COMPANIES wanting to build the memorial to murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall should receive the tender documents this week – so they can bid for the contract.

By RICHARD CORNWELL

Felixstowe editor

richard.cornwell@eveningstar.co.uk>

COMPANIES wanting to build the memorial to murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall should receive the tender documents this week – so they can bid for the contract.

About six firms will be invited to submit a price and details for the work, including three who contacted the trustees because they were excited about the possibility of being involved in the prestigious project.

Bob Race, chairman of Trimley Red Devils, which will manage the memorial pavilion when it is completed, said: "We have finalised the plans and the tender documents have been drawn up and will go out this week.

"It is usual to allow companies four weeks to come back with a tender but we are setting a deadline of six weeks because we are entering the holiday period and that might make it easier for them.

"We are definitely looking for a keen and competitive price for the project but also quality, too – we have the money from the fundraising and the Football Foundation and we want a building that will last and be something we can be proud of and which will be a fitting memorial to Vicky."

Club officials had also been liaising with Trimley St Mary Parish Council over the lease for the land at the village's Stennetts Memorial Playing Field.

"The parish council is very supportive and all it really needs is for our solicitor to check the lease and we can sign it," added Mr Race.

The memorial will see a mini-soccer academy created in 17-year-old sixth former Vicky's home village 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.

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