CHIPPY Mark Petrou has urged Chatteris residents to come together and support ambitious plans to help renovate the ageing facilities of the town’s football club.

Mr Petrou is spearheading a campaign to get Chatteris Town Football Club’s main stand improved and their clubhouse extension finished.

Residents are being asked to pledge 75p per person, per month, per household, to the club’s renovations account via direct debit. Around �10,000 is needed to complete the work.

All contributors to the direct debit mandate will go into a draw for two tickets to watch Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Businesses and skilled workers are also being encouraged to donate small amounts of time and money to help improve the club’s West Street home.

Mr Petrou said: “Our town’s football team is something we should all support.

“It has provided a sense of belonging for our community for over a century and despite being a credit to the town on the pitch, the club wants to show our town in the best possible light off it.

“Everyone is having to be really careful with their money right now so that is why I am encouraging everyone to come together and help.

“If we all gave just �1 we’d be in great shape.”

The club runs five football teams - four men’s and one women’s - and began building an extension to the clubhouse around 11 years ago. It still remains unfinished.

First team manager Jimmy Unwin - whose side play at Step 7 of the non-league football pyramid - guided his side to their first title in 35 years last season.

He admitted there would need to be a major “injection of sponsorship” to help achieve the vision he has for the football club.

• Anyone wishing to get involved with the campaign should contact Mr Petrou on 01354 692234. Further activities are being planned to raise funds.