Harlow Council has given Harlow and District Football League a reduction in pitch hire fees for last season in support of grassroots football affected by the pandemic.

The league hires pitches from the council and a 70 per cent reduction for the disrupted 2020 to 2021 season has been made to reflect the actual number of matches played and the resulting reduced income received by the league.

Russell Perrin, councillor for Finance and Governance, said: “The pandemic and various lockdowns disrupted grassroots football in Harlow so it is only fair that we support the local league by giving a reduction on last season’s pitch fees."

Alvyn Charles, Chair of Harlow and District Football League, said: "I can only but thank the Council in their understanding and realising how important grassroots football within the town has been affected and their willingness to offer a discount through these difficult times. All involved within the HDFL and its Member Clubs appreciate this gesture and hopefully this new season can be completed."