'Mecca' set for £80-90k upgrade

VALE REC hope to complete an £80-90,000 renovation of their Corbet Field pavilion in time for the start of next season. The project will see the interior gutted and replaced by spanking new changing facilities for the home and away teams as well as match officials.

With tongue placed firmly in his cheek, Vale Rec president Tony Blondel has often referred to the ground as the 'Mecca' of Guernsey football and yesterday he talked excitedly about the project.

'We've already got fantastic facilities and it will really become modern again.

'We've got everything on site which we are proud of.

'We are leaving the outer case and changing everything inside.

It is not a new project, said Blondel.

Plans to redevelop the pavilion started four years ago but only now does the club, founded in 1932 and with approximately 500 members across its various sections, see a likely end.

Blondel explained that the latest application to the Environment Department to make alterations to the pavilion, was no more than renewing a previous application which had run out.

'Hopefully, we'll have it all done next summer. We are looking at a May start.

Vale Rec are funding the project from a number of sources.

n Island manager Steve Ogier yesterday said he expected a final decision on Guernsey's participation at next summer's NatWest Island Games in Rhodes, to be made in the coming week.

Ogier remained tight-lipped as to what he expects the outcome to be.