Cuckfield academy plans 3G pitch for '˜students and local community'

Warden Park Academy head teacher Jonathan Morris pictured with students in 2014. Photo by Steve Robards.

Grants worth £15,000 have been secured for the project from Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council, while the academy has submitted a planning application.

Pete Bradbury, who represents Cuckfield on both councils and is a trustee and board member of Sussex Learning Trust, welcomed the proposal and said the 3G surface ‘cannot come soon enough’.

He said: “With playing fields waterlogged again this winter, the 3G pitch cannot come soon enough for students and the local community.

“The grant from WSCC will help make this project a reality and improve provision for local community sport.”

The application was made following consultation with residents, Cuckfield Parish Council and district council representatives.

Head teacher Jonathan Morris added: “We have a very strong sporting reputation as an academy and welcome this new development.

“We look forward to the benefits it will bring, not only to our students but to our neighbours and friends in the vicinity.”

A decision is due in April, the school said.

Any businesses or individuals wishing to discuss sponsorship of the project, or potential usage by a club, can contact the school’s grants and fundraising manager Howard Collins on 01444 476551 or [email protected]

The application includes plans for a proposed synthetic turf pitch, floodlighting, fencing, drainage and ancillary works.

The application number is DM/16/0327.

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