COMMUNITY efforts to replace a pavilion destroyed by arsonists are starting to pay off in Tydd St Mary.
After more than eight years of fundraising, the groups working to rebuild the facility on Tydd St Mary Playing Field have submitted the plans to South Holland District Council.
Tydd St Mary Parish Council, Tydd St Mary Football Club and the village playing field committee joined forces when a blaze destroyed the pavilion in May 2003.
Not only was the building put out of use, the football club lost its nets, footballs and changing equipment, as well as items used in the annual village gala.
The club has since used a Koti building, which was donated by B&Q in Wisbech.
Carl Wilson, football club secretary and playing field committee member, said: “We have been working very hard since 2003 when it burnt down. We started TyddFest to get the fundraising going and get money into the bank.
“We received £5,000 from the parish council from the insurance and we have put together, over time, about another £15,000.”
According to the plans, the new pavilion will sit in the footprint of the existing building.
It will include a small community hall, changing rooms, shower block and toilet, and a separate changing room for the referee.
However, the hard work is not yet over for the volunteers who have been working to make the pavilion a reality.
Mr Wilson explained: “We need more funding to go forward. We are currently looking at other avenues. At the moment, we just want to get the shell up then we can concentrate on the inside.
“It’s not just for the football club, it’s the playing field committee too and the community will benefit. It’s going to be a multi-purpose building.
“We have been doing a lot in the background but to get the funding has been very difficult.”
Mr Wilson says the building work will be completed by those involved in the project but he estimates they may need another £30,000 to completely finish the pavilion.
He added: “We are very pleased to get this far but we still have a long way to go.”
It is hoped the nearby primary school will also be able to use the new building.
l Anyone who would like to help with the pavilion project should contact Carl Wilson on 07909 526563.