PLANS to breathe new life into a sports pavilion in New Cumnock are set to get a major financial boost this week.

Officials from East Ayrshire Council (EAC) have recommended a grant of £28,284 to New Cumnock Community FC to refurbish the pavilion at Greenhead Park so it can be used by the wider community.

The club submitted an application to the Afton Windfarm Fund – overseen by the local authority – earlier this year for replacement doors and windows, roughcasting and roofline work, wet wall panels for a shower room and plaster sheets for dressing rooms, as well as a shipping container to store larger items.

A report by council officials states: “The club is an active member of the New Cumnock community sports partnership. They are engaging with the Development Trust and other local community groups and organisations to develop the use of the leased facilities and encourage increased local participation in sport.

They have trialled a summer sports programme, family sports activities and the Active Minds project have a regular weekly booking.

“In September, the Development Trust will deliver a ‘Fitfest’ event at Greenhead park. This will encourage the community to engage with the project and to try out a range of sporting activities. There will also be stalls and tents providing health and fitness advice and information on other activities and groups accessible within the village.

“The club is a local voluntary community group and the project meets the ‘community led sports and leisure’ element of Renewable Energy Fund criteria.

“Funds are requested from Afton Windfarm income.

“The quote for the container contains quite a substantial delivery charge so the group will be asked to try to source a local quote with a reduced delivery charge that may reduce the final grant award.”

The application will be considered by EAC’s grants committee on Wednesday, September 6.