MEMBERS of Deal Wanderers Rugby Club are pressing forward with their new clubhouse project.

The planning application for the £250,000 clubhouse has been forwarded to Dover District Council and the Drill Field-based club are hoping for a decision before the end of May.

Wanderers have had to downgrade their initial plan for a £500,000 building after failing to win Lottery support.

Pete Hollingworth, a member of the clubhouse development committee, said: “The new scheme has taken shape over the past six months or so and is based on the fact that we now cannot afford to pull down the existing pavilion.

“The new plan consists of extending the changing rooms and putting in a new bar, committee room and gym.”

Paul Crook, chairman of the fund-raising committee, added: “We are now at an early stage of seeking grant aid support from various bodies and sponsorship. We are also raising funds through a 100 Club, and various fund-raising events.”