BBC News, South West
PA MediaA Cornish football club’s decades-long desire to replace the pothole-ridden road leading to its ground will go ahead following backing from the Prince of Wales.
Mousehole AFC had previously failed to raise the reported six-figure funds needed to build a new access road for Interiora Trungle Parc.
Prince William saw a newspaper story about the club’s struggles and set up a consortium of businesses to fund its plans, describing it as a “privilege” to help.
The club’s vice chairman Deryk Heywood said a replacement road had been mooted at least 48 years ago and it was an “absolute dream” to see it happen, while project lead Simon Taylor said without the royal’s involvement it “would not be happening”.
The club said Prince William had read an article in the Observer in October and got in touch to explore whether the Duchy of Cornwall could help.
Mr Taylor said he thought the first email from the palace was fake.
“My mind was blown, I was at work and I had an email and I thought it was a scam,” he said.
“I called the number and I spoke with Prince William’s private secretary, and within two weeks I was having a meeting and the project got well under way.”
The club said the new road would provide direct access from the B3315 to the ground and reduce congestion in the nearby village of Paul.
It would also create opportunities for sport and community events and serve both its seasonal campsite and neighbouring Paul Cricket Club.
Mr Heywood said: “When I was a player here 48 years ago the committee talked about getting a road. For it to actually come to fruition is just an absolute dream.”
The club’s vice president Brian Richardson said the project had all but “petered out” until the prince got involved.
He said some coaches had to park a mile out of the village and players had to walk to the ground before games.
Mr Taylor said the club’s supporters had also been “put off” by the road, which had damaged cars, including his own.
Prince William said he was looking forward to seeing the finalised road.
“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,” he added.
Work is set to begin this week and the club said it hoped it would be finished by the start of the new football season next month.
