NEW goalposts for Hale Recreation Ground, funded by Surrey County Council and Farnham Town Council, has been officially launched by the Mayor of Farnham, John Ward, and county councillor Denise Le Gal.

The launch took place on Saturday just before the kick off of a home match played by Hale Rovers, a long-established club which has recently reformed.

The new goalposts which are foldable and stored when not in use replace a very old set of posts which are now well beyond their use-by date.

The cost has been funded by a contribution of £750 from councillor Denise Le Gal’s member’s allowance provided by Surrey County Council and a community grant of £418 from Farnham Town Council.

Ralph Heppell, chairman of Hale Recreation Ground management committee, said the new goalposts “would encourage greater use of the ground”, which apart from Hale Rovers is also used by Badshot Lea Colts youth football teams.

Denise Le Gal, said: “I was proud to assist in the acquisition of the new goalposts which would help to achieve Surrey’s objective of encouraging more people to participate in sport.”

Mr Ward added Farnham Town Council’s contribution showed the council’s commitment to providing support for the residents of Hale.