Gainsborough's Mayor has offically opened the town's new MUGA

The new £85,000 facility in Riseholme Road, Gainsborough, was developed thanks to the work of six dedicated volunteers who formed the Uphills MUGA group Ltd.

WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants to community projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund, contributed £72,000 to the project.

Cheryl Raynor, WREN’s grant manager for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, says: “It’s wonderful to see something we have funded finally open and ready to make such a difference to children in the local area.”

The idea for a games area came after Lincolnshire Police Community Beat Manager for Uphills, PC Ian Shaw, realised that there was a real need for a safe, practical space for people to freely play ball sports while he patrolling the Uphills area of Gainsborough.

He said: “Many people attended from various organisations in Gainsborough. Everyone was suitably impressed with the MUGA and the gym equipment.

“The opening was a low key but lovely occasion. It was just right for a group of volunteers who have given so much of their time over the last three years to bring this project to a successful conclusion.

“The facility is really wonderful and amazing and it is free to use for all the community.”

Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Roger Pattison said: “This is a great achievement by the volunteers and I would like to say well done to them on creating a fit for purpose facility that meets the needs of the local community.”

As well as WREN the new facility was also funded by Other funders Igas, ACIS, Lincolnshire Police, West Lindsey District Council and Morrisons.