13thmay05

Good progress being made at Hartsdown Park

GOOD progress is now being made by Margate's contractors with the second phase of the ground works to their pitch, writes Stephen McCartney.

Over 1500 cubic metres of infill were delivered and laid on Wednesday (11th May) and that rate of advancement will continue until the new levels are achieved.

It is expected that by Tuesday 17th May the new pitch will be ready to receive both drainage and irrigation systems.

The Ryman Premier League club are currently in negotiations with contractors for phase three of the ground works, which will see the construction of the topsoil and either seeding or turfing for the final pitch finish.

Margate have this week, placed orders for the temporary terracing and seated stands (as shown on the club's website www.margate-fc.com), which are on an eight week delivery and will be craned into position and fixed.

Final decisions on the floodlights will be made this week and orders placed with a local contractor, again in good time for the completion date.

Building works are expected to commence as soon as the pitch base is in place, which will include the required upgrade to the Hartsdown stand.

Provision has now been made for the construction of five-a-side pitches on the north end of the site, designed to generate short-term income to the company in the event of any further delays with their detailed planning permission.

Margate's administrators, Langley & Partners, however, will continue to work on the club's CVA but there is nothing further to report at this time.

No date has yet been secured for the release on the club's transfer embargo and football debts but it is the club's priority, as the directors cannot sit down with manager Chris Kinnear to plan for next season until this matter is concluded.

The club would also like to welcome Keith Piper back onto the board of directors.