Funding for multi-use games areas approved

Three sites have been earmarked for the outdoor facilities in Torridge

Funding for three outdoor play areas has been approved by councillors in Devon.

Torridge District Council said the money made available from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the Football Foundation would go towards "playzones" in Holsworthy, East-the-Water and Great Torrington.

The zones, which will each cost approximately £275,000, would be 20m (65.6ft) by 30m (98.4ft) multi-use game areas which could be used to play football and other sports activities, the council said.

The authority said design meetings for the sites are being held with a full application for the plans set to be submitted in December.

The three sites earmarked for the zones are in Holsworthy's Stanhope Park, Polyfield in East-the-Water and at the former tennis courts site on Gas Lane, Great Torrington.

The council said all three zones would be different depending on the location and the surface required.

'Activity for all'

Councillor Lyndon Piper, lead member for leisure, said there was a need for more facilities to help sports clubs and other leisure providers.

Piper said: "Last winter was the wettest winter on record and saw an unprecedented number of sports unable to be played due to wet pitches.

"These facilities would help facilitate some training and outdoor activity for all age groups, whilst protecting grass pitches."