Page 4 - Rugby Post - Issue 61

World Cup’s Lasting Local Legacy

The RFU was determined to make sure that Rugby World Cup
2015 would leave a lasting legacy both for rugby across the
country and for Twickenham Stadium’s local community.

Said RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie: “We are proud to be part of
Twickenham as a major employer, a famous landmark and a world-
class stadium. With Twickenham Stadium at the heart of our local
community, our Twickenham 2015 Legacy Fund has recognised the
value we place on our relationship with our neighbours and local
representatives.”

Working in partnership with Richmond Council, the RFU is about
to support a significant capital investment in the borough to capture
the enthusiasm for rugby in the local area and leave a lasting rugby
legacy from the world tournament.

Friends of Murray Park, the first fund beneficiaries said, “Being
moments away from the hosting of the Rugby World, local groups
such as ours have been able through this Legacy Fund to deliver
projects to positively regenerate community facilities.”

A Legacy
Fund grant
also installed
alleyway gates

to help combat a local
burglary problem, as well
as preventing departing
rugby fans from accessing
alleys on the walk from
Twickenham Stadium
to Twickenham station.
The St Margaret’s Safer
Neighbourhoods team
asked the RFU for help to
tackle increased burglaries
in the ward and a grant
ensured that gates were
installed.

Sergeant Andy Le Geyt
from St Margaret's Safer
Neighbourhoods Team said:
"The residents affected are
extremely grateful for the
work the local police team
and the RFU have done
to get this set up. We are
hoping the gates will lead
to a significant reduction
in burglary and anti-social
behaviour in the area."

A local St Margaret's metal
works company, Powerhouse,
designed and installed the
gates. The RFU also funded
more alleyway gates for
Whitton’s Crane Road and
Milner Drive/Hall Farm
Drive.