BUILDERS are already showing great interest in the memorial to murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall – and hot competition is expected for the contract.Bob Race, chairman of Trimley Red Devils, which will manage the memorial when it is completed, said: "We have received three applications so far from companies for the tender documents, which is exceptionally good news.

BUILDERS are already showing great interest in the memorial to murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall – and hot competition is expected for the contract.

Bob Race, chairman of Trimley Red Devils, which will manage the memorial when it is completed, said: "We have received three applications so far from companies for the tender documents, which is exceptionally good news.

"There are also a couple of firms we shall be approaching to see if they would be interested as we want to make the tender system as fair as possible and also get the best value for money that we can.

"We are now in the process of completing the tender documents. These will then go out to the companies. When we have received their prices for the work we will look closely at them and make a choice."

The memorial will see a mini-soccer academy created in the teenager's home village, Trimley St Mary, to bear her name, following a major fundraising campaign spearheaded by The Evening Star.

The appeal has raised £310,000 – £100,000 from fundraising, and a £210,000 grant from the Football Foundation, of which £161,000 will go towards the cost of the sports pavilion, and £50,000 for a football development programme.

Mr Race said a key team of people from the Red Devils was now being assembled to deal with the construction of the pavilion on the Stennetts Memorial Playing Field and to run it when it is complete.

He was also finalising details of the lease for the land, and some work was needed with the Suffolk FA and other clubs on the football development plan.

"There is still some background work to be done for the Football Foundation – they need to be happy that we are proceeding correctly," he said.

"But we would like to make a start on the building as soon as possible and get as much as possible done during the summer when the weather is best. However, we will be in the hands of the builders and how soon they can start."

The clubhouse will include four team changing rooms, showers, officials' rooms, storage, kitchen together with a community area, and is expected to cost around £240,000.

Vicky's parents, Graham and Lorinda Hall, of Faulkeners Way, who both help with the running of the Trimley Red Devils, say the project will be a fitting memorial to Vicky because it will be permanent and for the whole village to use, especially youngsters but also people of all ages.

The football club has more than 150 players from under eights boys teams to the under 16 team. The new facilities are expected to attract many new players, including girls' teams.

WEBLINK: www.footballfoundation.org.uk