GOAL IN SIGHT AT BRIGG REC ON TWO FRONTS

"Drains collapsed at Recreation Ground  - The old hockey pitch is cordoned off whilst work is being undertaken by Anglian Water, taking up to four weeks."

That update was given by Couns Carl Sherwood, Nigel Sherwood and Rob Waltham to Monday night's November meeting of Brigg Town Council.

Brigg Blog commented on these very welcome emergency repairs a few days ago, featuring a couple of 'work in progress' pictures with our post. 

We then stood with our back to the cordoned-off site to take this picture of "the old hockey pitch" as the councillors describe it. 

In our day as a player with Brigg Men's Hockey Club, this was known as the front pitch. When hockey was still played on grass - today artificial, floodlit facilities are the norm -  this patch of pristine turf was used by the first and second teamers for their home games. 

Those of us in the lower XIs played on pitches either side of the cricket square at Brigg Rec.

For some years now the grass pitch nearest Wrawby Road (pictured) has been used for junior football. 

It's good to know that today's youngsters are getting enjoyment out of it, just as our sporting generation did.

The Recreation Ground was created post-war by Brigg Urban District Council, passing into the control of Glanford Borough Council in 1974 and then the current North Lincolnshire unitary authority in 1996.

Which brings us neatly to our next point...

"Consultation has finished on the planning application for the Brigg Recreation Ground and we are waiting one final statutory consultee response."

That's a further update from our three Brigg & Wolds councillors, kindly outlined to Brigg Blog on Monday night.

North Lincolnshire Council plans to completely refurbish this leisure facility. The planning stage has taken a lot longer than anyone expected, but hopefully will be completed in the not too distant future. Then we'll be able talk of a likely starting date for our 21st century sporting centrepiece.

We are sure that Coun Carl Sherwood, whose cabinet remit includes sport and leisure, will  keep us informed of developments so we can let you know.

The grand opening will be a real red letter one for anyone with an interest in Brigg sport.