THE TOWN'S rugby club is looking to build houses on its grounds to fund new facilities.

Epping Upper Clapton Rugby Football Club has long struggled without an all-weather pitch, having to call off almost 400 matches in three years as a result.

To remedy the issue, plans have been drawn up for a multi-use, all-weather pitch and a brand-new function suite at the club's Thornwood home on Upland Road, Epping.

Like their existing facilities, all of the upgrades will be available for use by the wider local community in Epping and surrounding areas, as well as primarily by the rugby club’s various junior and senior teams.

In order to bankroll the plans, Epping Upper Clapton wants to build ten homes on rugby club land in plans to be viewed by Epping Forest District Council this summer.

The club launched a publicity campaign at Thornwood during matches last weekend, calling on their members and the local community to urge the council to back the plans.

The club wants supporters to sign special campaign postcards or write to the council,

Paul Donnelly, Epping UCRFC chairman said: "We want our rugby club to continue to grow and provide the best possible facilities for our teams, local schools and the wider sports community.

"Delivery of our upgrade plans is absolutely vital to achieving this and to securing the long term future of our club.

"That's why we're calling on the council to approve the plans, including the small development that will fund them. And we're asking club members and other local residents to join us in sending the message to councillors that this really is the last chance to ensure Epping Upper Clapton RFC doesn’t just survive, it needs to thrive too."

The club was founded in 1879 and currently fields 60 adult players and 300 youths.

More than 10,000 spectators attend a year on grounds that also accommodate two netball clubs, numerous football clubs including Epping Youth, tennis, cycling and boxing clubs.

The grass pitches used by the club are poorly drained and have no floodlights, meaning 393 matches have been cancelled in the past three seasons.