Healey carries out out boat club sod-cutting ceremony

The Labour representative was on hand to perform the official sod-cutting ceremony at the Manvers Boat Club, where work is starting on a £365,000 new store with capacity for 500 kayaks and canoes.

It will also include a wet classroom and an office for the Manvers Lake and Dearne Valley Trust, who run the club and put on courses.

Funding for new development has come from Sport England, who took the plunge to the tune of £240,000, Veolia Environmental Trust (£35,000) and The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (£30,000) with the balance from trust and club funds.

Mr Healey said: “I’m delighted to see work begin on the new boat store.

“The boat club makes a huge contribution to our community and the regeneration of our area.

“I hope that when the new boat store is open the club will continue to grow and become one of the biggest multisport clubs in the country.”

The new boat store is due for completion by August and the contract has been awarded O&P Construction Services in Wath.

Seen at the ceremony (left to right) are: Ian Phillips, Derane Valley College; Fran Walker, Coalfields Regeneration Trust; Chris Hawksworth, chairman of Manvers Lake and Dearne Trust; Paul Perry, project manager for O and P Construction and Ian Robinson, architect at I D Robinson Architects; front; John Healey MP,Wentworth and Dearne is seen cutting the first sod. 150597-2