Irvine Meadow is raising money to descale and paint the stand at Meadow Park in a bid to progress on to the Lowland League and the Scottish Senior Cup.

A gofundme page has been set up for the cause which would see the 60-year-old stand get a much needed facelift.

Donations for the critical work have reached £1,320 with the target being £2,000.

Brian Lamb, Irvine Meadow General Manager, said: “The paintwork on the stand is rusting and the columns are only painted a third of the way up, so that’s the priority.

“The Stand Appeal got off the ground in February and then one of the fans set up the gofundme page which has been doing well.

“After the Stand Appeal was raised, we went into the West of Scotland League so that moved the goalpost a bit in terms of progress. In that league there is certain criteria the ground needs to meet, such as extra away changing rooms and a dedicated first aid room which all adds to costs.”

Another prerequisite for league progression is the installation of floodlights.

Brian said: “The floodlights are a big investment so we’re wondering whether local community groups would have any need for them. But it’s hard to think ahead at the moment as everyone is staying home and being safe.”

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the club had also been building a community hub room for different social groups and events, external toilets and wheelchair shelters for greater accessibility.

COVID-19 has put a halt to plans but, with the club’s progression riding on these improvements, the team hopes the stand can be finished by the beginning of this season.

Brian said: “We’ve set a figure for remedial works for the first phase of the stand refurbishment. Then we’ll concentrate on raising funds for the floodlights and other auxiliary items.”

More information can be found via https://uk.gofundme.com/f/irvine-meadow-stand-floodlights-appeal

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