Stanley Park opens to awards honour

Stanley Park Sports Ground in Chippenham officially opens a new £1 million artificial grass pitch and building extension today.

And In more good news for Stanley Park and the town council, the facility (which is on the A4 towards Calne) has been shortlisted for an award.

The sports ground has been nominated as a finalist in the Public Sector Outdoor Facility of the Year category at the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) National Industry Awards.

Coincidentally the IOG National Awards are taking place today too at the Reebok Stadium (home to Bolton Wanderers FC).

Peter Hussey, Manager of Stanley Park Sports Ground, said: "Being told we were one of two facilities nominated for this national award was an amazing honor and the news has come as a welcome surprise.

"We are often referred to as a 'Centre of Excellence for football in Wiltshire,' but to receive national recognition is unbelievable and the news hasn't sunk in yet.

"It is a shame that the Awards evening coincides with the official opening ceremony of our new 3G Artificial Grass Pitch and building extension.

"As I cannot be in two places at once, in true Oscar style, I will be at Chippenham and two of my colleagues at Bolton. Hopefully we will be able to announce the results and fingers crossed, celebrate our achievement on this national stage".