Sheppey Rugby Club have submitted plans for a redevelopment of their club facilities at Stupple Field.

The club have said that “in order to comply with modern requirements in regard to safeguarding and privacy policies Sheppey RFC have submitted ambitious plans to Swale Borough Council for reconfigured changing rooms for players and officials, an extended gym, internal storage facilities, shop and a meeting/members room.”

Sheppey representatives on Swale Borough Council (SBC) were invited to a presentation last Wednesday with members of the club’s committee. Three attended.

Cllrs Alan Horton (Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch), Cameron Beart (Queenborough & Halfway) and Peter Neal (Sheppey Central) were taken on a tour of the current facilities and they returned to the club room for a buffet and to take part in a discussion/question and answer session on the club’s community involvement and future plans.

Club chairman Charlie Osmond outlined the necessity to make improvements to the changing facilities to bring them in line with RFU minimum requirements. Match officials have their own changing area but share the communal showers with the players but the RFU are now using female referees for senior games so the current set-up is not acceptable.

The main focus of the plans and fundraising is on the improved changing facilities for all senior and junior players, especially with the newly-formed women’s section.

Cllr Horton volunteered to fund the hydrology survey which SBC has demanded and which had not been factored into the club’s costings for the work or timescale.

The club say they will hold further hospitality evenings for councillors, local businesses and charity representatives to gain further support from the community. In the meantime the club welcome anyone to get in touch to give any help.

*Sheppey are hosting a community family fun day today (Saturday) from 1pm to 6pm. Activities include inflatables, games, taser touch rugby and stalls.