FOOTBALLERS are celebrating the long-awaited official opening of Haltwhistle Jubilee’s home ground at the Burn Field.

Poor drainage on the site had led to water getting under the former Scout hut on the site, which was used as a pavilion and changing rooms by the club. This left workers with around a foot of water hidden under layers of rotting floor.

The project saw the pitch resurfaced and drainage improved, along with a complete overhaul of the pavilion and changing rooms.

Funding was provided by Northumberland County Council, with local county councillor Ian Hutchinson also making a contribution from his council member’s fund for community schemes.

Coun. Hutchinson said: “It’s the biggest thing that’s happened for Haltwhistle since the hospital was opened, and it’s been going on for years.

“We’ve had lots of problems, but I’m really proud to have been a part of it, and I’m glad it’s now there, it’s there for the community.

“A lot of local builders got involved, and if it hadn’t been for them, it wouldn’t have looked like it does because outside contractors would’ve cost a fortune.

“Because of all the local contractors and friends of football in Haltwhistle, we got it done in time for the new season.”

Around 100 people attended the official opening on July 1 which was led by Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman, who paid tribute to the hard work of all involved.

Mr Opperman said: “‘I’m delighted that after so many years of hard work and effort by Malcolm Hind, Cameron Bell, the late Vic Fleming and many, many others – not least Coun. Ian Hutchinson – Haltwhistle has a football pitch and changing facilities that it can be proud of.

“Here’s to many years of successful football in the town.”

Haltwhistle Jubilee FC will return to the ground for the start of the new season, having played their home games at Bardon Mill for the past two seasons.