Sizewell C contractors create new competition-standard pétanque piste at village pub

• New facility opens at Eel’s Foot Inn in Eastbridge
• Project delivered though Sizewell C’s Site Social Benefits Forum
• Landlord: “The new piste is a brilliant asset for the pub and local community”

A brand-new competition-standard pétanque piste has opened at the Eel’s Foot Inn in Eastbridge thanks to a collaboration between Sizewell C and its contractors.

The new facility has transformed unused land at the popular village pub into a high-quality venue that can host larger regional, national, and even international competitions.

Delivered through Sizewell C’s Site Social Benefits Forum, the project brought together several companies from across the project’s supply chain and showcased how contractors are helping to create a legacy for local communities while construction of the new nuclear power station continues on the Suffolk coast.

Teams excavated a 16.5m x 15.5m site, laid specialist aggregate and finishing materials, and installed reclaimed timber borders to create the playing surface.

The project was led by Blackwell Earthmoving, which carried out the groundworks; Hargreaves Mineral Trading, which supplied the materials; CMT Group, which provided the timber and waterproofing membrane; Freedom, which delivered ecological support, including the creation of a beetle mound; and Flannery, which supplied plant machinery.

Rick Watler, Site Delivery Lead at Sizewell C, said: “As a project, we’re very aware of the impact we’re having on local residents and businesses, which is why it’s so important that we leave a positive legacy that extends well beyond the completion of the power station.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our supply chain partners and the positive difference they continue to make in the local community. Whether it’s sharing expertise, volunteering time, or supporting local projects, you can see how much the teams enjoy giving something back and making a real difference.”

The project began after Stephen Brett, Chairman of Theberton and Eastbridge Parish Council, approached Sizewell C with an opportunity to support the pub and improve facilities for the area’s growing pétanque community.

Spencer Thomas, Landlord of the Eel’s Foot Inn, said: “The new piste is a brilliant asset for the pub and the local community. It gives local players a fantastic facility to enjoy their sport, brings people together, and creates even more reasons for people to visit The Eel’s Foot Inn. We’re looking forward to welcoming players, supporters, and new faces into the pub, helping to build on the success of the opening, and making the most of this exciting new addition.”

Pétanque, a sport with French origins, challenges players to throw metal boules as close as possible to a small wooden target ball. Traditionally played on gravel surfaces, it is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

More than a dozen members of the Suffolk Coastal Pétanque Alliance attended the official opening of the new piste, which is helping to raise the profile of the sport across the region.

The alliance recently received £10,908 from the Sizewell C Community Fund, administered by Suffolk Community Foundation, to purchase team kit, a gazebo, and promotional materials. The funding will help players compete year-round while supporting efforts to attract new members, encourage more people to take up the sport, and reduce social isolation.

Deborah Baker, president of the alliance, said: “The new piste is amazing. We spend a lot of time competing at the Eel’s Foot and to have the extra space is phenomenal. We also travel to competitions across the UK, so having a piste of this size and quality here in Suffolk means we can now bring larger competitions to the region, which will benefit the pub, our club, and the sport as a whole.”

The new piste is one of the latest projects delivered through the Site Social Benefits Forum, which helps fulfil contractors’ social value commitments by connecting community organisations with companies that are keen to share their expertise, equipment, and resources.

Since launching a year ago, the forum has supported 14 projects across East Suffolk, including the regeneration of Leiston’s BMX pump track, and the refurbishment of the 1st Leiston Scouts Group hut.

Graeme Friel, Commercial Director at Blackwell Earthmoving, which helped build the new piste, said: “At Blackwell, creating a positive legacy and supporting local community projects is very important to us. C