ST HELENS RECS’ home ground has been saved after the local council stepped in to safeguard its future.
Ruskin Drive was under threat because its management company has been struggling to meet the high running costs.
However, St Helens Council have now agreed to take on a 99 year lease.
The council will take on responsibility for the venue’s pitches and changing facilities but Ruskin Leisure will still control the fitness centre, social club and function room.
Council leader Brian Spencer said: “Following an approach from the company, the council was concerned that this famous facility would be lost to the borough.
“Having given it a lot of consideration we thought it appropriate to step in and are very confident that a strategy can be put together for the long term future of the playing fields.
“This is a great opportunity to step in and safeguard this facility.
“Ruskin provides a key leisure facility and the council has an extremely good record of managing sports and leisure facilities.”
