PRINCE William has paved the way for a stranded local football team by getting its potholes fixed.
Work began to repair an access road to Mousehole AFC on Monday, which also serves a campsite and neighbouring Paul Cricket Club, in Cornwall.
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For years the club has complained about its narrow pothole-ridden lane which has caused congestion and damage to cars.
But when Prince William, 43, discovered the pothole crisis he drafted in help to repair the road – which will be fixed in time for next season’s games.
The project was revealed in the annual report by William’s Duchy of Cornwall.
Simon Taylor, Project Lead for Mousehole AFC, said: “Within a week, I was in a Teams meeting with Martin Riley, who’d been invited by HRH to see what could be done to help fix the existing road.
“Two weeks later, Martin visited the club. After experiencing the lane for himself, he quickly realised a full repair wasn’t viable.
“With planning permission already secured for an alternative access point, we turned our attention to the possibility of building a brand-new road.
“Countless meetings, both on-site and virtual, later, we’ve pulled together an incredible consortium of local and national companies who’ve committed their time, resources, and expertise to bring this dream to life.”
The construction is being carried out at no cost to the club thanks to donations from a string of firms including private companies including Tarmac.
The Prince of Wales said: “I have seen time and time again that community hubs are essential in providing the spaces for people to come together, to build stronger communities and to allow people to thrive.
“It is a privilege to be able to help the local community access Mousehole AFC. I’d like to personally add my thanks for all the hard work that’s gone into making it happen.
“I look forward to seeing the new road for myself as soon as I can.”
The project will also include a new football car park.
The football club and land is not part of Duchy of Cornwall property, which has 52,173 hectares in 19 counties including Cornwall.
Simon Taylor added: “This project is transformative not just for Mousehole AFC but for the entire area.
“The cricket club will also benefit from the new road, and we’ll now be able to host more events at Interiora Trungle Parc, turning it into a true community hub.
“Most importantly, it will take matchday and holiday traffic out of the village, improving the experience for everyone.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our consortium, there are too many individuals to name, but their support has been extraordinary.
“Special thanks go to Martin Riley for his dedication and guidance, GRS Group CEO Jon Fisher – without whose project leadership we could not have moved forward – and of course to HRH The Prince of Wales, whose involvement made this possible.”
Jon Fisher, Chief Executive of GRS Group, which is leading the works, said: “This project is a powerful example of the difference we can make when we bring together our national capability and expertise.
“It reflects what GRS is all about, building infrastructure that improves lives and connects communities, and it’s one of many grassroots initiatives we’re proud to support nationwide.
“Improving this access road will benefit the wider community around Mousehole, and it’s something we’re very proud to be involved with.”
The new road is expected to be completed in time for the start of Mousehole AFC’s 2025/26 season in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South this August.
Other firms who along with Tarmac helped pave the way for Wills include civil engineering firms ISC and Griffiths, Cornish companies Maen Karne and Cormac, along with Holcim Aggregate Industries, highway maintenance company Colas and national civil and drainage suppliers Keyline.
Local landowner Paul Pond and campaigner Vice Chair Deryk Heywood have also been hailed for the work.
