Representatives from Ripley Rangers FC attended a special meeting of Ripley Town Council on Thursday 24th May.
The meeting was called to discuss the potential improvements to Nottingham Road recreational ground which has recently been given temporary planning permission by Amber Valley Borough Council.
The team was represented by nine of the Under 12’s players, one of the Under 7’s players plus the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Child Welfare Officer and other members.
Both the chairman Gary Hounslow and Vice Chairman Gareth Martin spoke about the huge steps the club have made in their first year, their plans the future, and the desperate need for more and improved facilities in the Town to bring them into line with other Towns in the Borough.
The team met and spoke to councillors, as well as having their photograph taken with the Mayor Cllr Steve Daley. Cllrs from both sides praised the club's achievements and expressed an interest in assisting them progress further in the future.
This is the latest attempt by the club to raise their profile in the area and engage with all levels of Local Government to improve the Greenwich football ground. This follows extensive talks between the club and Amber Valley Borough council about the possibility of new pitches, changing rooms and training facilities on the site.
The debate went beyond the normal public speaking time allocation, therefore Cllrs agreed to suspend standing orders to allow the Club to fully put their views across to the elected members present.
