Last updated at 14:06, Tuesday, 20 November 2012

WEST Cumbria is ready to host the Rugby League World Cup 2013 after Britain’s Energy Coast rubber-stamped £350,000 for improvements towards Workington Town RLFC’s Derwent Park stadium.

The economic development agency has officially approved the £350,000 award using resources from its nuclear funding partners. Along with a commitment from Allerdale Borough Council to underwrite £50,000 of the anticipated total cost of £400,000, the club is now able to upgrade the stadium to meet the standards required to be a host venue for the prestigious event next year.

Britain’s Energy Coast had originally ring-fenced the money back in the summer to give the competition organisers the confidence they needed that the stadium could host Scotland’s two group games for the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 – against Tonga on Tuesday October 29 and Italy on Sunday November 3.

The award has now been confirmed after the BEC Board approved a detailed application for funding from the club. Workington RLFC appointed contractors Stobbarts Ltd have begun work and the project is expected to be completed before the start of the regular season in February.

Brian Wilson, Chairman of Britain’s Energy Coast, said: “I am delighted to confirm that we have maintained our unswerving commitment to ensuring that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 has a presence in West Cumbria. I, like so many others, will be looking forward to West Cumbria putting on a great show on the global sporting stage. I also welcome the fact that there will be on-going benefit to Workington RLFC and that this will allow them to build a legacy for the wider community.”

First published at 16:46, Friday, 16 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk