WORK on revamping a sailing club has begun after they received a £75,000 bursary last year.

Tollesbury Sailing Club received a bursary from Sport England, who awarded funds to 14 community sports projects in the East of England, in May last year to breathe new life into their ‘tired’ facilities.

The club applied for the bursary in January and received confirmation of the funds at the beginning of May.

On Monday, the machines rolled out and began to demolish the club’s changing rooms to make way for the new renovations on Woodrolfe Road.

The sailing club’s changing rooms were built in the 1960s, and are often damp and unventilated.

A membership survey found 73% of respondents considered the changing facilities to be ‘poor’.

Lynn Highfield, spokesman for the club, said: “The last major refurbishment was to the Clubhouse in 2007 for Princess Ann’s visit to open our new disabled lift and toilet.

“We are pleased to say that the new changing rooms will also now include a disabled toilet and shower for our members.”

The sailing club has more than 500 members and they hope the renovation of the facilities will encourage many more people to join.

Sport England’s ‘Inspired Facilities’ fund is designed to give a cash boost to some of England’s most in-need clubs.

Work on the sailing club is hoped to be completed within three months.