David Ruffley said: 'Plans to transfer ownership of the popular Victory Sports Ground in Bury St Edmunds from St Edmundsbury Borough Council to the local community could be a practical example of the Big Society.

A consortium, including Victory Sports Ground Ltd (which has run the grounds since 2001), Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club and South Lee School, together with a significant funding contribution from Sporting 87, wants to take on the freehold of the site as this will help them to raise the funds they need to provide better facilities. The sports ground is owned by St Edmundsbury Borough Council.

The consortium would set up a Community Interest Company- which will use its profits and assets for the public good. The aim is to build a new sports hall on the Victory Ground which would be available for community use by sports clubs outside school hours.

This will put local people in charge of a great new local facility and will allow legal protection to ensure its future as a sports venue. Clubs will provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in a variety of sports as well as social space and modern facilities for the community.

The public and private sector can work together for the good of all: that is why I am going to South Lee School this week for an update from Derek Whipp about the progress being made."