Football club scores with redevelopment

A local junior football club is set to return home – thanks to work being carried out by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company and North Ayrshire Council.

Saltcoats Victoria FC has been sharing a ground with Ardeer Thistle since fire destroyed the council-owned changing rooms at Campbell Park, Saltcoats, three years ago.

A £55,000 joint project to redevelop the changing facilities – involving the Council and Irvine Bay – will see the club return home and will also be good news for local football-daft youngsters.

Raymond Montgomerie, Chairman of the football club, said: “There is no doubt if it wasn’t for the intervention and support of Irvine Bay and North Ayrshire Council this once proud junior football club which has been part of the community for over 100 years would not be back playing football at Campbell Park for season 2011-2012.

“Now, as well as returning home we will be launching a programme of development programmes for local young people, helping to put something back into the community.”

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay, said: “It is another example of co-operation between ourselves and the Council bringing real benefits for the local community.

“Not only do the football club get back to their own ground, but they are also going to be working to deliver a community programme using the appeal of football that will benefit local youngsters.”