A Hampshire recreation ground will see two new football pitches and improved cricket facilities after a council agreed to invest thousands of pounds in new facilities.
Test Valley Borough Council agreed to spend over £150k to improve the North Baddesley recreation ground at a council meeting on Wednesday, October 25.
Up to £156,372 have been allocated to fund land drainage, an additional two football pitches and an improved outfield for cricket.
MOST READ: Officers investigating theft from motor vehicle release image of man
Councillor Allan Warnes said: "I'm really pleased to see this proposal come forth to the council. I'd also like to thank the officers for bringing together this great document highlighting all the details. It's great to use developer contributions back into play.
"The land that is currently there is totally unusable for sport, even for dog walking, so the drainage will help. There are already two pitches in use at the recreation ground which over 160 kids and teenagers already use, which will expand that even further, and the development of the cricket pitch which is fantastic as well.
"I think this is great news for the village with regards to children and teenagers and getting them involved in sport and activities. I would also like to thank Parish Councillor Glen Fielder who has worked tirelessly with numerous organisations to really put this forward, and I hope the council does support this.
Councillor Geoff Cooper said: "I completely support this motion and just want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who is involved with the parish council, not just on behalf of myself but also Councillor Ford, and would formally like to thank everyone for making this happen."
Councillor Nick Adams-King said: "This report is before councillors because the amount of funding of up to £156,000 to improve the sports field in North Baddesley exceeds that which can be dealt with using officer delegated powers.
SEE ALSO: Man arrested after police find drugs, £3,000 cash and electronic devices
"The funding proposed comes from developer contributions to the improvements of sports grounds and formal recreation within the locality. We have arrived at the point of supporting the Parish Council's request to use Section 106 funds to carry out the works after discussions between council officers, the parish councillors and consultation with local members."
The funding was approved unanimously and it is hoped that the new facilities will support the Test Valley community and help encourage participation in sports.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here