CWMGORS RFC's Parc y Werin ground is set for a massive £72,000 makeover.

The club acquired the lease to the grounds, which has suffered from bad drainage over the years leading to the cancellation of fixtures throughout the season, as part of Neath Port Talbot’s asset transfer programme.

Members of the club’s committee approached Neath Port Talbot County Council in search of grants to fund an improvement scheme and were pointed in the direction of the WRU, Sports Council Wales and the Mynydd y Betws Wind Farm fund.

The committee was successful with its applications, meaing the club could fulfil its dream of upgrading the grounds.

“This is the biggest investment the area has seen – we are over the moon” said Cwmgors Juniors RFC chairman Darren Thomas.

“Conditions on the pitch were really bad and particularly dangerous, especially when you have so many youngsters using it.

“We have also been very fortunate to receive help from the Open Cast site in Tairgwaith, who have very kindly offered to take the soil away, free of charge, saving us a great deal of money.”

The club’s senior and junior teams - who have almost 90 members - won’t be the only ones to benefit from the new grounds.

“We have the local schools and community groups who regularly use the pitch. The work will benefit the whole community – it’s a big thing for us,” said Darren.

Neath Port Talbot County Councillor Lynda Williams said she was pleased that the Parc y Werin pitch will finally be able to get the much-needed makeover.

“Children’s health and wellbeing is very important and the grant funding means they are able to continue receiving the benefits of exercise through sporting activities.”

Work on the ground started on Monday, June 23.

Once work is complete the club look forward to welcoming the community to a special event, to be confirmed at a later date.