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St. Modwen marks opening of Vulcan Rifle Club

REGENERATION specialist St. Modwen has officially opened the new Vulcan Rifle Club in Newton-le-Willows.

On Thursday December 1, local dignitaries including Mayor Cllr David Banks, ward councillors and club representatives, joined the Club’s chairman and St. Modwen in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Vulcan Rifle Club is the second of three sports clubs to open on the Vulcan Works site, which St. Modwen agreed to deliver as part of its initial planning consent for site in 2004.

To mark the occasion St. Modwen sponsored the installation of a shooting bench rest which allows disabled club members to enjoy the sport.

In August, St. Modwen marked the opening of the Vulcan Bowling Club and presented a competition trophy in honour of influential former committee member John Pearson. Mr Pearson, who passed away last year, led the campaign for new facilities following the closure of the Vulcan Works.

The regeneration specialist has a long-standing commitment to the area off Wargrave Road where it is building 650 new homes, an Aldi supermarket, children’s play area, history trail and public open space.

In addition to the indoor rifle range, the new sports facilities include a bowling green, pavilion, multi-use games area, football and rugby pitches and car park.

Ken Skidmore, secretary of Vulcan Rifle Club, said: “Following the closure of the Vulcan Works 14 years ago we are delighted to celebrate the opening of the Rifle Club. It would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of John Pearson and the Steering Committee.

“It’s wonderful to see all of the hard work come to fruition and we must thank St. Modwen and their architects for not only the plans for the building, but also their liaison with the NRSA, Merseyside Police and St. Helens Council.”

Andrew Day, Property Manager at St. Modwen, added: “We are pleased to join club members for the opening of the rifle club which contributes to the sporting legacy St. Modwen has helped to provide for the area.

“We understand how important the local clubs are to the community; they have been integral to the history of the area. It has always been part of our commitment to provide the community with a new sports facility and we’re proud to now see this through.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emily Hallinan .