision was taken to renew the fencing with a good quality replacement, and work is now complete at a total cost of circa £33,000.”

The club applied to Cumbria County Council for a grant towards the cost of the new fencing.

“Carlisle RFC is grateful to the county council for awarding a grant of £5,000, in particular the Carlisle local area committee that approved it,” David added.

Committee chairman councillor Cyril Weber said: “The area committee were happy to support the grant for Carlisle RFC, in the knowledge that it is going help the club to continue with ongoing improvements of its community facilities.”