Community-minded residents and businesses come to club’s aid

The mammoth task of revamping the vandal-struck base of a Harpenden football club has kicked off with civic-minded residents and business people banding together to help.

Iain Sinnott, vice-chairman of Harpenden Town Football Club, said that following an article calling for a “DIY SOS” in the Herts Advertiser, people had come forward to offer assistance.

Members of the club, based in Rothamsted Park and celebrating its 120th anniversary year, got fed up with vandals wrecking facilities. They appealed to local businesses, residents and facility owner St Albans district council to come to their aid.

As a result, an overgrown hedge bordering the pitch has been pruned into shape courtesy of members of the Harpenden Round Table who also cleared the ground of brambles and undergrowth.

Iain said: “It took all day Sunday to take back one hedge. It was a heck of a job.

He added: “We are going to get to the point where a big job is starting to be nibbled at. It’s hard work, but good fun.”

Iain went on: “We have had a builder in to assess the scope of works and costs for each section and have already had promises of support from local businesses who hope to provide core materials at a much-reduced price.” He said the club had also been contacted by two potential sponsors.

Harpenden Town hopes for big crowds throughout the season, which kicks off next Saturday, August 6, to help raise the funds needed to bring the facilities up to a “Harpenden standard”. The first home game for the first team is on Tuesday, August 23. The reserve team plays on August 20.