As seen in The Cornishman Thu, 1st September 2011

Local projects will get £1m if store is backed

Thursday, September 01, 2011

The Cornishman

HAYLE Rugby Football Club (RFC) has pledged £1 million to local community projects if an out-of-town supermarket plan is approved next month.

The club, which hopes to relocate to Carwin Rise to make way for an Asda store at Memorial Park, said the cash would be released on the successful completion of both planning applications.

There has been no change in the agreement between Asda, Walker Developments and Hayle RFC, with the money allocated from the funds Hayle RFC would have remaining from the proposed sale of Memorial Park, purchase of new land and construction of a new clubhouse.

Asda is going head-to-head with Morrisons' plans to build a food store at Carnsew Quay and Hayle harbour owner ING's plans for a mixed use development on South Quay.

Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee is set to determine the applications on October 6. Club chairman Steve Benney confirmed the club had been deliberating over the most appropriate way to thank the community for its support.

Mr Benney said: "The club has always remained close to its local community but it has, to date, struggled financially.

"Now, with the relocation and a state-of-the-art new community and rugby facility in prospect, we have decided that it should formally pledge the capital sum of £1 million for community projects in Hayle."

Mr Benney added that following the formal resolution to contribute £1m, the sum would be supplemented by future contributions from the club's revenue.

The club proposed to work with Hayle Town Council to agree appropriate projects the contributions can be spent on.

Mayor John Bennett said a number of local projects would benefit from the cash boost. "Members of the town council are concerned with gaining as many benefits for Hayle as possible from major developments while minimising any disadvantages," he said.

"It is good to hear the Hayle RFC offer and, while technically not part of the Asda planning application, I am sure councillors will have lots of ideas of how to use this money should the Asda proposal be successful."

He cited improving the swimming pool as an example.

Lucie Brailsford, project communications manager for Asda Hayle, said: "Our proposals have had much support from the people of Hayle, many of whom believe that not only is Memorial Park the most appropriate location for a food store but that Asda and the relocation of Hayle RFC will bring the most benefit to the town."

Hayle Town Council will discuss the supermarket proposals on September 15.