Harriers on track with Fence Fund

9:16am Wednesday 5th September 2007

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WEYMOUTH St Paul's Harriers and Athletics Club's 'Fence Fund' initiative has been receiving tremendous support from local people and businesses.

The fund will be used to erect a security fence around the running track at the Marsh.

Club spokesman Duncan Montrose said: "Broken bottles and dog faeces are dangers to everyone who uses the area and these items have to be cleared away manually every week with particular care being taken over the sandpits where these and other dangerous items can lie hidden.

"There have also been various near misses when members of the public walk across the track while it is in use including a recent occasion when a cyclist rode across the javelin area as that event was due to start.

"It is the safety issue that causes the Harriers to have a waiting list to join as the coaches must limit the numbers so that they are able to keep an eye on everything that is going on around them and not just on the track.

"The fact that there are budding athletes around who cannot be tapped into by the club due to security reasons was clearly highlighted in Pete Hawkins' letter to the Echo in the August 20 edition.

"Weymouth and Portland Borough Council are about to install pit covers for the long jump and triple jump and a hammer and discuss cage.

"The present cage was vandalised soon after it was erected and so a security fence would also protect the council's investment.

"Discussions were held to cover the cost of a fence instead of one or more of the improvements but it appears the sum could only be spent on improvements.

"During discussions with the council it was suggested that if the Harriers bought the fence the council would erect it.

"The cost of such a fence is still being negotiated but it will be several thousands of pounds which is not a sum that can be realised from club fees alone.

"As a result the Harriers have started a drive for the Fence Fund and are receiving immense support from businesses and individuals alike for which we are hugely grateful."

A barbecue and fun evening for the athletes raised over £200 thanks to Asda, Bookers, Co-op, Morrisons and Tesco who supplied all food and soft drinks for free.

The next event, the Favours Night, will be staged at the Centenary Club, Jubilee Close on Friday (7pm).

The evening is based around a fundraising auction and so far there have been 74 donations, including tickets for local attractions and sporting events, free memberships, sports equipment, vouchers, and various meals out, food and drink.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight has even donated a tour of the Houses of Parliament and tea for four people.

Montrose said: "These generous and diverse donations deserve support and therefore anyone interested in supporting this venture should come to the auction where they will find a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and maybe even get a bargain."

Entrance tickets will be available on the door at £1 each and a bar and refreshments will be available.

Tickets can also be obtained in advance from Karen on 760482 and is recommended in order to give the club an idea of the numbers attending.

Any businesses or individuals that have not been contacted by the Harriers and would like to make a donation should also call Karen on the same number.

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