A MAJOR revamp of Cleator Moor Celtic FC’s ground is in its final stages.

Developments to the Birks Road side’s pitch were completed in September and refurbishment works are almost finished on the bar area.

Grants from the Football Foundation, Copeland Borough Council and the Cumberland FA totalled £28,000. Cleator Moor Town Council also gave the club £15,000.

Groundsman Dave Graham said: “Sometimes you think a small donation isn’t a lot of money, but it’s often seen as the starting point.”

He added his thanks to the local authorities for their help. 
“It’s always a good place to start,” he said.

The club has also injected its own funding and man hours into the project.

The team are excited for when spectators and events can be held after lockdown.

Mr Graham said: “It’s a community project rather than a football project. We need to keep investing. We’d like to keep it where it is.”

When football returns after Covid-19 restrictions, the side hope it will bring a sustained period of play for the club.

Before restrictions came into play again, Cleator Moor Celtic were able to play a number of games in September on their newly-surfaced pitch, which is resistant to the flooding issues that had plagued it in the past.

Current plans for the easing of lockdown are to allow grassroots football for children and adults from March 29. This places it in step two of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Cleator Moor Celtic play in the North West Counties League, Division One North.

The now immaculate pitch and ground are the result of volunteers and professional contractors’ hard work.

“We’ve had a core of about 10/12 volunteers. I couldn’t say how many hours have gone into it,” said Mr Graham.

Although developments have been frustrated by the three national lockdowns, there have been opportunities for the volunteers and contractors to work on the ground whilst adhering to social-distancing regulations and coronavirus restrictions.