Suffolk: Melton council chair's 'pride' at new pavilion

Alan Porter, chair of Melton Parish Council, recalled the 'long journey' the council had been on to replace the former building at Melton Recreation Ground, which had been considered unfit for purpose.

When the old pavilion's roof came off, the council decided to act and had the building knocked down.

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Funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) has been used to pay for the project, which is a charge on housing developers by local authorities.

The pavilion, which was launched on Saturday, can be used for a variety of functions, including children's parties, dance and yoga classes and charity events.

Melton parish councillors inside the new pavilion (Image: Pip Alder/Melton Parish Council)

Inside, there is a kitchen and a flexible community space with storage and a public toilet, while outside the veranda enables people to view sporting events on the recreation ground and the children's play area at the back.

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Cllr Porter said: "As I stand here today with you I can honestly say that I am very proud of what Melton Parish Council and its staff have done for its community by building this new pavilion."

Fellow Melton parish councillor Bill Banks said the new pavilion had been in the pipeline 'for a long time,' but over the last 12 months the council had 'got a move on' and put together a working party to provide the new building.

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He added: "It is a really good design and great build. It is a great amenity for Melton."

Cllr Carol Gradwell said: "We are really pleased with it. It is a lovely public amenity space."

Cllr Porter formally opened the new building by unveiling a plaque.