A VILLAGE recreation ground’s clubhouse is set for a complete overhaul after securing £10,000 funding following a public pole.

More than 700 votes were registered as Earls Colne Recreation Club came out on top of a competition looking for community projects for renovation, courtesy of Crown Paints and Kent Blaxill.

The recreation ground clubhouse has been untouched for 40 years, and residents are hoping this £10,000 funding boost can transform the site into a well-loved community facility.

Sue Freaar, recreation ground manager, said: “I am so pleased, I think everyone in the village is.

“We found out on Monday, but I still can’t really believe it, it will much such a difference. We finally have some money to fix up the site, and make it into the fantastic facility it should be.”

Sue replaced Pete Webb earlier this year after he completed 40 years of service.

The competition saw the recreation ground pitched against ten other community facilities, with the public voting for their favourite.

The recreation ground received more than 700 votes.

In the ground’s application, it stated that “families deserve a fun and safe environment to build the community spirit, a place to participate in family activities to make precious memories and enrich the lives of those using the facility”.

The funding is a second chance for improvements after the site lost out to the leisure centre last time.

When planning permission was granted for 50 homes off Monks Road last year, it was hoped developers would contribute to the recreation ground as part of the agreement but it was decided Halstead’s leisure centre would be the beneficiaries.

After finally securing funding Ms Frear said: “This money is going to make all the difference.

“We can turn the recreation ground into the community facility it deserves to be.”It is hoped labour costs can be limited by using expert volunteers.