NORTH Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has voiced his support for ambitious plans to upgrade Swindon Supermarine Sports and Social Club.

The volunteer-run club wants to improve facilities at its 34-acre grounds but has been told it will need to foot a £10,000 council planning bill.

Mr Tomlinson met with the rugby section on Friday to discuss the proposals, which would be a massive boost for amateur sport in the town.

He said: “Supermarine Rugby Club has ambitious plans to improve its facilities and I will be working with its members to support them locally and with national agencies such as the Rugby Football Union.”

The plans, which would benefit all teams using the multi-sports venue in South Marston, include a canvas dome to cover a 3G training surface, new floodlights and an extension to the changing rooms.

Time is running out because under rules laid down by the Hellenic League, in which New College competes, the site’s dual-purpose pitch requires 50 seats and a cover to be in place by March 31.

The council has said it can do nothing about the bill – calculated by the size of the development area – because it has to follow Government planning regulations.

The club is looking at the proposals again to see if the cost can be reduced.

Mr Tomlinson said: “The club is also working with organisations such as the RFU to help fund the project.

“I would be extremely supportive. The Supermarine site with all the different sports, including football, archery, bowling, diving and rugby, is a fantastic sporting hub and something that we as a town should continue to support.”

Chairman Martin Bryan said that while the plans were being re-examined, he still envisaged major upgrades taking place in the future.

“I am encouraged by what’s been discussed and said by Justin Tomlinson”, he said.

“We are now actively working to progress an application to the council and looking at what we consider to be the top priorities to ensure we get them up and running and funded as soon as possible.”