MEMBERS of a far-seeing amateur Rugby League club based in an area steeped in oval ball tradition are poised to set their sights even higher as they bid to own their own home.

For after receiving planning permission from St Helens council to develop a site behind Close Street, North West Counties League Premier Division top-dogs Thatto Heath then drew up detailed plans which included changing and social facilities plus a licensed bar on the two-pitch complex.

Estimated cost was around £200,000, but acting on the advice of their surveyor ambitious Heath have modified their original scheme to incorporate a two-storey building including four dressing rooms.

The revised plans will be re-submitted to the local authority and, on the premise that they once again get the green light, Thatto Heath will apply to the National Lottery by the end of the year for grant assistance to meet the estimated £600,000 outlay.

However the homespun 15-year-old club will have to find 10 per cent of that figure, and with this in mind the hard-working committee have issued a 'come-and-join-us' plea to both the local community and well-wishers in general.

Explained secretary Shaun Crehan: "It is not simply a case of holding out the begging bowl, but with a possible £60,000 to raise we need business concerns and individuals to become involved with offers of sponsorship or the supply of raw materials if we are to get the project up and running by next season.

"Talks are presently taking place with Whitbread Brewery and the signs of a positive response are favourable, and having been granted a 99-year lease on the ground we are hopeful that the future of Thatto Heath - including the re-launch of our youth section - will be well and truly in place and secure by the new millennium.

"Anyone who would like to know more is invited to telephone me on St Helens 613706. Meanwhile they could make a start by cheering Thatto Heath in the Lancashire Cup semi-final tie against Wigan St Jude's at Sherdley Park on Saturday, kick-off 2pm," added Mr Crehan.

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