THE Chronicle's race to rescue Crewe's crumbling sports ground has struck gold!

Work is now underway to restore the Cumberland Sports Track after a marathon campaign backed by sporting groups and schools across the borough.

Sections of the old track were ripped up on Monday, a year after we highlighted problems at the run-down ground off Thomas Street.

The facility, used by schoolchildren as well as Crewe and Nantwich Athletics Club, was in such a state of disrepair, there were fears it would have to be closed on safety grounds.

Now a relaid track with an eight lane straight and facilities for field sports could open by the autumn after more than £220,000 was secured to return South Cheshire's only athletics track to its former glory.

A large wedge of cash has come from Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and Cheshire County Council which each pledged £75,000 to the project.

Their funding has been boosted by a grant of £69,000 from WREN, operator of the government's Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, which was approved last week.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody said: 'I am absolutely delighted that this extra grant will transform the situation in relation to the track and I look forward to this exciting development for the borough.'

Action group members Pat Slack and Bill Consterdine also expressed their delight that after so much hard lobbying, work had begun.

'It is great news,' said Mr Consterdine. 'The athletics track will again be suitable for holding top competitions and school kids, as well as aspiring athletes, will have a good facility to which will hopefully keep them away from the drugs and booze scene.'

Mr Slack joined Mr Consterdine in praising the work of Mrs Dunwoody and Julie Smith, a senior leisure officer at Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, in securing the funding.

'Mrs Dunwoody has been the inspiration when the going has been tough. She has given us support and practical help, not least through opening the door for WREN funding, which frankly could have escaped us, and was typical of the way she devoted her time,' said Mr Slack.

Borough Council leader Peter Kent said: 'We can now give our talented athletes the opportunity to train and compete in quality facilities.'