A Lockerbie sports club scored a winner this week after Dumfries and Galloway Council granted it a full takeover of their base.
Councillors agreed to hand over the land where Lockerbie Squash and Racketball Club is currently located.
The community asset transfer was previously approved by Lockerbie and Lochmaben sub-committee to help the club develop its sporting activities and create more open days and events.
However, the £1 token purchase deal had to be signed off by the council’s finance, procurement and transformation committee which was agreed on Tuesday.
Club treasurer Harry Earl is delighted that the transfer has been ratified.
He said: “This is fantastic.
“The club has been opened since 1975 but has never owned the land it sits on.
“This will really move us forward.
“It’s the biggest thing that has happened to the club.
“We want to make it a real community asset. This has given us impetus and we have lots of ideas going forward.”
The plan now is to install renewable energy sources to cut costs and make the club carbon net zero.
The club, which had a £52,000 refurbishment last year, is also considering adding a gym extension to the building.
Acquiring the land will also allow the club to maintain regular open days and free events, as well as develop the club and sport further.
Mr Earl thanked the common good and finance committees and Steven Wylie, the council ward officer for Lockerbie and Lochmaben, for their support during the bid.
In a report for councillors, Mr Wylie had previously stated that the club had “demonstrated a real drive and enthusiasm” while progressing the community asset transfer.
He added: “The club has been a real joy to work with.”
As Lockerbie Squash and Racketball Club is a charity, the land cannot be sold on in future.
