Essential Work On Sports Facilities Allowed

Saturday, 11 April 2020 09:26

Maintenance can be carried out to ensure pitches are in good condition when restrictions are eased.

The Guernsey Sports Commission got in touch with Public Health after raising concerns that if the grounds aren't looked after, many could be unplayable for a while after Guernsey comes out of lockdown.

Relationship Manager Steve Sharman approached Deputy Matt Fallaize on the issue, who sought confirmation from Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

"A lot of the staff that look after our sports grounds are one-person operations and as long as they abide by the conditions for social distancing and any other relevant advice issued by Public Health then they can continue to maintain our grass pitches and playing fields. For those that work in teams such as those who look after our golf courses, the same applies.

"The opportunity to begin work now will also save the respective organisations significant amounts of expenditure that they would have incurred if the outdoor grass areas were left fallow for a prolonged period of time." - Steve Sharman.

Anyone walking around golf courses is asked to give plenty of staff who will be maintaining the courses ready to use when allowed.

"On behalf of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture I would like to thank Public Health for providing this clarification and ensuring that our valuable sports facilities are in good shape once we return to some sort of normality.

"Sport and physical activity are important in ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of the community so it’s vital that when the time is right our facilities are ready to go." - Deputy Matt Fallaize, President of CfESC.