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Lewes reveal ground grading plans

After being awarded B grading by The FA Regulatory Body at the beginning of 2008, Lewes are determined to have attained A ground grading at Dripping Pan by 31 March 2009.

The club have issued a statement detailing their plans and the budget for the project:

The statement reads:

Eight years ago, the Board of Directors of Lewes Football Club embarked upon a planned development of the Dripping Pan carried out in three principal phases; the construction of the Philcox Stand; the Rookery South Stand; and the work to the Eastern Ham Lane end.

These works were phased to meet grant criteria set out by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, the level at which the first team were then playing at, and the source of the very significant funds required to complete the projects.

Those involved were delighted that the club was awarded a B grading by The FA Regulatory Body at the beginning of 2008. This allows Lewes Football Club to continue to be a member of the Conference League.

The statement goes on to list the requirements needed in order to attain A grading with the club planning several improvements to the ground.

Chief amongst these will be upgrading the existing floodlight system, which currently falls short of 'A' requirements, expanding the ground's capacity from 3000 to 4000 in a manner which satisfies the Green Guide to Safety in Sports Grounds and making some improvements to the Dripping Pan's north west corner.

The club is keen to get work underway as soon as possible and with a proposed starting date of early December they hope to be finished before the end of the playing season.

You can read the full statement here