Burbage Primary School forced to wait for official kick-off on new £84,000 all-weather sports pitch

Burbage Primary School pupils may have more reason than most to look forward to the end of lockdown with the promise of spring and the chance to use their new all-weather sports pitch.
By Ed Dingwall
Published 26th Jan 2021, 15:23 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2021, 16:02 BST
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The multi use games area, which will also be available for community use, was completed last year and, while pupils have already had chance to try it out, the facility is awaiting an official opening ceremony.

Headteacher Anthony Tierney said: “It is really a credit to our school community – the children, their parents and our staff and governors – that we have been able to complete this substantial project during these challenging times.

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“£84,000 was raised through a generous grant from Tarmac’s Landfill Communities Fund; an amazing level of support from the Parent, Teacher and Friends Association, and the use of school funds.”

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Pupils at Burbage Primary School had started making good use of the new sports pitch last term.Pupils at Burbage Primary School had started making good use of the new sports pitch last term.
Pupils at Burbage Primary School had started making good use of the new sports pitch last term.

He added: “This will provide more opportunities for outdoor activities all year round. Our thanks extend to Tarmac for their generous support.”

The 496 square metre surface, overlooking Dovedale Crescent, is suitable for football and other sports, and will be used for outdoor learning through PE and other lessons, and for break and lunchtime activities.

The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund enables landfill operators like Tarmac, to donate part of their annual tax liability for a variety of approved community and environmental initiatives. Through the fund, Tarmac donates around £1million each year to groups and projects all across the UK.

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Pete Butterworth, general manager at Tarmac’s Tunstead site, said: “It is great to see that this project has been completed in these uniquely challenging times.

The pitch is available for community use.The pitch is available for community use.
The pitch is available for community use.
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“We are pleased to have been able to award a grant to such a practical, versatile and valuable facility for the community of Burbage. We look forward to celebrating an official launch once the current restrictions are changed.”

The fund is open to applicants who meet the strict criteria for projects delivering community benefit.

Landfill operators can reclaim 90 per cent of their contribution which means the remaining ten per cent must be provided either by them or an independent third party.

For more information, go to www.entrust.org.uk.

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