On-Line Sports Booking System Launched

A cutting edge on-line sports booking system is being launched by Dover District Council and English Landscapes. It is believed to be the first of its kind in Kent and will be going live in November.

This innovative system has been developed especially for Dover District Council by English Landscapes and their sister company BD1 Services Ltd. English Landscapes has been working with Dover District Council since 1998 providing grounds maintenance services, which include sports pitch maintenance, throughout the District, and has recently secured the contract for a further ten years.

Although sports clubs and individuals will still be able to book pitches by telephone, the new system will allow users to check the availability of pitches by location or by facility, book up to five timeslots and make payments securely on-line. This will provide a sports booking system that is faster, easier and more efficient for sports facilities users.

A special workshop for local sports clubs was held at the Dover District Council offices in Whitfield on Wednesday 4 October to give hands-on training in the use of the new system.

Cllr Stephen Manion, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources and ICT said "This exciting new system is certainly leading the field and will provide real benefits to the local community. This is a great example of how we are working to provide fast, modern and effective services. We are trying to make Council services more accessible and available to people at their convenience rather than just during office hours and are fully committed to providing practical e-government solutions for the district."

Martin Hunt, CEO English Landscapes said "When we retained the grounds maintenance contract with Dover District Council earlier this year, we were keen to re-invest in new improvements for the district. The development and introduction of this innovative on-line sports booking system underlines our long-term commitment to building on the partnership we have established with Dover District Council since 1998."

For more information, or to view or use the new sports pitch booking system, please log onto the website at www.dover.gov.uk (the new system will be on-line from 1 November 2006) or call English Landscapes on 0845 2710121.