Pavilion plan on track (From Wiltshire Times)

Pavilion plan on track

11:23am Saturday 8th December 2007 in Corsham By Katie Adams

WORK on a new sports pavilion in Box is on course to begin in the New Year after a series of anonymous donations towards the cause.

Fundraisers behind the project now have more than £300,000, which is £50,000 short of the amount needed to complete the project.

The pavilion committee, headed by the parish council, has been trying to raise the cash for more than 15 years.

Margaret Carey, Box Parish Council clerk, said: "We have had some very reasonable quotes which means it is achievable.

"At the moment we have just over £300,000 and we are hoping that work can start in the New Year.

"We have enough to start the work and more is promised.

"Once you have got money coming in it really does start to flow."

The pavilion will give sports clubs in Box a new lease of life with changing facilities, disabled toilets and storage rooms.

It will be located on the site of the current bowling club on the recreationground.

Despite the huge efforts to raise the money, the proposals had been met with concern over the past year with residents initially worried about an increase in council tax precepts.

But fundraisers said the project would be self-funded and would not impact on villagers' pockets.

There have also been concerns raised over the fact the new pavilion could take business away from the Selwyn Hall.

Once completed, the new building will provide a permanent home for the Green Room Youth Club.

Founder of the group Sally Higham said the young people in the village could not wait for the pavilion to be built.

She said: "To have a club which is warm and watertight and with a decent kitchen and toilet facilities will be wonderful.

"It is a credit to all the helpers and members that the club continues so well under the current conditions.

"It can only get so much better with improved facilities."

Pavilion fundraising events will include a horse racing night at 7.30pm on March 8 in the Selwyn Hall. For more information or to sponsor the event call (01249) 715382 or (01225) 810686.