SHALDON footballers forced to get into their kits al fresco because of no changing facilities have been given £10,000 to cover up. Shaldon Villa, who play at King George V playing fields, have been without a roof over their heads since their changing hut was condemned and taken away last year. Now, the team are celebrating news that Ugbrooke Environmental Ltd has granted them £10,000 to provide a secure storage and shower facility. It is expected that costs will be at least £17,000, but the team are hopeful that cash ring-fenced for recreational use at the site will make up the shortfall. It has been a waiting game for the club and other users from Broadmeadow under 11s while councillors tussled last year about whether the parish council should take responsibility for the playing field from Teignbridge Council. But the club decided to find its own funding for the facilities. Chairman John Campbell said: 'When we got the hut four years ago, it was on its last legs and eventually the weather took it and so did the vandals. 'This news is not just fantastic for us but for other people who want to use the field and the river. 'The fact that teams have continued to visit here, knowing that they have nowhere to change, is a real testament to the commitment to us and our hopes to make this a real community facility,' he said. County Cllr David Cox helped player Adrian Bolt put together the application to turn its fortunes around. 'The club has taken the bull by the horns on this one and it will have benefits beyond the football club. It will be a facility for water users and other groups who may then stop in Shaldon for the pubs or shops,' he said. The club hopes the new facility will be in place by May.
